Lack of funding sees West Midlands schools forced to make cuts
A third of schools in the area have already been affected
School leaders in the West Midlands say they are being forced to make cuts in schools due to a lack of proper funding.
98% of school leaders also say that funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities is insufficient, according to a survey from the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT).
The same survey showed that a third of schools in the region have already made cuts due to the Covid pandemic, which has directly led to them reporting average additional costs of £24,571.
38% of school leaders are predicting they will have to do the same this year, while 30% are predicting a deficit budget in 2021/2022.
School leaders said that providing support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils was one of a number of factors putting a strain on budgets.
Unfunded increased employment costs, maintaining Covid safety measurements and providing increased support for mental health of pupils were also causing pressure on budgets.
Emily Proffitt, head teacher of Cooper Perry Primary School in Stafford, said: “Our resources budget, which should be used to support pupils’ learning, is continually impacted upon by the high levels of cleaning and sanitising materials that we must continue to buy to protect our pupils in the current Covid climate.
“Increasing cases of Covid amongst staff in our region mean that demand for supply teachers is in excess of planned budget levels. This is something we have no control over and is spiralling out of control to the point where demand outstrips support available.
“Budgets are extremely tight. Replacing damaged or broken resources is a challenge... we often have conversations about the need to replace over making do. We shouldn't have to cut corners in education."