People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said,
“The Department for Education need to be immediately told its callous decision to slash funding by half for special education needs (SEN) provision in our schools must be reversed.
“After being contacted by parents, teachers and classroom assistants alarmed at this decision, I’ve requested the opportunity to raise the proposed funding cut as a matter of urgency at today’s meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning committee.
“The Council shouldn’t hesitate in putting its weight behind the demand for the DOE to undo this latest damaging funding decision.
“With funding cut from £22 million to £11 million, the number of SEN coordinators in schools will be vastly reduced.
“The value of additional support for children who need it in the classroom is well established. We should be increasing funding to help more children thrive instead of punishing them, punishing their families and punishing educators.
“People Before Profit fully opposes atrocious across the board cuts in the budget of the Tory Secretary of State.
“Other damaging cuts have been reversed when we’ve mobilised in large numbers and made our voices heard. It’s urgent we do this now. The future of some of our most vulnerable children is at stake.”
