Ellie Ames 29 April 2024

Schools in disrepair due to funding ‘failure’, union warns

Schools in disrepair due to funding ‘failure’, union warns image
Image: milatas / Shutterstock.com

More than four-fifths of headteachers (83%) have said they do not have enough money to maintain their school buildings.

In a survey by the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), just 5% of school leaders said they had enough money to ensure buildings met pupils’ needs.

Funding for school buildings has been cut by 50% in real terms since 2010, just as many buildings are reaching the end of their life cycle, the NAHT said.

The union called for an extra £4.4bn a year to upgrade school buildings.

General secretary Paul Whiteman said: ‘In the last year, while the RAAC crisis has grabbed headlines, hundreds more school buildings have quietly slipped further into disrepair.

‘Our children deserve to learn in safe, comfortable conditions.

‘With a General Election on the horizon, I urge all political parties to commit to a long-term plan backed up by serious new investment to ensure all school buildings are safe and fit for purpose.’

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

William Eichler, editor of LocalGov.co.uk, reflects on the stories that captured readers’ attention this week.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Learning and Development Specialist - Children's Services

North East Lincolnshire Council
£45,091
Are you passionate about Social Work Practice? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Grounds Maintenance Technician

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC08 £26,824.00
Do you have a passion for the outdoors? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Chief Executive

Rochdale BC
£180,000 to £200,000
Built on an industrial heritage and the birthplace of the worldwide cooperative movement Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Rochdale BC

Chef De Partie

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989 - £27,254 pro rata, per annum
Matcham's is our in-house catering team here at Harrogate Convention Centre. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead Chef

North Yorkshire Council
£15.06 to £16.35 per hour
Matcham's is our in-house catering team here at Harrogate Convention Centre. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner