A LOCAL headmaster has given a cautious response to Leeds City Council's £26 million budget increase for schools announced this week.

The total budget for schools in the Leeds area for 2003/2004 will now be £279 million, an increase of 10.3 per cent from the current finance deal for 2002/2003.

But Yeadon Westfield Primary School head, Kevin Metcalf, is reserving judgement until he knows exactly how the increase will be allocated.

"These things are very vague," he said. "They say its going to be super-duper, but the money may be targeted at specific areas like the regeneration of inner-city schools. They may get the bulk of the cash.

"For ten years I have been arguing for outer area schools which fare very badly to other schools in the inner city. We would like to see more of the cash coming through to us."

Although the increase is a ten per cent rise, Leeds City Council have said some of the funds will have to cover a transfer of responsibility for the cost of teachers' pensions and to replace specific grant funding that will draw to an end next year.

"To be fair, the money available is increasing, schools are generally feeling a lot better in terms of money.

"The amount is terrific - if it comes to us in the classrooms, but there are a lot of schools to go around and until my individual budget comes, there will be no jamborees or parties in the streets. It has to come through to the children or I'm afraid they are wasting their time."

On top of the primary budget increase, the Department for Education and Schools has also announced Leeds' senior schools will receive an additional £125,000 each to develop partnership working - a key school improvement strategy for both the DfES and Education Leeds.

Devolved capital funding for Leeds schools should also see a £2.9 million increase next year.

And Councillor Brian Walker, leader of Leeds City Council is happy with the improved funding plans.

"Education continues to be a priority for the council and I'm delighted we can offer more funding to our schools in the coming year," he said.

"Making this investment in our education system is vital now if we want Leeds to remain a successful and thriving city in the future."

Coun Walker's views were very much echoed by the chief executive of Education Leeds, Chris Edwards.

He said: "Investment in education is central to everything the council and Education Leeds aim to achieve for the city.

"As part of the reviews into both primary and secondary education, we are seeking to make a huge investment into schools across the whole city to create inclusive, popular and successful schools for everyone in Leeds."