Education chiefs at City of York Council are warning that the city's schools could face significant financial pressures next year unless they receive a substancial increase in government funding.

Details will be brought to the Executive Member and Advisory Panel for Education at their meeting on Tuesday, 15 July.

A council survey of schools in York shows that, although schools have been badly affected financially by this year's poor funding settlement from central government, most have been able to maintain funding levels by using financial reserves saved over a number of years and have reduced staff numbers only where absolutely necessary.

Experts are warning that unless schools receive extra funding from central government, this year's problems will be magnified, but with more serious consequences because schools will no longer have reserves to fall back on.

The survey reveals budgetary pressures have resulted in a reduction of 28 teaching posts, including 4 redundancies across the city's schools. 17 support staff posts have also been lost.

Falling pupil numbers, particularly in the primary schools, have resulted in a reduction of a further 21 teaching posts, including 12 redundancies. Support staff posts have also been reduced by 14, including 5 redundancies.

Patrick Scott, Director of Education and Leisure, City of York Council, said, "Whilst not wanting to detract from the severity of the problems that we are facing, it is clear that schools in York are being extremely well managed by Heads and Governing Bodies, and most have been able to deal with the difficult problem this year in a sensible and considered manner." "The Council will continue to lobby government ministers at every opportunity to ensure a fair settlement for York schools next year that also takes account of this year's shortfall."