The reality of school staffing quotes from schools

Box 2.1: Special Grants - Primary

The budget has been affected by inadequate funding for Threshold, ESAs and Standards Fund. Standards Fund has reduced by 50% for small schools support. We still have the same problems to deal with as we have always had and yet we are supposed to do the same good job on less finance.

Infant, North West (0279)

We are paying our ICT Technician salary from NGfL. We cannot meet the workforce reform demands by September.

VA, Primary, North West (0455)

We only have 4% free school meals so we lose out in our delegated budget and Standard Funds too. I cannot afford to employ the extra TA as planned.

Primary, Inner London (2886)

Our budget means that children are taught in wide age bands; one class has years 1, 2 and 3 children. Our budget was saved by a small schools grant given by the LEA.

Primary, Wales (4851)

Box2.2: Special Grants - Secondary

The Leadership Incentive Grant has been used to support the budget through creative accounting. The Standards Fund has been reduced dramatically. Many innovations have had to be put on hold.

Comp 11-16, Yorks and Humb (387)

We are very fortunate to be EiC, specialist and LiG eligible otherwise wed be finished. As it is, we are losing 0.5FTE to try to address the workload agreement with no extra funding.

Tech 11-19, West Midlands (729)

We are lucky being a grammar school in an inner city EiC/LiG group. Even so, it will be difficult to meet the new work time agreement.

VA, Sports, Grammar 11-18, West Midlands (738)

It is only because we are anticipating getting specialist school status that we have been able to appoint an ICT teacher well be in a mess if we are unsuccessful!

VC, Comp 13-18, South West (1774)

Box3.1: Impact on Primary Staffing

Three teachers are retiring in August 2003. They are being replaced by using a less qualified NQT and by a reduction in the number of classes from 10 to 9. This will result in increased class sizes in Key Stage 2.

Primary, North West (0563)

I am making 3 support staff redundant in order to keep a teacher in each class. I am using all additional funds for this e.g. personal development and curriculum resources etc. - everything is being cut back.

Infant, East Midlands (1833)

For the same staff as last year it looks as though we will need a further 150,000 to avoid a deficit. We are desperate to avoid redundancies. We simply do not know what to do.

Primary, East (2977)

The difficulty this year has particularly been NI/Pensions contributions. This took the salaries bill much higher than ever beforevirtually on the same staffing and similar budget.

Primary, Outer London (3213)

Box3.2: Impact on Secondary Staffing

One voluntary redundancy, but this is merely the start. I have one full-time teacher leaving at Christmas and one full-time teacher retiring. Another senior HoD will retire at Easter. It is possible that none will be replaced.

Lang 11-16, North West (289)

Losing three full-time posts. The position is difficult and made worse by the promise of plenty after several years of blight. We have no reserves. We no longer believe next year will be better.

Found, Lang 11-18, East Midlands (681)

The budget settlement for 2003/04 has had a profound impact on the staffing of our school. Five valued members of support staff have lost their jobs and there have been two compulsory redundancies for long serving teachers. It will take a long time for us to recover from this.

Comp 11-16, East (1099)

The main issue is not appointing teaching and support staff in line with the rising roll. We are three teachers short, and there are two technicians, two teaching assistants and one caretaker whom we are not appointing but should.

Found, Arts 11-18, South West (1671)

Box4.1: Winners - Primary

We have a surplus from previous years which is helping us to improve the number of staff on a temporary basis.

VA, Primary, North West (0541)

We have a 'young staff, therefore cheaper - therefore demands on budget are less. Also planned a carry forward from last year to cater for an additional teacher.

VA, Primary, Yorks & Humb (1335)

We have been able to increase teaching and support staff only because we are replacing very long serving staff with NQTs.

VA, Primary, West Midlands (2133)

This year we have managed to appoint an additional 0.4 teacher to release the Deputy Head and SENCO each week, but how long we can sustain this is unclear.

Primary, East (2436)

Box4.2: Winners - Secondary

We havent had to modify the curriculum yet. We have managed by the skin of our teeth. There has been a little bit of internal adjustment.

Comp 11-18, Yorks & Humb

We are only in this position because we have been recently reorganised from 13-18 to 11-18 and we are in the process of replacing agency staff with NQTs. Otherwise I would have found balancing the budget difficult without reducing staff.

Perf Art 11-18, East Midlands (642)

We have used all our accumulated reserves. The additional member of staff was afforded only because the LEA paid upfront for the additional pupils we were asked to take.

Maths & Comp 11-16, West Midlands (771)

My LEA have been fair. The school has a sophisticated system of financial control and accountability. We manage well. We had a surplus of 97,000 in 2002/03; projected surplus for 2003/04 is 143,000.

Box4.3: Use of Reserves - Primary

This year we have managed using reserves and because we have a young staff. It will be impossible to meet the reduction in teacher workload requirements without using all reserves which were earmarked for a building project. The huge increase in staffing costs and loss of Standards Funds has had an enormous impact.

Infant, North West (0573)

This years budget has been supported by a 20,000 carry forward from last year and having made a redundancy I am running a deficit of 11,500 this year.

Infant, East Midlands (1648)

This year we have used all our carry forward. It had been earmarked to improve accommodation. We feel very strongly that teachers and learning support assistants are required to improve the teaching and learning in school but next year, unless the budget is much better, both teachers and support assistants will have to be made redundant.

VC, Primary, East (2489)

This year there are no redundancies because we have used our contingency which is down from 30,000 to 5,000. Next year who knows?

Primary, South West (4479)

Box4.4: Use of Reserves - Secondary

More pupils, one staff reduction, using up nearly all reserve. Far too many staff paid out of temporary funding.

Comp 11-16, North West (153)

We have had to use the main part of my reserves to balance the budget, because the upper pay spine was not funded in full and the rising roll has not been covered. Cannot implement the teacher workload agreement.

Found, Middle, East Midlands (716)

We are only managing to maintain staffing by slashing our contingency to zero. We can only carry on like this for one year. If the Government doesnt put in more money next year it will be very painful.

Performing Arts 11-16, West Midlands (868)

Only prudent forward planning to carry forward a sum to cover a known falling roll has also helped in this tight financial situation.

Middle, South West (1770)

Box4.5: Deficit Budget - Primary

We have gone from a 68,000 surplus in 2002-3 (earmarked for a major building project) to 80,000 deficit in 2003/4 due to cut in Standards Fund (78,000) and increase of 10% on all staff costs.

Primary, North West (0499)

The school is increasing in size from September 2003 but we need to set a deficit budget to enable the school to operate. The deficit will be repaid over two years due to the rise in roll.

Primary, Yorks & Humb (4923)

Although advised by the Director of Education to consider staff changes to repay the deficit I am not willing to compromise the childrens education and am postponing this until year 3 of the repayment. Who knows, the Government may come to their senses by then!

Primary, Inner London (2944)

Box4.6: Deficit Budget - Secondary

We had already cut our staffing to the bone. Therefore as our numbers are increasing in September, we had to appoint one extra teacher for the extra class. We cannot afford to, but we cannot afford not to.

VA, Comp 11-16, North West (210)

We have taken out a licensed deficit the first in the history of the school. All because of the funding this year we have anxiety, stress and low morale among the staff and governors.

Comp 11-16, Inner London (1208)

We are not running a deficit budget, but I do not expect our proposed budget to work by the end of the financial year.

Comp 11-16, South East (1408)

This year there is not enough money to meet existing staffing even before other costs are contemplated hence a shortfall of circa 400,000.

Found, Tech 11-18, South East (1389)

The governors will not compromise the education of the pupils and so seek a licensed deficit budget.

Sports 11-18, South West (1717)

Box4.7: Other Savings/Earnings - Primary

We can only maintain staff by cutting down on training and resources. We think the teacher is the biggest asset to the children.

Primary, North East, (0182)

From having a healthy 'surplus and looking to expand its staff, the schools current budget has led to cutbacks in two part-time teachers hours and other areas (resources, INSET) in order to preserve all full-time teaching posts at current levels.

Junior, Yorks & Humb (1226)

Due to budget costs staff at this school are donating a day's pay to fund library books.

VC, Primary, East Midlands (1541)

Staffing is only able to be sustained as a 'one off' for 2003/2004 by using all of carry forward saved to target curriculum developments, plus removal of all non-contact time, removal of all professional development training, and severe limitations to capitation expenditure eg:- no spending on curriculum area.

VA, Primary, West Midlands (2299)

We can do no decoration, improvements or purchase of resources this year.

Primary, East (2626)

Only able to keep heads above water by using monies earned by the Head, not covering with supply, no extra resources. This created a carry forward which will not be there next year.

Infant & Nursery, South West (4525)

Box4.8: Other Savings/Earnings - Secondary

We have cut other budgets massively to safeguard teachers posts this year. Next year this will be an impossibility. The leadership group will have to do mass covers.

Arts 11-16, West Midlands (790)

Budget this year has meant no trips or visits, cancellation of clubs, study support, enrichment, minimum capitation just to teach, and then not all posts could be replaced/filled.

Comp 11-16, Inner London (1208)

Assistant Head (MPS+threshold+3M.Pts) and two teachers (MPS+threshold) leaving and replaced by three teachers (one Australian and two Canadians) paid on unqualified scale.

Middle, South East (1533)

In order to maintain staffing levels we have taken a risk with our budget and will, in an emergency, use capital funds to cover the shortfall. This school has very old buildings so using capital money is disastrous in the medium to long term.

Middle, South East (1471)

Box5.1: Impact on Primary Heads and Teachers

Workforce reform on hold - progress we had made in giving staff non-contact time has now been lost. Management team severely depleted.

Primary, North East (0013)

No non-contact time for staff. Key Stage 2 classes 36, 36, 37.

First, North East (0235)

As the head of a small school I have a teaching commitment of 0.9 because I can only afford to pay for 0.1 support. This is not sufficient to cover the workload.

VC, Primary, North West (0879)

I have no money for supply cover. I have covered the deputys as well as my duties during this term. I have even cleaned the school during half-term as I cannot afford temporary cover when a cleaner is sick.

Junior, South East (3529)

We cannot afford to give 2 NQTs 10% PPA time in 2003/4. Pensions, NI and incremental drift in all departments (teaching and non-teaching) have taken ALL the notional extra funding we received in April 2003.

Primary, South East (3731)

After 9 years as a successful head I am resigning due to the added pressures of recent, successive initiatives. There is no deputy or SMT as funds dont allow. My successor is a class teacher with no management experience.

Infant, South West (4227)

Box5.2: Impact on Primary Class Sizes

A sudden fall in budget this year has put great pressure on staffing costs. Re-modelling workforce will be very difficult and class sizes much larger.

Primary, North East (0171)

Class sizes have increased to bring in funding. Bigger classes definitely have an effect on standards.

VA, Primary, North West (0530)

Combining into 3 classes, with one R/Y1/Y2 class of 29 has caused an uproar amongst the parents. We are losing at least five to other schools, with another three possible leavers.

VC, Primary, East Midlands (1449)

The more able and gifted and talented groups brought to an end. Part-time staff now cover instead of following their job descriptions. Morale lowered.

Infant, Outer London (3182)

Legislation for class sizes does not work in small infants schools it is a nightmare to manage and parents blame schools for mishandling numbers.

Infant, South East (3933)

Box5.3: Impact on Teaching in Secondary Schools

A French/Spanish teacher is leaving. We are not replacing her because we are disapplying modern languages in KS4.

Comp 11-16, North West (200)

The combination of falling rolls and tighter budgets mean larger classes, less choice, and greater stress generally and on senior staff in particular.

Comp 13-18, Yorks & Humb (540)

We have lost three posts in spite of a rising roll, because of budget cuts. This means larger classes, fewer sets, fewer lessons in some subjects, and less non-contact time for teachers.

VA, Comp (becoming Bus & Ent) 11-18, Outer London (1227)

Innovation has a cost and puts strain on scarce resources. Our new pathway curriculum KS4 has cost 10,000 to establish, will reduce exclusion and behaviour incidents, but no funding support.

Comp 11-16, South East (1429)

Box 5.4: Quality - Primary

The reduced budget for 2003/4 was a surprise to all involved in school, with little or no notice. It has made provision of similar standards very difficult.

VA, Primary, North West (0897)

Very concerned about the impact our loss will have on the support we offer to class teachers and children. We are inner city, multicultural and very inclusive. Behaviour is good because of a cohesive and consistent policy of support. We will not be able to continue to provide as much. Our deficit is so large we will not be able to clear it in one year.

Primary, East Midlands (1707)

I have been a head for 30 years. Now I have no choice but to undo much of what I have created.

Primary, East (2879)

Having been encouraged to employ more staff to support the many Government initiatives to raise standards, this years standstill budget was a kick in the teeth.

Primary, South East (3768)

We have been well funded but this years reduction/shortfall will set us back no new equipment, redundancies, SD Action plan on hold and OFSTED Action plan delayed.

Primary, South West (4370)

Box5.5: Quality - Secondary

Financial management is taking up a disproportionate amount of time thus distracting from other aspects of headship such as promoting achievement.

Comp 11-16, Yorks & Humb (386)

Whatever national comments are made about recruitment, schools finance etc, the situation on the ground is the most serious ever at present. Standards are threatened.

Comp 13-19, East (940)

After years of making progress on all fronts from being in special measures to excellent Ofsted, it is at risk because of the severe cuts imposed by this years funding.

Comp 11-16, Inner London (1208)

Budget cuts have dramatically affected the ability of the school to address its major priorities for improvement. We have not replaced 7.3 teachers and 5.5 support staff so all aspects of the curriculum will suffer.

VA, Comp 11-18, Outer London (1229)

The knock-on effect of increasing class sizes will have a devastating effect on the health and welfare of the staff.

Lang 12-16, South East (1608)

Box6.1: Workload - Primary

We were hoping to increase support staff, but have had to reduce the hours of those we have.

First, North East (0237)

Reducing teacher workload plans have been shelved this year due to inadequate funding.

First, West Midlands (2206)

I have no idea how I will be able to fund non-contact time for teachers or TA time to carry out more admin tasks.

VA, Primary, East (2464)

It is going to be impossible to implement the new agreement on teacher workload with the current budget.

Primary, Inner London (3059)

There is no way I could meet the needs of non-contact preparation time given my present funding level. The PTR is being increased.

Junior, South East (3961)

The statutory 30 at KS1 makes management very difficult. I will NOT use TAs as cheap teachers this must NOT happen to the teachers role.

Infant, South West (4248)

Box6.2: Workload -Secondary

We were planning on building a network of teaching assistants. I had a carry over of 102,000 which has been wiped out. All our plans are scrapped.

Middle, North East (103)

We cannot meet the demands of the workload agreement and the prospect for the budget next year is dire. Teaching staff reduced by two. Morale is not good.

Comp 11-18, Yorks & Humb (505)

Low morale caused by very real likelihood of compulsory redundancies next year. Many staff looking at posts elsewhere. Impossibility of implementing remodelled workforce; nervousness in teaching assistant/technical support staff.

Comp 11-18, East Midlands (567)

We have been unable to employ additional support staff to implement workload requirements. In addition, we have lost an assistant head whose work will have to be picked up by other members of the leadership group.

Comp 11-18, West Midlands (845)

We are unable to implement teacher workload reforms which would entail employing more support staff and classroom assistants.

VA, Tech Girls 11-16, Inner London (1170)

I am extremely worried about implementing the national workload agreement. I am increasing class sizes at a time when I should be reducing workload. I am teaching more so is my deputy.

Found, Comp 11-18, South East (1576)

EN D PR77d/03