Commenting on a letter sent today from
the new Secretary of State for Education, , to all those working in
early years, children's services, schools, further and higher
education, Pepe Di'Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of
School and College Leaders, said:
“We welcome the letter from the newly appointed Secretary of
State for Education, and her commitment to prioritise education
as a cornerstone of national progress.
“We share her desire for a reset in the relationship between the
government and the education sector. The past few years have been
marked by too much division and discord. Leaders and teachers
have too often felt unsupported and have been on the receiving
end of poorly conceived policies with cursory consultation.
“A collaborative approach between the Department for Education
and unions and professional associations like ASCL is crucial to
navigating the myriad challenges facing the education system and
the nation.
“We appreciate the Secretary of State's recognition of the
immense challenges faced by our members, including financial
pressures, workload issues, and the need for increased support in
areas such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Her commitment to addressing these challenges and her emphasis on
building a fairer society resonates deeply with our mission to
ensure every child has access to quality education.
“We recognise that none of these problems have quick and easy
solutions. Nevertheless, those solutions must be found.
“Adequate funding remains a critical concern for schools and
colleges across the country. We urge the Secretary of State to
prioritise securing increased and sustainable funding that
reflects the needs of our educational institutions.
“Likewise, the recruitment and retention of quality teachers is
fundamental to the success of our education system. We fully
support the new government's initial intention to recruit 6,500
new teachers and we recommend implementing policies that enhance
professional development, offer competitive salaries, and improve
working conditions to ensure that teaching remains an attractive
and sustainable profession.
“There is an urgent need to address the crisis in the SEND
system. Many schools are struggling to provide adequate support
due to insufficient funding, staffing shortages, and complex
bureaucratic processes. Early intervention is crucial in
addressing the needs of students with SEND, as it can
significantly improve their educational outcomes and overall
development.
“We urge the Secretary of State to prioritise reforms that ensure
timely assessments, appropriate funding, and the necessary
resources to meet the needs of all students with SEND, ensuring
they receive the quality education they deserve.
“We look forward to establishing a positive and productive
relationship with the Secretary of State. Together, we can create
an education system that not only meets the needs of today but
also prepares for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
