Schools’ Forum update

UNISON’s rep on the forum, Keith Manville, updates us on the latest concerns.

“There are considerable challenges ahead. Despite the fact we are all fed up hearing about ‘Brexit’, it does play a part, because government departments and any spending reviews are distracted or delayed by it.

“This isn’t helped by promises of money that might only be an enticement to vote in a snap election but don’t materialise following a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“This year fewer schools are in deficit compared to the same time last year. However, the combined deficit has increased to £1.765m. The total number of schools in deficit is steady but the size of deficits is growing year on year.

Keith Manville, Workplace Rep

“Uncertainty for many school staff, resource shortages, restructuring, the impact on workloads and curriculum opportunities for young people will be impacted for a longer period than originally planned.

“The recent County Council school funding survey showed that one of the measures taken by schools to manage budgets and reduce costs was making significant cuts to the number of non-teaching staff. In some cases, this has resulted in a reduced capacity to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Schools were also considering or continuing to reduce administrative support staff in order to make cost savings.”

Do you work in a school and want to get more involved? Become the UNISON rep at your school.