The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru has welcomed an agreement over the Welsh government budget which paves the way for badly needed investment to support children with additional learning needs.
Claire Armitstead, ASCL Cymru Director, said: “Our Executive Committee launched a trade dispute in July to fight for this funding and was ready to take the step of holding an indicative ballot for industrial action among our wider membership in Wales such was the strength of feeling.
“Since then we have negotiated with the Welsh government to reach an agreement which better provides the support these children need.
“We have always understood the budget pressures under which the Welsh government is operating. But supporting children with additional learning needs must surely be a national priority.
“We are grateful to Anna Brychan, the Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, and her officials for the constructive manner in which they have listened and worked with us to resolve this matter.
“Much more remains to be done in the future. The reality is that this investment provides a breathing space rather than a long-term solution.
“Schools in Wales have been underfunded for years and we desperately need a more sustainable approach which ensures they have the resources they need, particularly in respect of additional learning needs. We cannot go on haggling over budgets just to scrape by.
“But today we recognise what has been achieved, the additional support this investment will provide, and the assurance it will give schools. We pay tribute to our members for the manner in which they have stood up for the children they serve.”