Mick demands better future for schools and education

Cuts in the Powys education budget could undermine improving standards in our schools.  That was the view today from Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates.

It comes as representatives from the National Teachers Union (NUT) meet in Llandrindod Wells to discuss the Powys education budget at the Schools forum in County Hall.

Commenting, Mick said:  “More than a third of junior schools in Powys were in deficit at the end of 2005 – 06, with a total of 38 schools overspending in the year.  4 secondary schools also show a deficit in general reserves.

On top of that a recent Estyn report suggested that around a quarter of schools in Powys are underperforming at key stages 1, 2 and 3.

“Despite this, next years settlement from the Labour Assembly Government will be subject to at least a 2.5% cut.  A move which could see the loss of up to 70 teaching jobs.  This is simply not acceptable.

“The Estyn report suggested that Overall schools in Powys are improving. This improvement could be undermined by a budget cut.

“Education is perhaps the most important responsibility of local government.  Preparing children and young people for adulthood is vital to the long term sustainability of our communities.

I am backing Graham Haslock and other representatives from the NUT in their campaign to remove the budget cuts.”