As a parent of a child attending one of the schools within the Wensum Trust, I am deeply concerned about their recent plans. The Trust is trying to save money by forcing teaching assistants (TAs) into an untenable position - choosing between redundancy or applying for fewer, newly-created pastoral and learning support (PAL) roles. This plan not only threatens the livelihoods of these dedicated TAs but also jeopardizes the quality of education and support our children receive.

Teaching assistants are invaluable assets in our educational system. According to data from the Department for Education, there were 263,000 full-time equivalent teaching assistants in England's state-funded schools as of November 2020. These professionals provide essential support to teachers and students alike, often working with those who need extra help.

The Wensum Trust’s plan will result in fewer TAs available to assist teachers and students. This could lead to increased class sizes and reduced individual attention for each student - factors that can negatively impact educational outcomes. 

The schools like to regularly remind us parents of their duty to protect the children and report any concerns they may have to the relevant authorities. Well maybe now it’s out turn to report our concerns. It’s not just jobs that will be lost, it will be valuable members of staff who are there to ensure our children’s safety and welfare which is for more important than education and should not be put at risk in an attempt to save money. 

We understand that financial constraints are real; however, we believe there must be other ways for the trust to manage its budget without compromising our children's education, safety or forcing hard-working TAs out of their jobs.

We urge you not just as parents but as concerned citizens who value safe and quality education for all children – please stand with us against this unjust plan by signing this petition today!

#wensumtrust #norfolkschools #fundingcuts #staffcuts #whataboutthechildren