Worried teachers and councillors are calling for parents to join them in a ‘united front’ against cuts to school funding.

Two meetings have been scheduled in Southampton to discuss the cuts - which could lead to staff redundancies and bigger class sizes.

But as previously reported by the Daily Echo, both city council and central government have disputed where the cash crisis is coming from.

The Department for Education claims school funding at its highest level on record at more than £40 billion in 2016-2017 while Southampton City Council education chief Councillor Darren Paffey has written to Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening “to raise urgent concerns about the state of government funding for schools in Southampton.”

Councillor Keith Morrell, who heads up the Southampton's Putting People First party said the meetings are to urge school communities to band together to fight the cuts.

He said: “Cutting the funding can go no further. That’s the point we are reaching now. The meetings are intended for people across the city.

“This is an opportunity for parents and staff to come together to present a united front and encourage her to change her mind.

“Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teaching and support workers, school governors and city councillors – everyone who wants the best for our children – should come along.”

Head teacher of Valentine Primary Liz Filer said: “These meetings will allow anyone concerned about the future of our children’s education to have their say and play a part in the campaign.”

According to special school head teachers in Southampton the new schools funding formula, which is expected to be released in just a few months’ time would lead to an 11 per cent cut in their £28 million education budget.

But a spokesperson for the Department for Education said the new national schools funding formula would mean Southampton schools would get 1.2 per cent funding, and special schools would get 2.7 per cent more funding.

The consultation period for the new funding formula period has now ended, but the spokesperson said she "wouldn't like to second guess" when the results will be published.

The meetings will be held on April 26 at Valentine Primary School in Sholing and May 3 at Great Oaks School in Bassett. All are welcome to attend. Cllr Paffey will also be there.