NUT Comment: 21st Century Schools Programme
Commenting on the Welsh Government’s announcement of reduced funding for the 21st Century Schools Project, NUT Wales Secretary, David Evans said:
“We recognise that the Welsh Government are in a difficult position financially, especially in terms of capital spending, given the depth of cuts that have been passed down by the Conservative – Lib Dem Westminster Government. However, with that said, we are disappointed at the scaling back of a project that we publicly welcomed and which was overdue.
“The 21st Century Schools Programme should have been something around which pupils in Wales could have seen major improvements to the quality of their education. We obviously welcome the money that will be spent, but there is no doubt that with such a difference in expenditure between what was originally proposed, and what is to be delivered, the impact that we can expect will not be as radical as hoped at the outset of the project. Every child and every community in Wales deserves to have a good local school that is fit for purpose. There can be no doubt now, that what will be delivered is a mend and make do programme that will not go far enough and may, in some circumstances, amount to nothing more than a false economy falling far short of the aim to deliver 21st Century Schools for this generation of school children.
“The money that will be brought forward for schools will be significantly lower than what local authorities in Wales had identified as necessary to tackle the systematic problems facing schools in Wales. The Welsh Government will now have to examine how they intend to support education in Wales without the financial investment that is required.”
Notes to editor;
If you would like to arrange an interview in relation to this issue please do not hesitate to contact Owen Hathway, Tel: 029 20491818. Mob: 07921146442 e-mail: o.hathway@nut.org.uk
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