P-05-821 Reintroduce educational support funding for MEAS and the TES to local authorities
This petition was submitted by UNISON Neath Port Talbot, having collected 334 signatures.
Text of Petition
Neath Port Talbot UNISON branch call on Welsh Government to reverse
the decision to cut educational support funding to Minority Ethnic
Achievement Service (MEAS) and the Traveller Education Service
(TES).
The Cabinet Secretary for Education has essentially withdrawn
funding for these groups under the education improvement grant
(EIG). Research shows that Roma and Traveller children have the
lowest attainment rates of any ethnic group in Wales and the EIG is
designed to support their learning and raise
attainment.
In NPT we have a percentage of travellers and minority ethnic
groups in our schools examples of which are Margam and Briton Ferry
who rely on this funding. The council has evidence to show support
workers provide a fantastic service engaging with these ‘hard
to reach’ learners. We want all young people to be able to
reach their potential and support workers are able to champion the
needs of all learners, particularly the vulnerable or
disadvantaged. They build strong relationships with families,
schools and the communities they serve. This reduction in funding
will be devastating and job cuts are already being discussed with
the trades unions. Any redundancy costs will need to be funded from
an already stretched budget provision.
We urge Welsh Government to consult with UNISON and local authorities. Welsh Government must complete an Equality Impact Assessment to ensure monies are allocated to those in need.
Assembly Constituency and Region
· Aberavon
· South Wales West