Education
Funding cuts to hit teacher quality
TEACHING and school leadership unions have joined together in a statement to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB), warning the Government risks undermining teaching standards due to a real terms reduction in funding and the continued erosion of teachers’ pay.
Unions representing the full spectrum of the teaching profession in England and Wales are opposed to the Government’s wish to continue to limit teachers’ annual pay increases to an average of 1% for a further four years, following five years of imposed pay restraint.
Unions, including UCAC, the NUT and NAHT have submitted a joint document to the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) which makes the following points:
· We are facing a national crisis in number of teachers and as pay and prospects improve in comparable occupations, further pressure will be placed on recruitment and retention. The STRB must accept that we are facing a national crisis, not “a challenge” in teacher supply, which means more children will not be taught by teachers qualified in the subject they teach. DfE data has failed to capture the scale of the crisis.
· School budgets are at breaking point. Schools are facing real terms cuts in funding, at a point when an overall funding increase is needed. Schools are under insurmountable pressure to maintain current spending, let alone afford pay increases or other forecast increases in costs such as national insurance increases coming in from April. The Government must fully fund the necessary pay increases for teachers and school leaders in both England and Wales.
· Teachers are an investment, not a cost. Teachers need a pay rise. The public sector pay policy of the past five years has depressed teachers’ real earnings to the extent that recruitment and retention are being seriously harmed. We are asking the STRB to recommend a fair pay award for teachers for the highly skilled, important jobs that they do. A significant pay increase is needed for teachers at all stages of their careers so we can ensure there are enough teachers for the number of pupils.
Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: “The numbers applying for initial teacher training are rapidly declining and more teachers left the profession last year than in any previous year, so unless teachers get a significant pay rise schools will have to start increasing class sizes or shutting courses and cutting the subject options available to pupils.”
Something which is shortly to become a fact of life in both Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
Elaine Edwards, UCAC’s general secretary, said: “The Government must invest more in education funding and fund fully a pay rise for teachers. Teachers need a proper pay rise – more than the 1% average suggested by the Government. Pay freezes and below inflation increases have contributed to a crisis in teacher recruitment and retention. The Government needs to reconsider its pay policies for the sake our children and young people and the education system as a whole.”
Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said: “Years of pay restraint are now extracting their toll. High standards require great teachers; this is an investment in our future not a short term cost to the country. And competitive salaries that match other graduate professions must be funded appropriately by the government when it sets school budgets.”
Kevin Courtney, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: “No amount of misleading advertising which claims that great teachers can earn £65k can cover up the basic pay problems. It is quite clear that unless teachers’ salaries reflect the work they do this is a situation that will only get worse, with disastrous consequences for education and pupils.”
Education
Senedd shoots down outdoor education bill
MEMBERS of the Senedd rejected calls to establish a legal requirement for residential outdoor education opportunities for children and young people in Wales’ schools.
The Senedd narrowly voted against the general principles of the residential outdoor education bill, which was introduced by the Conservatives’ Sam Rowlands.
Mr Rowlands said his bill would remove a postcode lottery in terms of access to residential outdoor education, so no child misses out due to their personal circumstances.
He explained that the bill would create an entitlement for all pupils in maintained schools to experience at least four nights of residential outdoor education free of charge.
The North Wales MS argued the bill would have a long-term net positive economic impact.
He warned: “Outdoor education residentials are valued by children, parents and teachers alike, yet, for those without the means to access them, they are, in fact, unattainable.
“I believe this is fundamentally wrong and this bill sets out to remove those financial barriers to participating in what can be life-changing experiences.”
Mr Rowlands, a former Conwy council leader, said the bill would support the long-term physical and mental health of young people.
Labour’s Buffy Williams outlined the education committee’s stage-one report on the bill, which raised concerns about some children and young people being excluded.
The newly elected committee chair pointed to the example of education other than at school, such as pupil referral units or those who are homeschooled.
Peredur Owen Griffiths, who chairs the finance committee, said the bill would require significant funding against a backdrop of Welsh Government budgetary pressures.
An impact assessment found the bill would cost between £74m and £96m over five years.
Sarah Murphy, the Labour MS for Bridgend, raised the legislation committee’s concerns about the lack of a definition of residential outdoor education in the bill.
Ms Murphy, who was elected chair in a knife-edge 28-29 vote on Tuesday, warned that the bill does not provide an appropriate mechanism for pupils to opt out.
Peter Fox said Monmouthshire council prioritised access to outdoor education while neighbouring councils withdrew support to make efficiency savings.
The former council leader said: “We rationalised our provision and maintained the offer, as we had seen the benefits of children for decades.”
Mr Fox told the chamber it is a sad indictment that the Senedd does not enable backbench legislation to progress, with no opposition bills agreed since 2016.
The Monmouth MS said: “Why don’t we allow these things to progress and see where they go? And if you can’t find a way through that, then things can be stopped in the future.
“Why always stop legislation before it has an opportunity to progress, to breathe and to really show what it has the potential to do?”
Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow education secretary, backed the bill’s core aim of ensuring equal opportunity for every child.
However, she highlighted the huge pressures already on school staff who often volunteer to help with residential outdoor education.
“They don’t receive any additional payment for this work,” she said. “They do it because they see the benefit for the children and young people in their care when they are in our schools.”
Carolyn Thomas, the Labour MS for North Wales, raised existing school budget pressures, with the bill estimated to cost about £20m a year to cover teachers, lodging and transport.
She said: “At a time when schools are having to face extremely difficult decisions, including redundancies, placing additional pressure on the education budget would be unthinkable.”
Lynne Neagle raised concerns about the capacity of the outdoor education sector to meet the bill’s requirements on the Welsh language and additional learning needs provision.
Wales’ new education secretary warned the bill would require additional changes to terms and conditions of school staff, which could hamper recruitment and retention.
Ms Neagle said education unions and councils have significant concerns about the potential impact on an already stretched financial situation facing schools.
She told the chamber the bill would bind the Welsh Government to expressly fund residential outdoor education over and above any other aspect of Wales’ new curriculum.
The Senedd voted 25-26 against the bill following the debate on April 17, with opposition members outnumbered by the Welsh Government and Labour backbenchers.
Education
Pupils take centre stage for dance competitions
MORE than 230 Pembrokeshire pupils have taken part in exciting dance competitions at primary and secondary school levels.
Sport Pembrokeshire hosted the primary school dance competition on March 19th at Fishguard Leisure Centre.
Seven schools from across the county and more than 160 pupils took part, including both boys and girls from school years 3-6.
All style and street dance were the categories that teams, solos and duos could enter. There were 55 solo performers entering the street dance solo category.
Pupils from Ysgol Bro Gwaun performed a group dance and some performed brilliant solos for the primary pupils to watch.
Finola (FF Dancers), Kelly (Kelly Williams School of Dance) and Lowri (Lowri Jones School of Dance) judged the high standard of competitions with dance coaches Lucy Kerrison and Kelci Francis helping out during the day.
They are all thanked for their help and expertise as putting on an event of this nature would not be possible without their valuable input.
Forty eight medals, 22 trophies and numerous certificates were presented, including awards for stand-out performers.
The atmosphere was great and it was brilliant to see the pupils taking part, getting creative and showcasing their skills, all with a smile on their faces.
The secondary schools dance competition was hosted on Thursday, 29th February at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre.
In total 77 girls from school years 7-11 competed in various categories such as teams, duos and solos. These included street, all style, freestyle, jazz and cheer.
Finola and Kelly judged the day with the help from Lucy and Kelci. Kelci, a former Ysgol Harri Tudur pupil, also gave showstopping performances.
It was a great day with a fantastic atmosphere and very rewarding to see so many girls taking part in sport and enjoying every minute.
Some of the schools who attended are now through to the UDOIT Dance Competition in Cardiff.
Hundreds of pupils have enjoyed school dance competitions over recent weeks.
Education
Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill
THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.
The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.
In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.
The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.
The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.
Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.
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