Funding shortfalls threaten South West schools with job losses and educational risks
NAHT union calls for urgent government funding ahead of the Budget
Funding shortfalls and falling school rolls are creating uncertainty for teachers and school leaders in the South West, according to the school leaders' union, NAHT.
The union's recent survey of over 5,000 members revealed that more than 41% of school leaders in the South West reported discussions, consultations, or both on redundancies or restructuring at their schools.
Among school leaders surveyed in the region, nearly 79% cited insufficient funding as a key reason, with 60% pointing to falling rolls, as funding is closely tied to pupil numbers.
Ahead of the Budget, NAHT is urging the Chancellor to make immediate investment in schools and to fully fund commitments in the Schools White Paper, particularly for SEND reform and 'high needs' funding for pupils with complex needs.
The union is also asking the government to ensure a real-terms increase in overall school funding throughout this parliament, despite falling rolls in some areas. Additionally, it advocates for a more ambitious plan for school repairs and rebuilding to guarantee safety, accessibility, sustainability, and functionality.
School leaders fear job losses, with 20% of surveyed South West members reporting formal consultations on redundancies or restructuring, 9% indicating informal discussions, and 12% acknowledging discussions about potential redundancies or restructures.
Ed Powe, headteacher at Staverton CE VC Primary School in Wiltshire, said: “As a headteacher, the last thing you ever want to do is make members of your school community redundant. These are dedicated, experienced people who give so much to the children and families they serve. Yet I'm currently having to lead my school through exactly that process.
"We're doing everything we can to protect the quality of education, but the financial reality facing schools means we're being forced to make decisions that no school leader wants to make. Falling pupil numbers, rising costs and insufficient funding have left us with very few options.
Caran Chamberlain, NAHT’s South West regional head, highlighted the pressures school leaders face due to lack of funding and its impact on professionals in the education sector.
She said: “School leaders are telling us they're having to make really difficult decisions to lose valued staff - because the funding just isn't there.
“That puts more pressure on heads, teachers and support staff, and it's making some wonder how much longer they can stay in the profession.
“The reality is, when schools don't have the teachers and leaders they need, children miss out."