It is surprising that your article “Our experts on the public services manifesto pledges” (Society, 7 June) does not mention education, despite it being the third most important issue of the general election. Parents, teachers, governors, local authorities and many MPs have voiced their very real and pressing concerns about the state of school budgets. Heads are having to plead with parents for additional funds to cover everything from glue sticks to building repairs. Many schools are being forced to close early, class sizes are increasing and subjects being dropped from the curriculum. All this to balance the books. Schools are not crying wolf, they really do not have the money to provide the education children and young people deserve. For some headteachers the situation is so intolerable that resignation has been the only option. In 2017 this simply should not be happening. For a world class education system we need well-resourced and properly funded schools.
Kevin Courtney
General secretary, National Union of Teachers
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