Budget cuts threaten Wales's new curriculum

The union has issued a warning about the disastrous consequences of the expected cuts for public services in general, and for the education system in particular. 

 

Elaine Edwards, UCAC’s General Secretary said “We already know that Local Authorities are asking their schools to prepare for cuts in the region of 16% over the next three years. The only way to achieve cuts on that scale is to make staff redundant – just when pupil numbers are on the increase.

 

“The obvious consequence is larger classes – but what are the side-effects of such a change? Less individual attention for pupils, greater levels of stress and anxiety for teachers, and eventually, an impact on educational standards.

 

UCAC also warns that the cuts could put some of the Welsh Government’s flagship policies at risk. 

 

“We’re about to embark on an exciting phase in the development of education in Wales, with the wholesale rewriting of the curriculum, and far-reaching changes to the Additional Learning Needs system” explains Elaine Edwards. “For those initiatives to succeed, we need an energetic, enthusiastic workforce, and substantial investment in training for all staff. It’s hard to see how that will be possible in view of the expected cuts.

 

“In order to face these challenges, UCAC calls on the Welsh Government to safeguard the education budget.”

 

UCAC maintains that the Welsh education system is suffering a double whammy. Firstly from the Westminster Government’s austerity policies. And secondly, the side-effects of the unfair Barnett funding system when England’s school system is to all intents and purposes being deregulated, whilst Wales’s priority is to maintain an equitable, public system for all.