Hi everyone

I just thought that I would take the opportunity to touch base with you all! 

It doesn't feel like much has moved forward over the last couple of years and for those of you still working in education it probably feels like there is little light at the end of the tunnel and I know from the many, many posts that many of you are deciding enough is enough and leaving the profession, and that is so sad as I know for most that chose education as a career it isn't about a job, it is a vocation, but it is just so hard. 

Budget setting this year was so incredibly tough, and left me on my knees for the Easter holidays, and now we have the news that the new education secretary has agreed the Teaching and Support pay awards, and don't worry all but 1% will be funded by a new government grant..............  Coughs............   I am sure you have read the actual news items about that and so I won't labour over it.

We have to acknowledge that the system as it stands currently is broken, and we need a total revamp, encompassing all aspects wellbeing for staff and pupils, funding from the ground roots, a new look/vision for SEN funding, a review of OFSTED from the ground roots up!  Too many are leaving the profession and not enough are stepping into it, there will be a staffing crisis, there is already a funding crisis and throwing hastily thought out new grants is not the answer. 

There is still no firm advice or update in relation to the Sports Premium funding and if as is talked about, we will get an announcement in July to say that it won't continue, that is just too late for schools that will have already entered into contracts for the financial year Apr - Mar, this could be disastrous for schools finance and PE provision, but those that be don't seem to have fully thought that out or considered the repercussions.

With all this in mind, I drafted a new petition on the official Government website, it awaits review by the Government department that oversees it before it is released, that may take two weeks, but once it is live I will share with you and I hope that you will put your name to the petition, calling for a complete overhaul of the education system. 

But for now, happy half term!  I hope that the weather picks up and you enjoy the downtime, you deserve it!

look after yourselves and each other!

Rona