Head teachers across Wales are warning that school budget pressures could lead to staff cuts, according to a survey by the NAHT Cymru union. The survey of 670 schools found that 61% of respondents in Wales are considering reducing teacher numbers or staff hours to balance budgets.
Laura Doel, director of NAHT Cymru, said there was 'nothing left to cut' after a decade of austerity and under-funding. She noted that while school reserves in Wales stood at £301m at the end of the last financial year, much of that money was earmarked for staff wages and postponed repairs, cautioning against viewing it as surplus.
The Welsh government acknowledged the pressures from inflation and energy costs, stating that councils and schools are exploring the use of reserves. It called on the UK government to act urgently, while the UK government pointed to record £18bn annual funding for Wales, noting that public service funding is largely devolved.
Some schools are considering extreme measures, such as online learning one day a week in Powys, while others are leaving jobs unfilled or asking pupils to wear coats indoors. Jackie Parker, a school leader in Powys, said staff cuts are a last resort, and Jennifer Ford, head teacher of Treorchy Comprehensive, expressed deep concern about dwindling reserves.
Plaid Cymru's Heledd Fychan MS rejected claims that schools have ample money, highlighting difficult decisions like cancelling trips and activities. The Welsh government defended free school meals as essential to tackling child poverty and the cost of living crisis, while reiterating its call for increased UK funding.
