Latest editorial
A school teacher looking stressed next to piles of classroom books, March 5, 2017
EDUCATION unions and parents throughout Scotland have united to end the “national scandal” of cuts in support for pupils with additional support needs (ASN).
Nearly 40 per cent of Scotland’s school-age population require extra support in education, but after more than a decade of cuts in local government budgets, and councils cutting teaching posts as they face the toughest settlement from the Scottish government since devolution, concerns are growing over the impact on vulnerable students.
National Parent Forum of Scotland chairwoman Cheryl Burnett warned the situation was now at “crisis point.”
With 12,000 fewer teachers since 2010 and dwindling resources, Scotland’s schools desperately need investment to support diverse learners rather than empty promises from politicians, writes ANDREA BRADLEY
With 170,000 children living in poverty in north-east England and teachers leaving in droves over 20 per cent real-terms pay cuts since 2010, all while private companies siphon off billions, it is time to unite and fight for education, writes MATT WRACK