5 days ago
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.
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'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.
