I am concerned that the debate over budget cuts is focusing on the loss of teachers.
Of course we don’t want to reduce the number of teachers and increase class sizes, but neither do we want to reduce the number of classroom assistants.
Their role has changed beyond recognition over recent years to become a vital part of the delivery of a balanced curriculum. Initiatives such as the literacy hour would not have been implemented as efficiently without their input.
Rather than cutting budgets, the Government and local authorities should be exploring ways of providing sufficient funds to enhance their pay to value their work.
Ian Money Headteacher Suffield Park infant school Cromer, Norfolk
