The INTO’s pre-budget campaign helped secure the largest-ever increase in primary school capitation, a vital boost to school funding. While welcome, the delay until January and the withdrawal of cost-of-living supports mean schools remain under pressure this autumn.
Despite some progress, serious gaps remain. The refusal to amend the staffing schedule and lack of clarity around ‘new’ teaching posts will leave many schools facing multi-grade teaching and reduced supports for inclusion. The absence of SENCO roles and vague leadership commitments reflect a continued lack of ambition.
