Shadow Education Secretary Tristram Hunt says he is concerned about Barnet Borough Council’s “sustained assault” on nursery schools in the borough. 

The Labour MP visited The Archer Academy in East Finchley this morning, where Year 7 and Year 8 pupils gave presentations on topics ranging from Vincent Van Gogh to the Battle of Hastings.

Mr Hunt, who is a historian, was also quizzed by pupils on his favourite part of history, and how it has influenced his career. 

He joined Sarah Sackman, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Finchley and Golders Green, in presenting eight volumes of The War Illustrated, a weekly magazine which covered the war, to the school. The books were donated by East Finchley historian Peter Hart.

Afterwards, when asked why he had chosen to visit The Archer Academy – which is a free school – when he had earlier been critical of the free school model, he said: “I came here today because when we get into government we will support all types of schools. I am very clear I am on the side of great teachers and leaders.

“Having spoken to the governors, I share their frustrations. Under a Labour government, the ability to set up new schools will be speedier and more transparent.”

Speaking about Barnet council’s proposals to cut the borough’s library service, and to cut funding for nursery schools, he said: “I think in very hard financial times, every borough should do what they can to invest in education. I am particularly concerned about its sustained assault on early years provision. If you want to tackle disadvantage and poverty, you should help early years.”

Proposals have been put forward to merge Brookhill, St Margaret’s, and Hampden Way nursery schools, to create one governing body.

When asked about the £70m black hole of funding for school places Barnet council had to plug, which the Local Government Association revealed earlier this year, he said: “It goes back to the free school programme. The Labour party would focus resources on where you need school places, rather than allocating over supply. It’s about directing money where it’s needed.”

On the subject of Labour’s plans for school governance, he said: “We are going to see a lot more collaboration. What a great head needs is a very strong governing body to make sure it’s being held to account.”

Ms Sackman said that education was a big issue on the doorstep for many people.

She added: “One of the things they are very keen on is that they want their kids to achieve great things. One of the big concerns is the shortfall in school places. That’s why we need to support excellent schools like this one.”