Every child deserves a well-funded, well-led school
We’ve talked. We’ve engaged. We’ve waited
School leaders have not reached this point lightly.
For years, NAHT Cymru has worked constructively with the Welsh Government to raise concerns and seek solutions.
We’ve provided evidence.
We’ve attended meetings.
We’ve responded to consultations.
We’ve sought solutions.
A formal trade dispute was never the goal, but there comes a point when concerns can no longer be ignored.
School leaders believe that point has been reached.
What needs to change
School leaders are calling on the Welsh Government to take action on four key issues:
- The Welsh Government’s response to the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body
- The future application of the principle of no detriment
- Sufficient funding and effective delivery of ALN provision
- The long-term sustainability of the education workforce and school leadership in Wales.
These changes are essential if we are to build a sustainable education system that works for children, staff and schools.
The challenges facing schools
Across Wales, school leaders face growing challenges every day
They are dealing with:
- Rising levels of additional learning needs (ALNs)
- Significant financial pressures
- Ongoing recruitment and retention difficulties
- Increasing workload and accountability demands
- Growing expectations on schools to deliver more services with fewer resources
Despite these challenges, school leaders continue to put children first.
But there is only so much schools can absorb before the cracks begin to show.
Every day, leaders are forced to ask impossible questions:
- How do we meet growing need with limited resources?
- Which support can we afford to provide?
- Which services can we no longer sustain?
- How do we ensure every child gets the help they need?
These are not decisions any school should have to make.
When schools struggle, children pay the price
Behind every funding pressure, staffing challenge and workload demand is a child whose education could be affected.
That is why school leaders are speaking out and calling for change.
Children deserve:
- Excellent teaching
- Strong school leadership
- Timely support for additional learning needs
- Safe, well-resourced schools
- An education system that can meet their needs now and in the future.
When schools struggle to recruit and retain staff, children lose.
When funding fails to reach the frontline, children lose.
When excessive workload drives talented professionals out of education, children lose.
The longer these problems remain unresolved, the greater the impact on pupils, families and communities across Wales.
Children with additional learning needs deserve better support
For some time, school leaders have been raising the alarm about growing pressures on support for children with ALNs.
Demand is growing, and needs are becoming more complex.
Schools are doing everything they can to provide the support children need, but they cannot do it alone.
School leaders are also deeply concerned that more than £500 million has come to Wales as a result of increased spending on special educational needs in England, but that funding has not been ringfenced to support children with ALNs.
At a time when schools are supporting growing numbers of pupils with increasingly complex needs, school leaders believe funding intended to address those pressures should reach the frontline.
Because that is where it can make the greatest difference.
Schools know their pupils, schools understand their communities, and schools are best placed to ensure resources reach the children who need them most.
Every child deserves access to the support they need, when they need it.
Investing in education means investing in people
Great schools depend on great people.
Teachers and school leaders change lives every day. They inspire, support and guide children through some of the most important years of their lives.
But schools cannot attract and retain talented professionals if the profession becomes increasingly difficult and unsustainable.
That is why fair pay, and trust in the independent process that determines it, matters.
It is not about percentages on a spreadsheet. It is about recognising the value of the profession, retaining experienced staff and ensuring the next generation sees education as a career worth choosing.
In Wales, an independent body, the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body, examines the evidence and makes recommendations on teachers’ and school leaders’ pay.
School leaders believe that if the Welsh Government asks an independent body to review the evidence, its recommendations should be taken seriously.
Too often, however, school leaders believe that the Welsh Government has failed to fully implement those recommendations.
They are calling for a pay system in which independent expert advice is given the weight it deserves.
Too much has been promised. Too little has changed
For years, school leaders have been told that reducing workload is a priority.
Reports have been written, meetings have been held, and commitments have been made.
Yet many school leaders continue to work exceptionally long hours simply to keep their schools running effectively.
The result is a profession under growing strain and an increasing challenge in attracting and retaining future leaders.
School leaders need more than warm words. They need meaningful action.
Our call to NAHT Cymru members: take part in the indicative ballot
We need to demonstrate the strength of feeling across our profession.
That starts with you.
Please take part in our indicative ballot because:
- Your voice matters
- Your vote matters
- The future of education in Wales matters.
By taking part, you’ll help send a clear message about the challenges facing schools and the action needed to address them.
Together, we can stand up for children.
Together, we can stand up for schools.
Together, we can stand up for the future of education in Wales.
Stand with school leaders
School leaders are standing up for children, schools and the future of education in Wales.
Now they need your support.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, education professional, governor or member of your local community, you can help strengthen the case for change.
You can support school leaders by:
- Sharing this page and its message with others
- Speaking up about the challenges facing schools
- Supporting the staff working in schools every day
- Encouraging others to stand with school leaders.
Together, we can demand better for children, schools and the future of education in Wales.
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