Parents have called out the “unfair” funding structure which sees schools in neighbouring Hackney and Newham get more financial support
Teachers at a Walthamstow school are on strike for two weeks over a “detrimental” staff restructure caused by funding cuts. The National Education Union claims Henry Maynard Primary School in Maynard Road is being forced to pay back historical loans to Waltham Forest Council, which has made its difficult financial situation even worse.
In order to balance its books and meet these debt repayments, the union said the school has no option but to undergo a “massive” staff restructuring with personnel cuts across both infant and junior sites. Teachers fear this will leave them overstretched and dealing with larger classrooms, while parents are concerned their children will get less individual attention to support their learning.
Last week, the school informed parents it would not be open again until Monday, June 8, with both strike weeks taking place around the May half-term. Both parents and Waltham Forest Council have also criticised the Government’s “unfair” funding structure which sees Inner London boroughs receive more cash per pupil compared to outer parts of the city.
Teachers in neighbouring Hackney and Newham can also earn up to £6,000 more per year for working the same job, despite Waltham Forest experiencing similar housing and cost of living issues.
Zoe Brodie-Jones, whose daughter is in Year 2, said the community feels powerless to stop the restructure which will impact their children’s schooling. “The whole thing feels quite sad,” she told MyLondon. “We moved here eight years ago and we heard so much about all the great schools in the area.
“It was a reassuring thing to hear that we’re sorted for 15 years of schooling, so to know these funding issues are happening across the borough is saddening. We don’t want to move, and moving kids out of their school only makes the funding problem worse, but this all feels like a vicious cycle. The teachers are striking because there’s no other way to put pressure on the council and government.
“My daughter loves school, when I told her she couldn’t go in she cried. This is such an on-the-nose example of how important the school is. How many children would cry if they’re told they’re missing school?”
Another parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said the funding cuts would be “detrimental” to the Henry Maynard School, questioning why a “beloved community school that’s doing everything right” would be hamstrung by “unfair” cuts.
Mathilda Simmons, whose daughter is in reception, said teachers have the full support from parents over their decision to strike. “It’s just a real shame,” she told MyLondon. “It’s a fantastic school and the teachers work so hard. For them to feel under threat, and for the school to feel that it’s not valued is so upsetting.
“The situation has left me feeling really disappointed with the council, they’re not valuing the kids here. This is one of the most densely populated areas in the country for under 5s, a lot of children here are going to suffer if we don’t get the funding we need.”
A spokesperson for Waltham Forest Council said funding cuts have been driven by a significant decline in pupil numbers across London, leaving Henry Maynard School with a shortfall of 137 students and a government budget deficit of £500k. The authority did not respond to the union’s claim about recalling historic loans when approached by MyLondon.
“The council has for many years lobbied successive governments for the level of funding that the borough needs,” they added. “We are classed as an outer London borough, yet we have inner city needs. We have many times pointed out that it is simply not fair that a teacher working in neighbouring Hackney can expect to be paid £6,000 more per year for doing the same job. We will continue to press this point as often and forcefully as we can. “Henry Maynard School – like any public sector body – has a duty to balance its books and ensure it can continue to operate efficiently. We understand that staffing restructures cause frustration and concern for all involved. We have done and will continue to do all we can to support the school and governing body to achieve long-term financial sustainability. “The council does not anticipate a need for compulsory redundancies, and we are therefore concerned about strike action that is currently disrupting students’ learning at a key time for their development. We urge all parties to come together and achieve a resolution that means pupils can continue to learn, with recognition of the pressures on schools caused by falling pupil numbers. “Ensuring local children receive a high-quality education that sets them up for future success is one of the most important roles the council has. We are very proud of the high standards set by our schools.”
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