The National Union of Teachers this week warned that lack of investment in post-16 education is forcing some schools to charge students for basic resources such as course textbooks.
Having waved my eldest child off to university last weekend after months of sorting out student loans and the like, I am acutely aware of how tight finances are in the post-18 education sector. It seems that lack of cash is now filtering down into mainstream schooling.
The wide range of subjects sixth forms and colleges must now offer naturally means budgets are spread ever thinner. The knock-on effect is students may start to feel unable to take some subjects because they cannot afford to pay for the course materials they need.
Over the years, I have frequently dipped into my pocket to pay for various extras for school. But isn't education one of the major items (along with health care) we pay our taxes for?
If schools can no longer provide books, then perhaps it's time MPs stopped filing expenses claims for new kitchens in their private homes.
Also, if there really is a serious funding crisis in education, how has the Treasury so magically found enough spare cash this week to promise vouchers worth up to £700 to give free lap-tops to selected pupils?
Only a few years back, there was a huge fanfare about the government providing every school in the country with internet access and installing banks of computers in every classroom, even in reception where four-year-olds are still getting to grips with the alphabet, never mind being up to speed with keyboard skills. Our schools are now so magnificently kitted out with high-tech gear, is there really a need to buy individual lap-tops for kids to take home with them?
Can't we just get the basics right first – and doesn't that start with good old-fashioned course textbooks?
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The full article contains 334 words and appears in Diss Express newspaper.
