EDUCATION Secretary Damian Hinds says he would be happy to meet headteachers in the Tatton constituency.

Mr Hinds was responding to a plea by Tatton MP Esther McVey for a review of school funding in rural areas.

Ms McVey has repeatedly called for action to close the funding gap between Cheshire and other schools across the country that receive more money, for example those in London.

Speaking in Education Questions, she said teachers, governors and parents needed assurances over the Government funding formula that no school would lose out under any changes.

Ms McVey said: “Will the department look at school funding again in rural areas, especially Cheshire and push for further funding at the spending review and will he [Mr Hinds] commit today to come to Tatton to meet with some of my head teachers.”

Mr Hinds said: “I am very conscious of the issues around rural schools and smaller schools, and of course we have made adjustment with that around the national funding formula.

“Of course, I will be happy to come to visit Tatton to meet some head teachers.”

The spring statement, also known as the “mini budget” will take place on March 13.