PARENTS and their children are planning to march through a town to demand fairer funding for schools which are facing “ghastly” cuts.

Campaigners at West Sussex Save Our Schools are expecting a large turnout on Saturday April 21 as they walk through Worthing town centre to the seafront after headteachers warned of the financial difficulties schools are facing.

West Sussex County Council is still one of the worst impacted local authorities in the country due to a lack of funding for education, with campaigners now feeling forced to take a stand to put pressure on politicians.

Sarah Maynard, SOS West Sussex co-founder, said: “We are getting increasingly frustrated and angered by the lack of action.

“We know schools are in a real funding crisis.

“We are aware of job losses affecting teachers and support staff and we are aware of curriculums being narrowed and cut.

“It is just ghastly.”

The march will not only coincide with the National Education Union’s week of action but also with the run up to the local elections.

A recent survey carried out by the National Association of Headteachers also showed that more schools are cutting the money they spend on equipment and reducing both teacher and support staff hours to help balance the books.

Campaigners hope that councillors and MPs will support them and take heed of their calls for action to solve the funding crisis and protect their children’s future.

Mel Pickett, from West Sussex SOS, said: “We hope that parents, grandparents, children and other members of our local community will join us in marching for fair funding and a good education for all our children.

“Our schools are facing a funding crisis and there is no sign that it is being addressed.

“Funding is at a standstill while costs continue to rise, meaning that the quality our children’s education is being severely compromised.”

Hundreds of residents have shown an interest in attending the event on social media.

Campaigners are encouraged to bring homemade banners, whistles and drums.

The march will start at Steyne Gardens in the town at 2pm and will end on the seafront.

To find our more about the demonstration, email saveourschoolswestsussex@gmail.com or find the group on Facebook or Twitter.