A survey conducted by MP has shown that local schools
are dealing with the funding crisis in schools by cutting teacher
numbers, letting class sizes grow and using teaching support
assistants to cover teacher absences.
conducted the school survey of
all schools in her constituency last month and an analysis of the
survey returns revealed:
• 30-40% of
schools are not replacing staff who leave through natural
wastage (both teaching and support) and 1 school is looking at
compulsory redundancies in support staff
• 50% of
schools now have bigger class sizes
• 63% of
schools have seen teacher workloads increase and an
increase
in TAs being used to cover absences
In addition, schools reported a shocking deterioration of support
for children with special needs.
• 67% of
schools have seen a reduction in access to support service
interventions (e.g. CAMHS, speech & language therapy,
physiotherapy
• 56% of
schools have seen a reduction in support for pupils who have SEN
MP said:
“I am utterly appalled at what school teachers are telling me is
happening. It is clear that schools simply do not have enough
money to do the job. 62% have had a budget cut in real terms this
year and the consequences are plain to see.
How the Government expects schools to really give all children
the best education is beyond me. The Government needs to stop
hiding behind questionable figures and look at what is really
happening on the ground. I will continue to work in Parliament
for the Government to change tack on this vital issue.”
Notes
1. 44% of schools
state that Teacher Pay Grant was NOT enough to pay
all teachers in the school the increases set out to pay ranges in
the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document
