This from Peter Shreeve on behalf of Isle of Wight branch of the National Education Union. Ed
The National Foundation for Educational Research survey shows school funding is the top education issue for teachers and senior leaders in the General Election.
Commenting, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said,
“Hardly a surprise that school funding is the main education issue for teachers and leaders. Perhaps this is why the survey showed an unprecedented 98 per cent of teachers intend to vote in the general election.
“Schools have been running on empty for years, trying to catch up. Too many forced to set in-year deficit budgets due to a lack of funding. This year is no different. Schools will have to balance their books in the following years. This means more cuts with children suffering.
“Whenever listening to members or visiting an Isle of Wight school, one thing is clear: inadequate funding is impacting heavily on education provision and the situation is worsening.”
Shreeve: Consequences of years of underfunding by the current Government
Mr Shreeve went on to say,
“Already this year, the Island NEU has experienced:
- Several restructure and redundancy discussions, thereby creating fewer staff for the September start.
- Increasing mainstream class sizes usually containing an ever-growing number of special needs children.
- Tales of hungry children struggling to learn.
- Staff teaching subjects outside their comfort zone and training, overwhelmed trying to meet the needs of all children, especially those with special needs.
“These are only a few consequences of years of underfunding by the current Government.
“Government rhetoric and soundbites cannot hide the facts:
- 77% of Isle of Wight schools have less real terms funding than in 2010.
- We spend 3.9% of UK GDP on education. OECD countries spend an average 5%
“This sustained neglect of education services has failed an entire generation of children. We cannot let it fail another.
“All political parties must commit to increasing school funding beyond 2010 levels. Let’s value our young learners and our education system.”
