Schools in Bolton in grip of funding crisis leaving them unable to afford the basics

Yahoo

19-05-2025

Schools in Bolton cannot afford minor repairs to the building and are struggling to afford basic equipment.
Now teachers across Bolton are calling on the Government for help amid a 'funding crisis' which is pushing staff members 'to the brink'.
Headteachers say they are struggling to fund resources, including computer equipment, and are having to rely on the goodwill of parents to help equip classrooms and fund enrichment activities.
Schools cannot afford minor repairs to the building.
Despite government promises of funding for schools in England of £2.3 billion in 2025/26, with a total of £8,020 per pupil, schools across the borough are struggling to afford basic equipment, repair jobs" target="_blank">work and staff retention.
Headteacher of Claypool Primary School, Amanda Hulme, who is the National Association of Headteachers representative for Bolton, said: 'We are in a funding crisis, we don't have enough money to sustain staff levels, it's a nation-wide problem.
'SEND funding is in an even bigger crisis, it's coming from a government level. We know the Local Authority is doing all that it can.
NAHT representative, Amanda Hulme, has described the funding crisis across schools. (Image: Amanda Hulme)
'Recruitment and retention is also an issue with schools across the borough. Teachers are leaving the job left and right. There's also a struggle for retaining learning support staff because the pay is so poor.
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'In the case of our school, the funding isn't there for minor repairs to the building, we have to be so much more careful with resources now. We've had to turn to doing fundraising events and asking for donations from our wonderful parents in order to try to fix the gap.
'We aren't able to do nicer things with children that we were able to do before, we don't have the equipment, such as new computers, outdoor play equipment, library books.
'The fundraising committees in schools are having to look at grants for areas where government funding does not stretch.
'Kids with SEN need additional support, without a healthcare plan, it can be difficult to get these specialist provisions in place.
'Something needs to change, I would advise governments to look at the funding formula, putting more funding into schools rather than vanity projects and focusing on initiatives that they can be directly involved with.
'Headteachers are all making things work, we have to do what's best for the children but it's not easy.'
Concerns have been raised by teachers following funding cuts (Image: PA Media) Another Bolton headteacher, who asked to remain anonymous, echoed the sentiment: 'We're facing a funding crisis that's pushing us to the brink. With increased National Insurance costs, rising wages, and no corresponding rise in funding, we're barely breaking even. Expectations continue to rise, but the funding doesn't—while the needs of our children grow every year.
'There's simply no money left for vital areas like computing infrastructure, much needed repairs to schools, let alone the extras that enrich education, like school trips or new classroom resources.
'We've had to cut right back and now rely on donations from parents just to cover essentials. The next step is losing staff—and no school can function without its people. In the end, it's the children who suffer most.'
Concerns about the lowered funding had also been raised to Bolton West MP Phil Brickell.
Mr Brickell said: 'Since my election I have made it a priority to speak to headteachers and parents. I think it's fair to say that Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) funding is a top priority.
"We need to break down barriers to achievement and make an education system where all can achieve and thrive.
'The SEND system we inherited from the Conservatives has lost the confidence of families and Labour is committed to restoring trust.
'Since coming to office last year, the Labour government has put SEND central to its policies with an injection of funding into services and an investment of £740 million more to create specialist places.
'Shortly after my election, I met with Bridget Phillipson the Secretary of State for Education and discussed my concerns regarding funding for SEND.
'Locally we have 8,961 children and young people diagnosed with SEND, which is a 20 per cent increase over the past seven years. The number of ECHPs has nearly doubled since 2018 but the local council's compliance in issuing EHCPs within 20 weeks has increased from 38% in 2023 to 71 per cent in 2024.
'This is a massive improvement in the first year of a Labour Government but it also means a third of parents and children are still not getting adequate support.
'With that in mind, I welcome the Government's new investment in family hubs and early years, with the Chancellor's autumn Budget in October setting aside £1 billion in additional funding for SEND support.'
The Bolton News has approached the Department for Education for comment.