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

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Leader LGV Driver (Seasonal)

Wakefield Council
£21,448.50 - £23,652.75, Grade 6, 27.75 hours, Permanent
This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week (Tuesday to Friday - March - November) Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Planning Ecologist

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
Wakefield Council has an exciting opportunity for an ecologist to joint our friendly, professional Planning Policy and Environment team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Prestige Gardener

Wakefield Council
£28,598.00 - £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Temporary
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Prestige Gardener Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Planning Policy Lead

Ribble Valley Borough Council
PO5-8 (scp 35-38) £46,142 to £49,282 per annum
We are looking for a qualified planning professional with full RTPI membership and substantial knowledge Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Senior Occupational Therapist (Front Door Team)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£46,498 - £50,947 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner