‘All children should have an education that unlocks their potential and allows them to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them. That is key to improving social mobility.’ So said the secretary of state for education, Justine Greening, last month, when announcing an additional £1.3bn of funding for schools over the next two years.

This investment is welcome. Nevertheless, as chair of the London Financial Advisory Committee, part of the Society of London Treasurers (SLT), I continue to have considerable concern about shortfalls in funding, especially for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) such as learning problems or disabilities that make it harder for them than most children of the same age.