By Isle of Wight Observer
Dear Editor
What is the impact of this week’s Spring statement on education?
Spring – a season of initial growth, thanks to the nurturing warmth of the sun. Dormant plants begin to grow, seedlings germinate, hibernating animals awake, leaving winter austerity behind. However, educational austerity remains this Spring and into the seasons to come.
The key issue preventing schools supporting children – a lack of funding! No real increase in sunny warmth-nurturing growth. Indeed, as in Game of Thrones ‘Winter is coming’. Increases in school costs will outstrip the government’s recent funding boost. The education winter is already here and worse is coming.
The Chancellor said of those 1 in 8 young people who are not in employment, education or training. “If we do nothing, we are writing off an entire generation. That cannot be right and we will not stand it. It is a waste of their potential and it is a waste of their futures and we will change it.”
Chancellor, we ask you to do the same for all for pupils. They all need real support. Children get only one chance for a good education. Labour has pledged to increase opportunity, but it won’t happen without investment.
Surely, if we do nothing, that cannot be right. Is it not a waste of their potential and their futures? Will you not stand for it? Will you change it?
Peter Shreeve, Carisbrooke
Assistant District Secretary, National Education Union