NUT members are to lobby the Welsh Assembly on 8th December in protest over the budget proposals for education funding. As the Labour and Plaid Cymru coalition prepares to welcome a new First Minister, NUT Cymru are sending a stark reminder that there remain significant issues that must be addressed in the immediate future as the funding of education in Wales lurches from crisis to crisis. The NUT is not alone and has secured support in their campaign from numerous other interested parties. Wales Secretary of the NUT David Evans said:

“We have received messages of support for what we are trying to achieve from Assembly Members, Councillors, Local Authorities and those involved in administering education provision. During the last few weeks, we have secured thousands of signatures to a petition from members of a public horrified to discover that the Welsh Assembly spend on education lags a significant way behind that enjoyed by England’s schools. Their message is clear. Wales must close the gap in spending between the two countries that amounts to £496 per pupil and they must close it now.

“In a recent message to teachers, newly elected Labour Leader Carwyn Jones recognised that the gap did exist and pledged to work to address that concern. But promising a 1% increase the year after next is too little too late. There are children within our schools now who are being affected by class sizes that are too big, resources that are too few and a teaching staff that is stretched too thinly. For them, it is today that counts. Tomorrow will be too late and the Welsh Assembly Government has it within their power to resolve these difficulties sooner rather than later.

“Wales has repeatedly boasted that it aims to construct a world class education system for its youngsters. But the Welsh Assembly Government will always fall short in that ambition as long as it fails to provide sufficient funding. The NUT is not asking for funds in excess of those enjoyed elsewhere. Rather, we are merely seeking parity. That is a realistic goal and an expectation that cannot and should not be ignored.”

Note The NUT rally will be attending the Senedd building from 12.00 pm on Tuesday 8th December 2009. Every AM has already been contacted and asked to meet with the Union’s members and hear their concerns.