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Upfront

Children in Wales deserve fair funding

David paid tribute to the success of Welsh students and the dedication and commitment of their teachers, but pointed out that pupils in Wales have on average £527 a year less spent on their education than their counterparts in England. Although the Welsh Assembly Government has pledged to close the gap, schools have yet to see any additional money.

“This year’s GCSE results are a clear indication of the potential we have among young learners here in Wales and the desire they and their teachers have to succeed. We have to ensure they fulfil their potential, and that means ensuring they are not short-changed," said David.

Hat’s the way to do it!

Newham Teachers’ Association held its annual Refugee Week schools competition prize-giving on 13 July. Primary school children were asked to design a hat promoting this year’s theme, ’We Welcome Refugees’, to be worn by NUT General Secretary Christine Blower – well known for her love of millinery!

Christine is pictured modelling the winning Key Stage 1 hat, designed by Zahra Hussein from North Beckton Primary School.

Save our schools!

Over 500 teachers, pupils, governors, parents and politicians from across England took part in a union-led rally and mass lobby of Parliament on 19 July to demand that the Government overturn its decision to axe the £55bn Building Schools for the Future programme.

The protest was organised after Education Secretary Michael Gove announced the cancellation of plans for the rebuilding or refurbishment of 715 schools earmarked for improvement under the Labour Government’s scheme.

NUT General Secretary Christine Blower said: “Cutting the budget to rebuild schools is a huge blow to those that have been promised the sort of facilities you would expect in a modern school. Poor learning environments have a negative impact on the education of children and young people and on the morale of the community.”

The protestors also lobbied MPs over the Government’s Academies Bill, stressing the need for schools to consult with staff and parents before converting to academy status, and highlighting the need for fair and transparent admissions policies.

Read more about the academies campaign, and concessions won, on pages 4 and 5.

Unions denounce government proposals

 The NUT chaired a packed meeting entitled ’Which way now for education?’ at this year's Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival.

The debate saw senior speakers from all the education unions join together to denounce government proposals for cuts and restructuring in state education.

NUT General Secretary Christine Blower told the audience: “We are dealing with a Government that believes the state shouldn’t be involved with education… that wants to let the markets decide and let private companies take over education services and steal public money.” She pointed to the Academies Bill being rushed through Parliament and called on everyone present to oppose the attempt to privatise the education system under the false pretext of greater choice.

“How can you have a coherent education system if anyone can open a school?” she asked. “You need skilled teachers who are dedicated to giving the best education possible... This is why, in Sweden, schools going down this route have seen social cohesion severely damaged as segregation on race and class lines increases.”

Christine, and union colleagues from UCU, ATL, NASUWT and Unison, argued that the country didn’t need public sector cuts, but a different approach to economic policy. They called on all public sector workers and supporters to pull together to oppose cuts and promote investment in public services.