Nearly 12,000 children in Leicester could be given extra cash to help with schooling.

The Government's "pupil premium" which will see extra money given to youngsters from disadvantaged homes.

Eligibility criteria may include getting free school meals.

In Leicester 11,745 youngsters are entitled to a free meal, out of the city's 46,140 pupils.

Councillor Vi Dempster, city council cabinet member for children and schools, said: "The devil is in the detail. In principle it's a good idea but I worry about how it will work.

"It would be better to focus resources on under-performing schools."

Peter Flack, assistant secretary of the Leicester branch of the National Union of Teachers, said: "It's entirely contradictory.

"They're talking about pupil premiums and on the other hand massively cutting services that support children and those with special educational needs."

The premium will be introduced next year. A consultation eligibility has been launched.