Save Our STLS: Strike and Demonstration 25th February

Kent Branch National Education Union (NEU) have called a strike and demonstration at 8am on Wednesday 25th February to protest Kent County Council’s (KCC’s) attacks on the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS).

Specialist teachers are an invaluable part of learning, providing essential and varied support for children with special educational needs. KCC’s own data state that 91% of educators believe the STLS has a positive impact. Yet the council, which has already removed many of the really useful aspects of the service, are threatening to reduce its scope even further. Doing so will cause some of Kent’s most vulnerable children to face additional and onerous obstacles to learning.

The Reform-led council has proposed these changes without consulting the specialist teachers themselves, who possess vital expertise in their particular fields. This is perhaps to be expected from a party whose basic philosophy seems to involve wholesale denial of accommodations and supports for those needing them most, under the smokescreen of saving money. By contrast, the Green Party would support an increase in school funding of £8bn, including raising teachers’ pay, to ensure that every child thrives in school.

It is hoped next Wednesday’s protest will increase awareness of just how crucial the STLS is within the education sector. If you’re on Facebook, please consider liking, commenting on and/or sharing the NEU’s post about the forthcoming demonstration.

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