School specialists to strike over cuts

Tony Harrison: cuts “beggar belief”

TEACHERS who provide specialist support in Oldham’s schools will strike tomorrow over plans to axe their jobs.

Oldham Council wants to scrap its team of English, maths, behaviour and attendance, science and modern language specialists from April 1.

The ethnic minority team is also going as part of the council’s proposals to save £41 million next year. It works in schools with pupils who arrive from abroad with little or no English.

The National Union of Teachers said that its members in the teams were striking as a last resort following “fruitless and frustrating” meetings with the council.

Branch secretary Tony Harrison said 20 jobs were going and added: “Cutting these teams will impact on all sections of Oldham’s community, especially the working class and ethnic minorities.’

“Standards have risen dramatically in Oldham over the last five years, in primary and secondary schools, in English, maths and science as a consequence of the work and dedication of these teachers and advisers. Their work is highly valued by schools, parents and communities.

“Yet we are looking at future generations of Oldhamers growing up and becoming disadvantaged educationally, with impoverished opportunities, because they haven’t achieved fully in maths, English and other important subjects.

“The English language unites all of us in the different communities across Oldham. This is a cornerstone of our community cohesion. It really is incredible and beggars belief that after April Oldham won’t be able to offer its own team of English and maths specialists to work with schools.”

Schools will instead buy in services, but Mr Harrison added: “The council talks about choice but the schools have now lost the option for good of buying back these quality local professionals and their services.

“The local authority has shown in negotiations that they are hiding behind the Government cuts. Their real agenda is to replace local authority support to schools with private companies, through a process they call commissioning.

“Private contractors don’t have a track record of success with Oldham schools. They will cost the council taxpayer more than local authority workers, they are just out to make a fast buck.’

Oldham’s 2011-12 budget will be set by the full council on February 23.