NAHT threatens to withdraw support for Government reforms
The National Association of Head Teachers has passed a motion at its conference in York today stating that it will be impossible to implement the Government’s proposed teaching reforms due to lack of funding.
At the root of the argument is the continuing furore over the amount of money allocated by the Government to Local Education Authorities and the amount the LEA’s have actually passed on to the schools.
The NAHT believes teachers are facing a £250 million shortfall in the amount needed by schools to meet increased running costs, including higher salaries, pensions and National Insurance contributions..
Many teachers have already voiced opposition to Government plans to broaden the role of ancillary teaching staff, fearing that they could be used as a cheap substitute for qualified teachers.
According to the BBC, Education minister Stephen Twigg, addressing delegates at their conference today, blamed local authorities for failing to pass on the full amount allocated to them by the Government.
Last Friday Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, published data detailing the amount of money allocated to the LEAs and the amounts passed on to schools
Mr. Clarke said the publication of the figures was “designed to cast light on the decisions taken” and he asked LEA’s to report back in ten days’ time on their ‘process of funding allocation.’
Schools have warned that jobs will be lost if further funding is not found, but Mr. Clarke has insisted that redundancies must be avoided.
