CHILDREN’S learning and opportunities are being put at risk by a squeeze on school budgets as the Tories fail to get a grip on rising prices, Labour warned yesterday.

School energy bills have doubled in the last year, according to data compiled by the House of Commons library, with further rises expected as fixed-term contracts come to an end.

The latest figures suggest that non-domestic gas and electricity prices rose by 93 per cent last year.

Headteachers warned at the time they were being forced to cut back on additional support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, staff numbers and activities such as breakfast and after school clubs.

Unlike domestic customers, schools are not subject to the energy price cap, meaning there is no limit on the price rises they could face as wholesale costs spiral.

A recent investigation by SchoolsWeek found that schools in north-east England could expect their bills to rise by 150 per cent.

Labour has urged ministers to work with schools to ensure children do not lose out on further opportunities.

Shadow schools minister Stephen Morgan said: “Children have already faced huge disruption due to the government’s chaotic handling of the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis, made worse by Downing Street, is further squeezing school budgets.

“Ministers must get a grip and engage with schools to ensure children do not lose out on further opportunities.

“Labour is calling on the government to prioritise children’s learning and development post-pandemic, with breakfast and after school clubs, tutoring and mental health support.

“The Education Secretary must match this ambition with a proper plan to secure children’s futures.”