Sandwich's MP has agreed to fight for more funding for small village schools after a visit to Worth Primary.

Craig Mackinlay met pupils and governors as part of the National Governance Association’s (NGA) ‘Week of Action’ on school funding on Friday.

They pressed the Conservative politician on the importance of additional funding to help the school, highlighting how they dip out because of their low pupil count.

The national formula for school funding for local authority maintained schools, routed through Kent County Council in this case, is allocated on a per pupil basis.

Worth Primary School, having just ten pupils in each class year suffers under this formula against larger schools.

And physical restraints limit further expansion at the school despite demand from local residents in Worth, which is itself expanding after recent modest housing developments.

Mr Mackinlay said: “More money is going into our schools and school funding is at a record high.

"The core schools budget has increased to £42.4 billion this academic year and is set to rise to £43.5 billion in 2019-20.

"In fact, figures from the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) show that real terms per-pupil funding in 2020 will be more than 50% higher than it was in 2000.

“I recognise that the funding formula does not fit well for smaller village schools.

"There is some recognition of this at KCC’s discretion when considering annual budgets, but the Head and Governors explained to me that budget settlements are agreed just weeks before the financial year starts, and there is no ability to plan forwards, particularly for capital projects and planned maintenance.

"I offered to do all that I can to ensure that this exceptional school, well loved by its community, gets its voice heard and plan more effectively for a successful future.”

Mr Mackinlay also took the opportunity to visit classrooms and chat to the children about his role in the community.

The executive head teacher of Worth Primary School, Tracey Sandy, said: “The children were very interested and engaged in Mr Mackinlay's visit.

"They enjoyed the opportunity to find out more about our democratic system and how funding issues are a part of Mr Mackinlay's role in the community.”