Foundation Phase - £5mill not enough - Williams

11.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th May 2008

In a statement today the Minister for Education has announced an additional £5 million for the Foundation Phase. The Welsh Liberal Democrats warn that this will still fall short of the money needed to fully implement the scheme across Wales.

ADEW estimated that the national shortfall for 2008-9 would be up to 50% or £12.5 million which is more than double the money offered today. The WLGA had asked for £40 million, including funding the pilot schools; today's announcement falls short of this by £10 million.

The new money has been ring fenced for pilot schools and comes from the existing departmental budget, there is growing concern that other school's will not benefit from this new money.

Kirsty Williams AM Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Education said "This extra money will not even cover the shortfalls for 6 of the local authorities in Wales and is half the sum needed for pilot schools alone.

"It is unclear where this money has come from and I fear that yet again we may be robbing Peter to pay Paul.

"Not only is this an inadequate sum of money but it is only aimed at addressing the adult:pupil ratios - there is no mention of tackling the other issues of training staff and making classroom changes for the new curriculum. Where is the additional funding for capital requirements and training?

"I welcome the fact that schools under inspection will not be penalised for WAG's failure to fund the initiative. I am concerned that now that the 1:8 ratio will no longer be statutory we will not see an equal standard for all children across wales.

"The Minister has repeatedly refused to take action despite ongoing shouts of concern from the sector - she's waited months to take action to address this disastrous situation and is now demanding that LA's, teachers and school leaders pull it out of the bag."

Shortfall's 08/09:

Cardiff - £1,600,000

Powys - £1,000,000

Ceridigion - £880,000

Bridgend - £800,000

Swansea - £720,000

Flint - £560,000

Newport - £450,000

ADEW March 2008

The Expenditure Sub Group (ESG) Report 2008/09 - 2010/11 (published summer 2007) said:

"There are several areas of additional costs that will result from the introduction of the FP. It is estimated that the staff-pupil ratios set out in the FP action plan will require approximately 2,800 additional classroom assistants. There will also be additional training costs for both classroom assistants and teachers. The additional budget required for these is estimated to be £30 million in 2008/09, a further £20 million in 2009/10 and a further £10 million in 2010/11. There are also capital implications to ensure good quality indoor and outdoor environments, and additional equipment required to deliver the new curriculum."

The WLGA's evidence to the Finance committee on 8th Nov 2007 asks for the same sum.