GOVERNORS are striking tomorrow across West Sussex in protest at the lack of funding for schools.

This is the first action of its kind as governor volunteers withdraw their support to schools for the day.

They want to show how seriously they view the funding crisis.

Judith Harding, chairwoman of Governors at Tanbridge House School in Horsham, confirmed the majority of governors will be withdrawing their services for at least one day, some for one week.

She said: “No one really wants to do this but each governing body that has voted to participate feels compelled to make a stand and add the voice of governors – objective and independent professionals – more visibly to the campaign.

“We believe it is essential all schools have an adequate level of funding to fulfil their educational responsibilities and a large number of our schools are looking at a budget which is on or below the poverty line.

“Most would have been OK without the changes in pensions and National Insurance contributions.

“But these additional contributions as well as statutory staff raises means most, if not all, schools are looking at real and significant reductions.

“Inevitably this has to impact the depth and breadth of the education we can provide our students.”

Governors at Upper Beeding Primary School asked the pupils to send a simple message to the Government.

Students gathered on the school field to spell out the word HELP.

Upper Beeding governors’ spokesman Malcolm Gordon said: “It’s a message to all politicians ahead of the General Election that sorting the shortfall in education funding must be a priority for whichever party wins on June 8.

“The school is facing a funding crisis.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the money to give your child the best education, something we constantly strive for.

“What’s more, unless things change, it is only going to get worse.

“This year we have had to approve a cutback in the number of hours of support staff in the classroom.

“The work of teaching assistants is invaluable, helping children who need help and those who need greater challenge.

“I’m afraid that next year you will notice fewer support staff in class.

“The school is unable to update and replace ageing IT equipment which is frustrating for staff and children alike.

“We’re also having to significantly reduce the number of hours that a trained counsellor can spend with children who have special emotional needs.”