‘Reckless school cuts could put a generation at risk’
THE future of a generation of Greater Manchester youngsters could be put at risk if plans for ‘reckless’ school funding cuts go ahead, it has been claimed.
Hundreds of primaries and secondaries across the region are set to have thousands of pounds wiped from their books in the shake-up.
The government claims its new formula is a ‘fair’ way of doling out cash, ending an ‘historic postcode lottery’ in funding.
But scores of Greater Manchester schools are set to lose out.
Manchester, which stands to lose £10m a year under the move, will be hit harder than anywhere else outside London – with funding for schools cut by 2.7 per cent overall. Elsewhere in the region, schools in Wigan would lose £4.2m a year, while those in Rochdale would be down £1.9m a year. Trafford would see a drop of £752,000 a year.
But it’s not all bad news as schools in Oldham would get £763,000 a year extra funding, while Stockport would be up £1.4m a year, Tameside up £1.6m a year, Bolton up £4m a year, Salford up £3.5m a year and Bury up £5.9m a year.
The government says the changes are intended to even out inequalities, with more than half of schools getting a boost.
But shadow education secretary, Angela Rayner, has accused ministers of attempting to ‘hoodwink’ schools and parents.
She said the proposed formula ‘isn’t fair and it isn’t funded’,
She added: “Reckless Tory cuts to school funding are risking the life chances of a generation of children.
“As budget cuts bite, headteachers are facing impossible choices, like making teachers redundant, sacking support staff, or cutting the curriculum.”
Patsy Kane, executive headteacher of Whalley Range High, said she fears extra-curricular activities and emotional and wellbeing support could suffer because of cuts.
She said: “Schools have been able to deal with social issues, language issues, often where English is an additional language, counselling for stress and mental health. We would really hate for that support to go.”