Schools struggling with severe cuts

Released 25/02/2010

Union warns of threat to Scottish education

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has warned that education is under a "very real threat" as a result of "severe cuts" to budgets.

The union released a newsletter with accounts from teachers on the impact of funding cuts, including reports of schools with no white printer paper, no glue sticks and "hardly any" paper towels. It also included claims that staff at one school had to bring in heaters from home to keep warm.

EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said: "These are real cuts, reported by teachers and lecturers from across Scotland, and they are happening now.

"The evidence from education establishments shows the scale of the problem that the budget-cutting agenda is creating right across Scotland.

"Schools and colleges are really struggling to cope with the severe cuts they have experienced and the impact on the resources needed for teaching and learning.
"With further funding cuts to come in the next financial year, it is clear that Scottish education is under a very real threat."

But Education Secretary Mike Russell said the government was giving councils a "rising share" of the total budget

See more news stories like this