The main topic of discussion arising from backbench questions at this month’s council meeting was school finances – particularly the impact of cuts on recruitment and pupil behaviour.
Cllr. Steven Bletsoe (Ind, Bridgend Central) was “extremely concerned” that 28 of 59 schools in the county – almost half – were expecting to run a budget deficit for 2023-24. Many councillors in the chamber are also school governors and there are fears about what cuts might be coming in the future.
Cllr. Bletsoe provided first-hand accounts from teachers. One had to exclude pupils for the first time because they weren’t getting proper support so their behaviour deteriorated to the point where the school was left with no other option.
The second example highlighted that the lack of money to replace staff has resulted in maths and English teachers also teaching IT as well.
Cllr. Alex Williams (Ind, Pencoed & Penprysg) asked what the current thinking was on next year’s budget. Headteachers have been tasked with modelling for different situations.
Cllr. Tim Thomas (Ind, St. Brides Minor & Ynysawdre) raised concerns from educational psychologists about cuts to school therapeutic staff. This has had an impact across the UK in terms of worsening behaviour and increased exclusions.
Additionally, Cllr. Martin Hughes (Lab, Maesteg East) asked how Bridgend compared with neighbouring authorities on waiting lists for specialist neurodevelopmental assessments.
“No quick fix” to post-pandemic bad behaviour problems
While the Cabinet Member for Education, Jon-Paul Blundell (Lab, Cefn Glas), would like to make assurances on finances it was impossible.
Even with additional money, a lot of that would be eaten up by inflation and even a small drop in pupil numbers can affect school finances.
One area of focus was to cut school running costs by investing in ways to reduce energy bills.
Corporate Director for Education, Lindsay Harvey, expressed admiration for governing bodies. They were in a “very challenging position”, though all local authorities were in a similar position.
All governing bodies have seen increases in fixed-term and permanent exclusions over the last two years; there normally aren’t that many in Bridgend. There are also recruitment challenges in science, maths and technology subjects.
On a more positive note, Bridgend has provided a full pay increase to school staff, while the council’s investment in educational engagement has had positive feedback.
Cllr. Blundell added that there was a strategy in place to improve school behaviour and attendance – working with at-risk pupils directly – but there was “no quick fix”.
Additionally, the 18-month waiting time for a neurodevelopmental assessment in Bridgend was half that of Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
