Yesterday, Chancellor George Osborne announced big plans for the Budget of 2016, vowing to invest in England’s schools.
Osborne with the Budget Box, photo from the Guardian
Reformation plans include:
- All schools becoming academies by 2020, or having official plans to do so by 2022 (you can read more on academies and the process of converting schools to academies here)
- Proceeds of the sugar tax on fizzy drinks going towards boosting sport in primary schools
- Longer school days, adding a total of 5 extra hours to the schooling week. These 5 hours may comprise of lessons or extra-curriculur activities, including art and sport
- The consideration of maths becoming compulsory until the age of 18 to help better equip England’s students for the working world
But how will the budget affect children with special needs? This is a question Mark Lever, chief executive of the National Autistic Society, asks. “The government must explain how its plan to make all schools in England become academies will affect children with special educational needs, including autism.
“Local councils will continue to be responsible for making sure the most vulnerable children in their area get the education they deserve but they’ll have to do this without having any control over local schools.” (Budget Sets out Academies Plan and Longer School Days, BBC)
What are your thoughts on the proposed education changes for the 2016 budget?
– Maddie