Latest news with #NAHTCymru
Pembrokeshire Herald
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Lifeboat launch turns out to be false alarm at Caerfai Bay
THE WELSH Conservatives' new education priorities have come under fire from a leading school leaders' union, which described the plans as 'tabloid headlines' disconnected from the real challenges facing Welsh schools. Ahead of the party's conference in Llangollen on Friday (May 17), the Conservatives outlined a series of pledges that include banning mobile phones in classrooms, reintroducing home economics, and allowing schools to convert to academy status – a system currently used in England but not in Wales. Laura Doel, national secretary of NAHT Cymru, was critical of the proposals, saying: 'The Welsh Conservatives' priorities read more like tabloid headlines than carefully considered policies for improving children's education. They are completely out of touch with reality.' Doel argued that many of the proposals were unnecessary, pointing out that home economics remains part of the curriculum under different guises, and that most schools already have effective mobile phone policies. She also dismissed the call for academies, saying: 'Changing the name above a school doesn't change the quality of teaching or experience of the pupils in it.' She added that the key concerns among school leaders remain unresolved: 'Our members' priorities are funding, the recruitment and retention of teachers, ALN reform, conditions of service for teachers and leaders, and support for small schools.' However, some of the Conservative proposals may reflect broader concerns among parents and communities. Recent surveys have shown public unease about classroom discipline, digital distraction, and pupil safety – concerns the Conservatives appear keen to address with more uniform policy approaches. A spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives said their priorities were based on 'what parents are telling us,' and insisted that schools needed 'a clear framework for excellence, not excuses for underperformance.' They added: 'We want to empower schools, ensure pupils are learning practical life skills, and put an end to the distractions that undermine classroom discipline.' The debate comes as Welsh schools continue to adapt to the new Curriculum for Wales, amid ongoing concerns about funding pressures, teacher workloads, and falling attainment in some core subjects. A recent Estyn report found that while many schools are innovating effectively, others face 'significant challenges' in delivering consistent standards. As the Welsh education debate heats up in the run-up to the next Senedd election, all parties are expected to face scrutiny over how they plan to address long-standing structural issues in the system.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Carmarthenshire schools launch food waste monitoring initiative
Union demands answers over fate of Welsh Government funding SCHOOL leaders from Wales will this week call on their colleagues across the UK to support efforts to prevent children in Welsh schools from being 'short-changed'. At NAHT's annual conference in Harrogate, leaders will raise concerns that additional funding received by the Welsh Government for education may not be reaching schools – or even being spent on education at all. The funding in question, known as 'consequential' money, is triggered by additional education spending by the UK Government under the Barnett Formula, such as the commitments announced in last autumn's budget. However, NAHT Cymru says it has been unable to confirm whether any of the extra funding received by the Welsh Government has reached schools, despite lodging Freedom of Information requests with officials in both Wales and England. At the same time, many headteachers in Wales are struggling to set budgets without making painful cuts, including to staffing. A recent NAHT Cymru survey found more than half (53%) of schools predicted they would be in deficit this academic year. Dean Taylor, headteacher at Pentrepoeth Primary School in Bassaleg near Newport, will urge delegates at the conference to back a motion calling for education funding in Wales to be ring-fenced. The motion states that 'education consequential funding should be ring-fenced for spending on education at Welsh Government and local authority levels, ensuring that children and young people in Wales are not short-changed.' It calls on NAHT's national executive to use its bargaining and lobbying strength to demand that all education consequentials received by the Welsh Government are spent transparently and equitably across Wales. The motion is seconded by Rebecca Penn, headteacher at Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School in Caerleon. Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru's national secretary, said: 'At a time when schools are contemplating deficit budgets, cutting pupil spending, and making staff redundant, they deserve answers from the Welsh Government about the destination of this extra funding. 'Without transparency, there will inevitably be suspicions that this money is not reaching schools. If that is the case, it will be even harder for schools to provide the education children deserve.' Another motion, proposed by Kerina Hanson, NAHT Cymru's vice president and headteacher at Pennard Primary School near Swansea, calls for the union to campaign for the reintroduction of the Small and Rural Schools Grant. The motion states: 'Small and rural schools are an integral part of the education system in Wales. For many communities across the nation, the school is the heart of that town or village. 'The Welsh Government's Community Schools Initiative sits at odds with the reality that small and rural schools are not fairly funded or valued.' It argues that restoring the grant would help ensure small schools are properly supported during discussions about school reorganisation, prioritising the educational experience of learners. A third motion, proposed by NAHT Cymru president Dafydd Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Melyd in Prestatyn, urges the union's executive to lobby the Welsh Government to fully implement the 26 recommendations made by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body last year. So far, only seven recommendations have been actioned, with key measures – including protected leave for school leaders and better pay and non-contact time for additional learning needs coordinators (ALNCOs) – still outstanding. The motion also calls for a fit-for-purpose school improvement service, maximising frontline funding and learner impact, following the Welsh Government's commitment to review the middle tier consortia, which it describes as 'overly bureaucratic.' NAHT's conference will take place on Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May.
Pembrokeshire Herald
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
School leaders raise alarm over missing education cash
Union demands answers over fate of Welsh Government funding SCHOOL leaders from Wales will this week call on their colleagues across the UK to support efforts to prevent children in Welsh schools from being 'short-changed'. At NAHT's annual conference in Harrogate, leaders will raise concerns that additional funding received by the Welsh Government for education may not be reaching schools – or even being spent on education at all. The funding in question, known as 'consequential' money, is triggered by additional education spending by the UK Government under the Barnett Formula, such as the commitments announced in last autumn's budget. However, NAHT Cymru says it has been unable to confirm whether any of the extra funding received by the Welsh Government has reached schools, despite lodging Freedom of Information requests with officials in both Wales and England. At the same time, many headteachers in Wales are struggling to set budgets without making painful cuts, including to staffing. A recent NAHT Cymru survey found more than half (53%) of schools predicted they would be in deficit this academic year. Dean Taylor, headteacher at Pentrepoeth Primary School in Bassaleg near Newport, will urge delegates at the conference to back a motion calling for education funding in Wales to be ring-fenced. The motion states that 'education consequential funding should be ring-fenced for spending on education at Welsh Government and local authority levels, ensuring that children and young people in Wales are not short-changed.' It calls on NAHT's national executive to use its bargaining and lobbying strength to demand that all education consequentials received by the Welsh Government are spent transparently and equitably across Wales. The motion is seconded by Rebecca Penn, headteacher at Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School in Caerleon. Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru's national secretary, said: 'At a time when schools are contemplating deficit budgets, cutting pupil spending, and making staff redundant, they deserve answers from the Welsh Government about the destination of this extra funding. 'Without transparency, there will inevitably be suspicions that this money is not reaching schools. If that is the case, it will be even harder for schools to provide the education children deserve.' Another motion, proposed by Kerina Hanson, NAHT Cymru's vice president and headteacher at Pennard Primary School near Swansea, calls for the union to campaign for the reintroduction of the Small and Rural Schools Grant. The motion states: 'Small and rural schools are an integral part of the education system in Wales. For many communities across the nation, the school is the heart of that town or village. 'The Welsh Government's Community Schools Initiative sits at odds with the reality that small and rural schools are not fairly funded or valued.' It argues that restoring the grant would help ensure small schools are properly supported during discussions about school reorganisation, prioritising the educational experience of learners. A third motion, proposed by NAHT Cymru president Dafydd Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Melyd in Prestatyn, urges the union's executive to lobby the Welsh Government to fully implement the 26 recommendations made by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body last year. So far, only seven recommendations have been actioned, with key measures – including protected leave for school leaders and better pay and non-contact time for additional learning needs coordinators (ALNCOs) – still outstanding. The motion also calls for a fit-for-purpose school improvement service, maximising frontline funding and learner impact, following the Welsh Government's commitment to review the middle tier consortia, which it describes as 'overly bureaucratic.' NAHT's conference will take place on Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May.
Pembrokeshire Herald
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New £1m fund to boost Welsh tourism come rain or shine
Union demands answers over fate of Welsh Government funding SCHOOL leaders from Wales will this week call on their colleagues across the UK to support efforts to prevent children in Welsh schools from being 'short-changed'. At NAHT's annual conference in Harrogate, leaders will raise concerns that additional funding received by the Welsh Government for education may not be reaching schools – or even being spent on education at all. The funding in question, known as 'consequential' money, is triggered by additional education spending by the UK Government under the Barnett Formula, such as the commitments announced in last autumn's budget. However, NAHT Cymru says it has been unable to confirm whether any of the extra funding received by the Welsh Government has reached schools, despite lodging Freedom of Information requests with officials in both Wales and England. At the same time, many headteachers in Wales are struggling to set budgets without making painful cuts, including to staffing. A recent NAHT Cymru survey found more than half (53%) of schools predicted they would be in deficit this academic year. Dean Taylor, headteacher at Pentrepoeth Primary School in Bassaleg near Newport, will urge delegates at the conference to back a motion calling for education funding in Wales to be ring-fenced. The motion states that 'education consequential funding should be ring-fenced for spending on education at Welsh Government and local authority levels, ensuring that children and young people in Wales are not short-changed.' It calls on NAHT's national executive to use its bargaining and lobbying strength to demand that all education consequentials received by the Welsh Government are spent transparently and equitably across Wales. The motion is seconded by Rebecca Penn, headteacher at Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School in Caerleon. Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru's national secretary, said: 'At a time when schools are contemplating deficit budgets, cutting pupil spending, and making staff redundant, they deserve answers from the Welsh Government about the destination of this extra funding. 'Without transparency, there will inevitably be suspicions that this money is not reaching schools. If that is the case, it will be even harder for schools to provide the education children deserve.' Another motion, proposed by Kerina Hanson, NAHT Cymru's vice president and headteacher at Pennard Primary School near Swansea, calls for the union to campaign for the reintroduction of the Small and Rural Schools Grant. The motion states: 'Small and rural schools are an integral part of the education system in Wales. For many communities across the nation, the school is the heart of that town or village. 'The Welsh Government's Community Schools Initiative sits at odds with the reality that small and rural schools are not fairly funded or valued.' It argues that restoring the grant would help ensure small schools are properly supported during discussions about school reorganisation, prioritising the educational experience of learners. A third motion, proposed by NAHT Cymru president Dafydd Jones, headteacher at Ysgol Melyd in Prestatyn, urges the union's executive to lobby the Welsh Government to fully implement the 26 recommendations made by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body last year. So far, only seven recommendations have been actioned, with key measures – including protected leave for school leaders and better pay and non-contact time for additional learning needs coordinators (ALNCOs) – still outstanding. The motion also calls for a fit-for-purpose school improvement service, maximising frontline funding and learner impact, following the Welsh Government's commitment to review the middle tier consortia, which it describes as 'overly bureaucratic.' NAHT's conference will take place on Friday 2 May and Saturday 3 May.
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Headteacher accuses Welsh Government of wasting cash on 'vanity projects' while schools face deficits and job cuts
Headteacher accuses Welsh Government of wasting cash on 'vanity projects' while schools face deficits and job cuts A survey by NAHT Cymru showed more than half its members predict their schools will be in budget deficit this academic year A headteacher has warned that schools are having to make cuts which damage children's education (Image: PA ) The Welsh Government has wasted scant education funds on "vanity projects" while schools are having to make cuts which damage children's education. Dafydd Jones called on greater transparency about what money there is and where it goes. The headteacher at Ysgol Melyd in Prestatyn, was speaking in his role as president of the National Association of Headteachers Cymru. He said money was wasted by the Welsh Government on the now ditched reform of the school year and the review of the school day. "Spend money on the basics, not on those," Mr Jones said, "I would like the Welsh Government to be more honest and transparent about where money goes. In England there has been extra money for education. It is about valuing public services." He said schools in Wales are making teachers and teaching assistants redundant, merging classes, cancelling trips and cutting all but "the basics" with budgets stretched to the limit. A survey by NAHT Cymru showed more than half its members (53%) predict their schools will be in budget deficit this academic year. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Mr Jones warned that after previous budget cuts many schools have used up reserves, as requested, and are now "cutting to the bone". One secondary school in Wales, which he did not want publicly named, faces a deficit of nearly £1m. while many primaries and secondaries face deficits of between tens and hundreds of thousands. He said pressures have been caused by council funding to schools as well as grants not keeping pace with inflation. Schools have been hit by the rising cost of energy and other bills as well as paying to support a rise in children with complex needs. They have also been hit by cuts to external health services such as speech and language. Article continues below As a result schools are having to make savings with bigger class sizes, sometimes merging year groups. To cut costs they are also making teachers and teaching assistants redundant and not replacing staff when they leave. Extras, such as more support for those children who need it and school trips are also being slashed, "Every headteacher would like more money but before we felt we could make a difference and now members are saying they do not have the tools to do the basics, let alone the extras," said Mr Jones. "A few schools still have reserves after Covid but reserves are a red herring. The academic, financial and calendar years don't combine so that means some money always has to be held back. "Schools have trimmed the fat and the extras. Enrichment in deprived areas is being cut and we are cutting into the bone of teaching and learning." The NAHT president will be among school leaders from Wales who will this week seek support from their counterparts in other parts of the UK to "help prevent children in their schools from being 'short-changed" in where money for public services is being spent. They will tell the NAHT's annual conference in Harrogate this week that they fear additional funding received by the Welsh Government for education "is not being spent on schools or even anything related to education". This so-called 'consequential' money is triggered under the Barnett Formula by additional spending on education by the UK government, such as that announced in last autumn's budget. NAHT Cymru says it has been unable to find out what , if any, extra funding the Welsh Government received following that budget is going to schools, despite lodging Freedom of Information requests with officials in Wales and England. At the same time, many school leaders in Wales say they're struggling to set budgets without making "unpalatable cuts" . Dean Taylor, head teacher at Pentrepoeth Primary School in Bassaleg near Newport, will urge fellow union members at NAHT's annual conference in Harrogate on Friday May 2 to agree to a motion calling for equity in education funding between England and Wales. The motion says that, 'education consequential funding should be ring-fenced for spending on education at Welsh Government and at local authority level, ensuring that children and young people in Wales are not short-changed'. The motion calls on the union's national executive to 'use its bargaining and lobbying strength to ensure that all consequential funding received by Welsh Government as a result of additional education funding in England, is also spent on education in Wales, and that the distribution of this money is "on a transparent and equitable basis across Wales". The motion is seconded by Rebecca Penn, head teacher at Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School in Caerleon near Newport. Laura Doel, NAHT Cymru's national secretary, said: 'At a time when schools are contemplating deficit budgets, cutting pupil spending, and making staff redundant, they deserve answers from the Welsh Government about the destination of this extra funding. 'Without this transparency, there will inevitably be suspicions that this money is not finding its way to schools. 'If that is the case, it will be even harder for schools to provide the education children deserve.' Another motion, proposed by Kerina Hanson, NAHT Cymru's vice president, and head teacher at Pennard Primary School near Swansea, details how the union's Swansea branch is urging its national executive to campaign for the reintroduction of the Small and Rural Schools Grant by the Welsh Government. The motion says: "Small and rural schools are an integral part of the education system in Wales. For many communities across the nation, the school is the heart of that town and village. 'The Welsh Government has a Community Schools Initiative to support such schools, but this sits at odds with the reality that small and rural schools are not fairly funded and valued." The final motion, proposed by NAHT president Dafydd Jones is on pay. His motion asks the union's national executive to lobby the Welsh Government "to make good on its commitment to implementing the 26 recommendations of the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body last year". Asked whether teachers should lower their pay demands when budgets are so tight Mr Jones said teacher pay has been eroded over the last decade and more. At a time when there is a retainment and recruitment crisis, albeit when redundancies are also being made, it was vital to attract the best teachers with fair pay, he said. The NAHT's conference takes place from May 2 to May 3. Article continues below A Welsh Government spokesperson said: 'To meet the needs of schools and learners, we are providing an extra £262.5m to the education sector, this is in addition to the increase in funding to local authorities to support public services, including schools. We will continue to work with the sector to ensure the best possible outcomes for our learners.' The Welsh Government also said: 'The Cabinet Secretary for Education confirmed last year that plans to change the school year will not happen this Senedd term to give teachers and staff space and time to deliver other reforms. Decisions on how to spend funding made available to the Welsh Government are made by Welsh ministers.'
