This year will see all seats in Wirral Council facing election. This is an excellent opportunity to ask candidates about the key issues facing education.
We have put together these questions for you to ask the candidates on the doorstep or when you see them campaigning. These have been sent to each political party for sharing with candidates with an invite to complete a form so we can hold councillors to account for their commitments and also to publicise those that truly value educators and education. Please encourage candidates to contact ian.harris@neu.org.uk for a link to the survey
1. Do you agree that schools should be run within an open framework, which is democratically accountable to local communities?
2. Will you pledge that if elected you will do all you can to ensure that local schools remain accountable to their communities, including resisting any attempts at further forced academisation?
3. Do you agree that schools should have governance structures that give a voice to staff, parents and the wider community?
4. Despite some Government intervention, almost 90% of schools in Wirral will have a funding shortfall this year, with a reduction of £117 in per pupil spending. This is reflected in rising class sizes, a reduction in the curriculum, staffing cuts and reduced budgets for maintaining school buildings. If elected, will you commit to supporting campaigns for the restoration of education spending across all sectors?
5. The recent pay offer from the DfE was overwhelmingly rejected by the NEU and other education unions. If elected will you campaign for a pay rise for all teachers that reflects inflation and is fully funded by the Government?”
6. Child poverty remains at endemic levels in the UK, and 87% of NEU members in England reporting that they commonly experience problems concentrating and tiredness among disadvantaged pupils. Will you call on the Westminster Government to develop a cohesive child poverty reduction strategy and commit to a target date by which child poverty will be eradicated in the UK?
7. The experiences of recent years have highlighted that the existing assessment system is not fit for purpose. Will you support the NEU’s campaign for an assessment system that fits the needs of the 21st century?
8. Do you agree that the education system should empower professionals and support the eradication of inequality from our society rather than focusing on a narrow curriculum and an oppressive accountability regime? If elected, what will you do to contribute towards this aim?
9. Are you aware of the NEU Councillor’s Network? If not, would you like details about it and how to join?