Headteachers in Wales overwhelmed by mounting challenges in education system, reaching a breaking point

🚨 Schools in Wales are at a breaking point! Headteachers are working round the clock, doubling up as teaching assistants and caretakers, all due to severely tight budgets. Some schools can’t afford to replace teachers or support staff, leaving kids without the help they need. 😟

The situation is affecting everyone, with children who have additional learning needs (ALN) being hardest hit. Many headteachers are pulling out all the stops just to keep things running—taking on extra roles and burning through reserves to make ends meet.

Tim Newbould from Penycae Community Primary is dealing with a staggering £200,000 deficit, and he and his deputy are stepping in as teaching assistants to ensure ALN pupils get some of the support they need. But it’s not enough, and difficult decisions are being made about which students get support. 😢

Kerina Hanson of Pennard Primary shares the same worries, having had to take over as caretaker, lunchtime supervisor, and even finding herself working 12-hour days plus weekends. She emphasises that while her school might be in a “nice” area, this doesn’t mean there aren’t complex needs to address.

Dean Taylor from Pentrepoeth Primary and NAHT Cymru highlights a critical issue: schools should be able to spend funds on the areas that need it most, but there’s no transparency on where educational funds are really going.

As NAHT Cymru continues to fight for fair funding, the recent financial deal struck by Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru seems to fall short of providing the support schools desperately need. More money was earmarked for education but appears to be going elsewhere. Schools across Wales are still left searching for a lifeline.

This issue isn’t just about budgets—it’s about our children’s futures. 🎓 Are they getting the education they deserve when schools are struggling so severely? 💭 #EducationCrisis #SupportOurSchools