Union says “cuts to teaching assistants in some schools in Wrexham are deeply concerning”

A union has criticised inadequete communication to parents amid funding cuts to Wrexham’s schools, and has asked parents to ‘challenge’ elected representatives.

The message comes as the local authority has had to deal with a potential financial deficit of £22.6m next year and £29m over the following two years.

As readers will be aware, education in Wrexham is bearing the brunt of the cuts, with a five per cent saving being applied to school budgets, after inflation. Although school budgets will technically be boosted by £5.7m in 2024/25, due to inflation it will ultimately result in cuts of £5.4m in real terms.

Now UNISON – the UK’s largest union representing t full-time and part-time staff who provide public services, has commented on the local council budgetary position.

Tracey Sutton Postlethwaite, UNISON Wrexham County Branch Secretary, said “In light of the current challenges facing school budgets, it is imperative to address the mounting pressures on Head teachers, who bear the unenviable task of managing limited resources while striving to provide quality education. The impact on pupils is undeniable, as inadequate funding from central government hampers schools’ ability to deliver essential services and maintain standards. Urgent action is needed to ensure equitable and sufficient funding, safeguarding the educational experience and opportunities for all students.”

“The reported cuts to teaching assistants in some schools in Wrexham are deeply concerning, as they risk compromising the safety of both staff and pupils. Teaching assistants play a vital role in supporting teachers and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment and they are the backbone of schools. Reducing their numbers to dangerous levels not only strains the workload of remaining staff but also diminishes the level of individual attention and support available to pupils.”

“We urge school administrators and authorities to reconsider these cuts and prioritize the well-being and safety of all members of the school communities but especially the pupils.”

“It’s concerning that parents are not being adequately informed of the risks to their children’s education stemming from real-time cuts to funding for schools and local government by central government. These cuts directly impact the quality of education and support available to students. Transparency and advocacy are essential to ensure that parents are aware of the challenges facing their children’s education and to advocate for the necessary resources to safeguard their learning opportunities.

Tracey added, “Parents need to challenge their local councillors, AM’s and especially their MP’s as the real time cuts are coming from Central Government giving the Welsh Government insufficient funding to provide essential services to our most vulnerable children, young people and adults in our society.

“We have dipped and risen over the year within our education system and we have adults without reading and writing skills in their 30’s and 40’s now.  We do not want to be in that position again in 20 or 30 years due to the lack of appropriate education for children, particularly those with additional learning needs, who won’t get the right support that they deserve and need due to the stripping away appropriate funding from schools and educational facilities”.