Norfolk teacher says 'long-term funding plan' for education needed in Autumn budget
The National Education Union say that 70% of schools in England have less funding in real terms than in 2010
A primary school teacher in Norfolk says a 'long-term funding plan' for education must feature Wednesday's Autumn Budget- to help tackle the many issues facing the sector.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will layout Labour's first set of major economic announcements, since they took power. With some tax rises expected to help fill a gap in the public finances.
"If this carries on it's going to dilute the impact and importance of education"
Scott Lyons works in Norwich and is also a National Education Union rep for the county:
"I've spoken to a couple of High-School teachers who have said that we don't have the staff or resources to meet all of the complex needs of our pupils.
"So we're just going to have to meet the most acute needs as possible, for example pupils in wheelchairs, this means that many people aren't getting the support they need.
"Elsewhere-parents are starting to notice that their children are being taught by PE teachers. While the passions of other students- like History and Geography- are being taught by somebody like a French teacher.
"If this carries on it's going to dilute the impact and importance of education".
What else are teachers calling for?
Stop School Cuts, a campaign run by the National Education Union, presented an open letter signed by over 10,000 parents to Rachel Reeves- last week.
The NEU say that 70% of schools in England have less funding in real terms than in 2010.
With the campaign calling for a commitment to restore school funding to the same level left by the previous Labour Government in 2010.
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary at National Education Union, remarks:
“After 14 years of devastating cuts our schools have reached breaking point. Parents, school leaders, teachers and support staff see the impact this has on children every day with larger class sizes, cuts to music, sport and arts, and a workforce retention crisis.
“If this government is serious about change we need to see a commitment to restore school funding to 2010 levels. We cannot fail another generation of children.”
What's the Government said on this?
In their manifesto- Labour said they will recruit 6,500 new teacher and ensure all schools cater to those with the most complex needs