Posted on

Reliance on parental contributions – but it’s not enough!

Commencing school year 2017/18 the school introduced a “voluntary donations” option for parents to make contributions as a direct consequence of budget cuts. At the same time they introduced a mandatory “school fund” payment of £25 for all parents (payable in one lump sum for whole school year or termly) for the same reason (offsite trips are charged in addition). Recently the swimming pool has been closed and swimming lessons ceased due to the repair, maintenance and on-going costs being prohibitive to on-going use (despite parental contributions to lessons). School trips have come close to being cancelled as they are no longer viable unless all parents contribute. Parents via the PTA have taken responsibility for maintaining and improving the playground (resources, planting, painting etc).

Posted on

Cuts, cuts and more cuts

Swimming pool has been closed as on-going and repair costs prohibitive, despite parental contributions.

Trips close to being cancelled as can only go ahead if all parents contribute, previously contributions were voluntary, now compulsory. Additional voluntary donations accepted.

Governors asked school to undertake staffing review, many staff voluntarily resigned, retired or taking redundancy. Reorganisation and reduction of remaining staff.

Staff leaving and not being replaced.

Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) covering teacher planning time and sickness absence, avoiding use of supply teachers where possible

Planned purchases for resources have been cancelled, PTA asked to fund if possible.

Caretakers had cleaning added to their duties.

If key stage 1 (KS1) teaching assistants (TA) absent no cover provided.

Printing and photocopying budgets restricted.

Resources in classrooms running low, e.g. glue sticks, pencils, whiteboard markers, pens….limited resources in the playground (lots of what’s being used looking shabby).

PTA paying for fun learning events for children that the school can no longer afford – pirate day, street dance day, zoo lab, Christmas party entertainers and many classroom games, books, toys and resources.