SKINT SCHOOL HEADS FORCED TO CLEAN LOO
Crucial jobs are axed in budget crisis
HEADTEACHERS are cleaning school toilets and sweeping floors because of savage budget cuts.
They are also being forced to wash up canteen dishes and do the hoovering due to a lack of staff.
Cash-strapped state schools are also asking parents to donate money to help pay for staff salaries, building repairs and textbooks.
The shock findings came from around 700 schools which answered Freedom of Information requests.
Some have raised up to £100,000 but cuts have also seen schools axe library services, teaching assistants, lollipop ladies, caretakers and cleaners.
Among the chores taken on by heads are unblocking loos, cleaning windows and polishing floors during the holidays.
Others have taken over receptionist duties in the morning and have filled in for teachers and dinner ladies.
One head, who wished to remain nameless, said: “We did not replace a cleaner and now the senior leadership team does the cleaning.
“We have cut back our spending on access to outside agencies. We got rid of our lollipop lady.
“We have drastically cut resources. Nothing is spent unless it is vital.”
Holy Trinity Pewley Down School in Surrey said funding cuts had resulted in senior leaders covering classes, adding: “We continue to review building and grounds maintenance and only essential works are undertaken – there is no space for development.”
Another anonymous teacher said: “We need a caretaker, so our business manager does not have to unblock toilets on a weekly basis!”
Nick Gibb, the schools minister, said the Government recognised “the budgeting challenges that schools face as we ask them to achieve more and to absorb cost increases”.