SCHOOLS in the county have lost out on more than £41million in funding since 2015, according to a website.

Www.schoolcuts.org.uk claims Worcestershire institutions have missed out on £41,239,654 since 2015/16, due to Government cuts.

The website compares school funding data, while taking into account rising costs.

Worcestershire mum Tracy Winchester, whose two children, Maize and Rowan, have autism, claims children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are suffering as a result of the cuts.

She said: “Schools are at breaking point with funding cuts.

“All children are missing out on vital resources including equipment and specific teaching support but even more so, children with SEND are actually suffering with vital support having to be sacrificed.

“The specific SEND support money, £6,000 per pupil, that is allocated to schools is not ring-fenced and is unfortunately frequently used to plug the gaps financially in schools.

“There is no current requirement for schools to account for the money directly being used for SEND. Some schools even resort to crowdfunding to provide basic things. It’s just shocking.”

Ms Winchester has organised a family-friendly rally in the city next month, to raise awareness about SEND issues.

A range of speakers will speak at the event, which starts outside Worcester’s Guildhall at 11am on May 30.

The Department for Education said the School Cuts analysis was 'misleading'.

A spokesman told the Worcester News: “While there is more money going into our schools than ever before, we do recognise the budgeting challenges schools face. That’s why we have introduced a wide range of practical support to help schools and head teachers, and their local authorities make the most of every pound on non-staff costs.

“Since 2017, we have given every local authority more money for every fiive to 16-year-old in every school and made funding fairer across the country.

"Schools in Worcestershire have received an increase of 4 per cent per pupil in 2019-20, compared to 2017-18 funding levels. This increase is equivalent to £18.7million, when increasing pupil numbers are also taken into account.

“The Secretary of State has made clear that as we approach the next spending review, he will back head teachers to have the resources they need to deliver a world class education.”

The School Cuts website is supported by a coalition of unions, including the National Education Union, National Association of Head Teachers, Association of School and College Leaders, UNISON, GMB and Unite.