School funding in crisis

Reality…. Analysis of the DfE’s data points to a £339 loss for every primary age pupil and a £477 loss for every child in secondary school. 99 per cent of schools will be affected, and the prediction is that by 2020 the education system will be running short to the tune of £3bn.

Additional costs to schools which have not been funded by the government... Increases in the cost of employer’s contributions to national insurance and pensions of over 5.5%. The abolition of the Education Services Grant to local authorities and academies reduces funding for schools by £600 million. The cost of annual pay awards for teaching and support staff is set to increase by 4.4% by 2020.

The Apprenticeship Levy comes into effect in April 2017 The National Audit Office estimates that these additional cost pressures adds up to an 8% increase in the cost of running the average school.

Schools at Breaking Point An NAHT survey from Primary school leaders paints a bleak picture of the funding situation getting more serious, and schools having to make tougher choices. By 2020, 78% of school leaders believe that their budget will be unsustainable

Brighton & Hove

School Cuts - St Mark's

Government response “It has been a challenge and we are providing advice and support to schools about how to manage a budget in the most efficient way.” Nick Gibb 31st Jan 2017

Budget Cuts harms standards "If you take the same system and you take money out of it you lose and lack in quality. I think there's no question around it," Andreas Schleicher PISA global education rankings

What have we done? Head Teachers have ask for the subject of funding to be placed on the Schools Forum agenda in Brighton and have also asked what the LA is doing to represent the views of school leaders in a national context A letter was signed by almost all Head Teachers in the LA and sent to our local MPs setting out our concerns we have about funding A letter was sent to all parent/carers informing them about the cuts and the following web-site advertised: http://www.schoolcuts.org.uk A text was sent highlighting another web-site: www.fairfundingforallschools.org; encouraging all to download the model letter to their MP, the media and to sign the petition

Head Teachers in Brighton and Hove believe that: A meeting was held at West Hove Infant school with representatives from the NAHT, Fair Funding for our Schools and Save our Schools Brighton & Hove. Agreed action included sharing emails address with those organisations represented, joint march after school, banners outside all our schools highlighting the funding cuts Head Teachers in Brighton and Hove believe that: An effective and well-funded education system lies at the heart of our country’s prosperity and is the means by which all children, no matter what their background or personal circumstance, can achieve to the fullest of their ability We are campaigning to pressure Government to invest, not cut our Schools budgets. Let’s join forces, work together and have an impact on the November budget

What does it mean for St Mark’s? We are having to consult on the closure of our nursery. We are in a deficit position and are making staffing cuts. We have not recruited to posts when staff have left. All staff are taking on more and more to make up for reduced staffing levels.

What can you do to help? Join the growing number of parent campaigners via Save our Schools. Write to your MP – Simon Kirby Can you think of any fundraising ideas Spread the word about St Mark’s – we need bums on seats!!