News

'We can’t afford a caretaker or a SENCO' – survey lays bare funding challenges

School finance
“We can’t afford a caretaker or a SENCO” – primary school headteachers have laid bare the financial difficulties they are facing as one in four predict a deficit budget this year based on current funding levels.

A survey of more than 1,500 school leaders from across the country also finds that 35 per cent are expecting to make cuts this academic year in a bid to balance their budget.

Furthermore, 31 per cent said they had already been forced to make cuts to balance their budget for 2020/21. Examples given include:

One headteacher told researchers: “We have had nine members of support staff leave and have only replaced two.”

Another said: “As a headteacher in the last two years I have been a SENCO, school business manager, caretaker and headteacher as well as cover for the office and class.”

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting Headteacher Update and reading some of our content for professionals in primary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcasts

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here