The Prime Minister has confirmed a general election will take place on 4th July. Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), responded to the announcement with a call to prioritise education.
Mr Shreeve emphasised the pressing issues in society that need support, with education at the forefront. He urged all political parties to address these concerns in their manifestos with realistic and meaningful proposals.
Chronic underfunding in education
Mr Shreeve highlighted what he refers to as fourteen years of neglect and underfunding, which have left the education sector—from early years to post-16—in a dire state. He stressed that vague promises and piecemeal solutions are insufficient. The next Government must present concrete plans to reverse this situation.
Whoever wins the upcoming election will face significant challenges in the education sector. It’s been well reported that schools are chronically underfunded, leading to several severe consequences.
The impact on schools and staff
Mr Shreeve explains that primary class sizes in the UK are now the highest in Europe, and secondary class sizes are at their highest since records began over forty years ago. This situation has contributed to a severe recruitment and retention crisis among teachers and support staff, who are underpaid and overworked.
Mr Shreeve also pointed out the nearly non-existent provision for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and mental health support. Additionally, the current curriculum and assessment system fails to engage many pupils, preventing them from succeeding.
Infrastructure and safety concerns
The physical state of school buildings adds to the grim picture. Many buildings are crumbling, with ongoing issues related to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and asbestos around the UK.
This situation starkly contrasts with the Government’s regular promises of a ‘world-class’ education system.
A call to action
Mr Shreeve concluded with a clear message from the NEU: investment in education cannot be delayed any longer. He urged voters to support candidates who prioritise education, emphasising the importance of giving children the quality education they deserve and the benefits it brings to society.
The NEU’s stance is unequivocal,
“After 14 years investment cannot be delayed. We need a Government to invest in Island education.
“If you value education, vote for education. Let’s give children the education they deserve. Let’s give Island society the full benefits that education brings.”
