Motion 33
Education Funding
“That this Congress believes that there is a clear moral purpose for publicly-provided education which should:
- meet the needs of all children and young people on a fair and equitable basis; and
- contribute to the achievement of the country’s local, national and international needs and aspirations, whilst also enhancing the lives and life chances of all children and young people.
“Congress believes the mechanism by which state schools are funded is critical to securing an inclusive and world-class education system, operating in the public interest and contributing to the maintenance of a democratic, just and inclusive society.
“Congress is concerned that local authorities are under significant pressure to cut costs, including reducing education support staff and services as a quick way to balance the books.
“Congress notes the adverse impact of reducing specialist support to young people with additional support needs as well as the deleterious impact on attempts to close the poverty-related attainment gap.
“Congress further notes the increase in precarious work, linked to budgetary constraints, and deplores the lack of job security, the reduced availability of work and inequitable mechanisms for securing posts.
“Congress agrees workers with protected characteristics and from marginalised communities are disproportionately impacted.
“Congress calls on the General Council to make representations to the Government to ensure:
- national funding levels are increased significantly to enable local authorities and schools to receive the funding which they need and which supports the provision of good terms and conditions for teachers;
- teachers, the wider schools workforce and unions are able to inform decisions on spending priorities at local authority and at school level; and
- an open and transparent national conversation takes place around the ability to reform local council taxes and the use of new wealth taxes, including any consequent impact of such decisions.”
Mover: NASUWT
RSS