A call to review school funding

20 June 2018

A call to review school funding

Following the publication today of a Report by the Welsh Assembly's Children, Young People and Education Committee into the targeting of funding  to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged children, Elaine Edwards, UCAC's General Secretary said:

"The Committee has identified the additional strain on schools due to under-funding. The Welsh Government does not fund the Grant (Pupil Development Grant) based on the number of pupils who need the support at any given time. The recommendation to provide funding for sufficient numbers of pupils is an obvious but important one; implementing this recommendation could make a substantial difference to school budgets and pupil outcomes."

"Educational challenges faced by pupils do not change overnight when the home circumstances improve", she says " and the recommendation to extend support over a longer period is key to pupils' success."

"It is also clear that, at present, the funding is not effectively targeted at the needs of looked after children and adopted children; the Committee notes that improvements are necessary for the sake of these pupils." 

"UCAC welcomes, also, the reference to more able and talented pupils - and the need to ensure that the funding is targeted at all pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they have a better chance of fulfilling their potential." 

"UCAC is aware that schools face insurmountable financial challenges at this time. Wider financial issues were not included in the Remit of the Committee's Inquiry and UCAC welcomes the recommendation that the Welsh Government  should "keep the sufficiency of funding for school budgets under review."

“Our schools are currently going through a financial crisis whch will undoubtedly affect pupil outcomes. UCAC calls on the Welsh Government to ensure sufficient funding for schools in general."

"We look forward to hearing the Welsh Government's response to the Report's recommendations."

 ENDS

Notes

  • UCAC is Wales’s own education union. It represents teachers, headteachers and lecturers in all education sectors across Wales.

For further information please contact:

  • Rebecca Williams: 07787 572180 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.