Schools in England Facing Staff Shortages Due to Budget Deficit
In England, where a record number of schools are facing budget deficits, the existing staff are struggling to meet the current needs, compounded by the increase in the number of students in general and those with special educational needs.
One in eight schools managed by local authorities reported a budget deficit in the past 2022-23. This rate has been recorded as the largest deficit since schools gained their financial autonomy in 1999. The main reasons for the budget deficit are largely attributed to rising energy costs and staff salaries that are either not fully or partially funded. Following the budget deficit announced in January, the National Education Union warned that the situation in schools would worsen, and laying off staff in many educational institutions would become the “only way out.”
The headteacher of a small primary school in a disadvantaged area of Yorkshire, keeping their name confidential to avoid alarming parents, gave a general assessment to the Observer newspaper. Highlighting that educators are approaching an unsafe period, the headteacher stated, “There will be children in schools who exhibit violence, and unfortunately, there will not be enough staff to manage this.” The headteacher emphasized the seriousness of the situation by mentioning that due to a teacher being laid off in September, they would have to combine a class containing many needy children with upper classes. “You have to do this to balance your budget, but what will be the impact on the children? 'Can the children cope?' we keep asking,” said the headteacher, who also mentioned not having time for poor families who cannot receive financial assistance.