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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bolton teaching union rep says 'more needs to be done' after schools funding boost
A Bolton teaching union leader has welcomed government investment into schools across the borough - but claims "this does not go far enough" to tackle the ongoing funding crisis. The government has announced nine borough schools are to get a slice of £125 million of government funding for essential maintenance via the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF. The funding will go towards maintenance works, such as upgrading defective heating systems, improving fire safety and safeguarding measures. Last month, The Bolton News reported schools across the borough were struggling amid a funding crisis – with staff raising concerns about the future of the profession. Amanda Hulme, who is also the National Association of Headteachers representative for Bolton, said: 'It's great news that this investment is being put into our schools in Bolton to ensure the safety of our children and staff but it does not go far enough. 'There are many more schools in need of urgent repair and the funding crisis remains a real issue across all schools in England.' Caroline Molyneux, headteacher of Sharples High School, which is also receiving support, said: "We previously applied for the funding but this time have been successful, the money will be used towards making sure our students and members of staff are kept safe. "One of the things we need is a new fire alarm, as ours has started to fail, which is a huge concern for us. "We are delighted with the hard work from our members of staff, including our site staff, finance team and the school's business management team. They are the unsung heroes of the school. "A lot of the time people just think of teaching staff when they think about schools, but so much goes into making the school as special as it is behind the scenes too. "Our business manager Cath Pedder has been especially amazing in getting this funding for us, her hard work has been spectacular. "We are delighted to move forward with the funding, which has been planned to go ahead over the next few months." A spokesperson from Washacre Primary Academy School, which has received funding for its fire safety and compliance works to address life safety matters, said: 'We are pleased, following our application, that we have been allocated funding. READ MORE: 'This is indeed a significant boost for our school, and we are grateful for the opportunity to improve our infrastructure. 'The CIF grant will enable us to undertake the necessary refurbishments to ensure our school remains a safe, secure, and inspiring place for learning.' Bolton council leader Cllr Nick Peel welcomes the funding too. He said: "The funding across Bolton schools is great news. "The additional funding is welcome, it's targeted at schools which need these investments the most and is directed at making sure our schools are safe learning environments. "A lot of schools need refurbishment across the country. The last schools rebuilding project was actually put forward by the Labour government. "This money will make sure schools are made safe for children. "We can't underestimate the importance of this money, which will fix the immediate issues in schools across the borough." As well as schools, 42 hospitals, mental health units and ambulance sites will be handed more than £71 million to tackle long-term problems such as leaky pipes, poor ventilation and electrical issues, helping to prevent thousands of cancelled operations and appointments. Fixing the backlog of maintenance at NHS hospitals will help prevent cancellations, with services disrupted over 4,000 times across England in 2023/24 due to issues with poor quality buildings.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Schools in Bolton in grip of funding crisis leaving them unable to afford the basics
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. READ MORE: '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.
