NASUWT COMMENTS ON EDUCATION SECRETARY’S STATEMENT ON SCHOOLS FUNDING

Commenting on the statement by the Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening MP, on the delay of the publication of the stage 2 consultation setting out proposals for a new national funding formula for schools in England, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, said:

“The Secretary of State is right to postpone the launch of this important consultation, given that no specific proposals have been presented to date and also given that schools are now closing for the summer period.

“The statement from the Education Secretary recognises that plans for a major reform to the system for distributing funding to schools and academies has already provoked anxiety and uncertainty for schools at a time when school budgets are already under considerable pressure.

“The Minister’s statement that she will be bringing forward proposals in the autumn should provide some reassurance to school leaders, teachers and governors who have been increasingly concerned about the prospect of a rushed programme of reform without access to any of the detail, and with limited consultation regarding the specific changes to be proposed.

“As the newly appointed Education Secretary, Justine Greening should now take the opportunity to ensure that plans for reforming the school funding methodology contribute towards securing greater investment in schools, enabling children and young people from all backgrounds and circumstances to develop their knowledge and skills and to realise their potential.

“Ministers must also consider the disturbing evidence of the increasingly negative impact of spending cuts on teachers and schools, which is leading to increased pressures on parents already worried about the cost of living and who are struggling to make ends meet financially.

“The Government must now come forward with proposals that will deliver additional investment for all schools and which will bring an end to the real terms cuts to school budgets witnessed since 2010.

“The NASUWT looks forward to meeting with Ministers to discuss how any funding proposals can genuinely make a difference to children, young people and families and secure a fair funding system for all.”