NUT Cymru have welcomed the news that there are additional monies to be made available to Local Education Authorities for the funding of the innovative Foundation Phase that was implemented in Primary and Infant schools across Wales in September. As the Welsh Assembly Government outlined its proposed budget for 2009 Wales Secretary David Evans commented:

“The introduction of an additional £20 million specifically for the Foundation Phase in 2009 – 10 and a further £40 million in 2010 – 11 is good news for all those involved in implementing the Foundation Phase for 3 – 7 year olds. The NUT had always expressed concerns regarding the proposed levels of funding which initially were inadequate. But this latest announcement clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when the Assembly works with trade unions to achieve a common goal. All who have sat around the table at the Foundation Phase Task and Finish Group meetings remained enthusiastic about this new initiative that will be of great benefit to our youngsters. Together we were able to identify and then address the serious shortcomings in the original proposals.

“I am informed that the new money being found to secure the scheme has been based upon accurate projections for the next 2 years including staffing costs to secure the appropriate adult pupil ratio and training requirements. I now look forward to seeing how those projections have been calculated. For now, at least, we will celebrate the fact that there is, in total, an extra £60 million. The challenge continues in ensuring that the availability of those extra funds continues as the cost of the full implementation increases.

“We also call upon the Local Authorities to now take stock of their own positions and provide indicative budgets to their schools at the earliest opportunity so that they can properly plan for their futures secure that adequate funding is available.”

Contact David Evans, NUT Cymru, Tŷ Sinnott, 18 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ. Tel: 02920 491818. Mob: 07815 071164 e-mail: cymru.wales@nut.org.uk