Support staff are on the frontline as funding cuts take hold and school leaders are forced to make unpalatable decisions, warns Jon Richards

I have spent the start of this year out and about meeting activists and members, getting a feel of the main issues and planning our work for 2017.

I was a branch secretary many years ago so know how much voluntary work our activists put in. Consequently, I am always keen that nationally our work makes things easier for our activists on the frontline. This year that is going to be very tough.

Unsurprisingly, funding is at the forefront of people’s minds. The last couple of years, when the Department for Education (DfE) workforce data for England has come out, I have pointed out to my National Schools Committee the overall increase in support staff numbers. In return, members of the committee have expressed amazement, as all they have seen is constant restructuring and job cuts.

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