Delargy urges support for school budgets

The British government must fairly fund public services, Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy has said, after it emerged many schools in Derry are operating with large financial deficits

The Foyle MLA was commenting after questioning Education Minister Paul Givan on the issue.

“The minister’s response to my Assembly question paints a stark picture about the financial difficulties facing many schools in Derry,” Pádraig Delargy said.

“A number of schools, from nursery settings right up to post-primary, are dealing with significant budget deficits, sometimes running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“Fifteen years of punitive British government austerity has drained our schools of the necessary tools and resources they need to give our children the best start in life.

“As a former teacher, I know first-hand the incredible work that teachers and school leaders carry out in Derry. However, these financial constraints will clearly impact schools’ ability to deliver for pupils as they struggle to make ends meet.

“Given the growing challenges facing schools across the north — particularly the increasing number of children with special educational needs (SEN) — it is time for the British government to end its persistent agenda of savage cuts.

“The British government must fairly fund the Executive to enable ministers to invest in frontline services and support children, families, and communities.

“Unfortunately the new British Labour government appear wedded to a failed agenda of Tory austerity.”