Commenting on the Liberal Democrats’ plans for education, Dr Mary
Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and
Lecturers (ATL), said:
“Opposition parties are giving a clear message that the
Government’s school cuts are unsustainable. ATL applauds the
Liberal Democrats’ promise to reverse those cuts, ensure funding
for every pupil is protected in real terms, and to give a new
funding formula the resources it needs to succeed for all schools
and all pupils. If the party elected to govern on 8 June doesn’t
make, and enact, such a commitment then children will lose out
with a narrower curriculum, less support for disadvantaged pupils
and those with mental health problems, fewer staff and resources.
“We commend the promise to provide resources for early years
education to address pre-existing disadvantages.
“As well as full and fair funding for all schools, we want:
- enough teachers and support staff being recruited, trained
and retained;
- local planning of school places to ensure an increasing
number of pupils can be educated in a great school close to home;
- a serious attempt to address the causes of poor mental health
amongst overworked pupils and staff; and
- a widening of pupil opportunities through high quality skills
education in school and post-16 education and training.
“Any attempts to increase the quantity of apprenticeships or the
number of providers, must be preceded by significant work to
raise the quality of apprenticeships. This will require
productive talks with the further education profession and
learners.”
