Schools left in ‘impossible position’ with budget

As reported by the BBC, schools in Northern Ireland have been left in an ‘impossible position’ by the recent education budget

That is according to a letter to the secretary of state from the president of the Association of School and College Leaders. Graham Montgomery said schools were facing a “significant real terms cut”.

The Northern Ireland Office said the budget, set by the secretary of state in the absence of executive ministers, prioritised health and education.

The basic funding for schools was reduced by about zero point five per cent in the Stormont budget. However, they are getting some extra money to help with existing staff salary agreements and rising energy costs.

The Education Authority (EA), though, is also faced with saving around £100m from its block grant in 2022-23.

It pays for things like support for children with Special Educational Needs, school transport, meals and maintenance.

It is currently the only teachers’ union in Northern Ireland not taking industrial action.

The other five unions are taking action short of strike after rejecting a pay offer as ‘inadequate’ in February.

Teaching unions in Northern Ireland have asked for a pay settlement for 2022-23 of inflation plus two per cent. Inflation is currently at 11% – the fastest rate in the rise of the cost of living for decades.

In his letter to Chris Heaton-Harris, Mr Montgomery, who is also the principal of the Royal School Armagh, called the education budget “a retrograde step”.

“The additional funding allocated for energy costs and incremental pay awards is offset by a reduction to the aggregated schools budget which represents a significant real terms cut overall and leaves schools in an impossible position,” he wrote.

“It is very likely that this will necessitate staffing reductions that will in turn lead to larger class sizes, reduced curriculum options and less individualised support for students who need extra help.”