NAHT Annual Conference kicked off in style this afternoon with new president Paul Gosling imploring government to “listen to the voice of school leaders and work with them”.

In a wide ranging speech which commenced proceedings at the conference, currently taking place in Telford, Paul shared his own experiences of headship, citing school funding, pay, and access to mental health provision as particular areas of concern.

Speaking to the latter point, Paul said “as I am sure every school leader in this room will also attest, accessing mental health services for children in my school has become almost impossible. As a school, we do all we can to help with children’s mental health issues. Still, there are a growing number of children whose needs outstrip the resources we have; they need professional help. But, unless these primary aged children are an extreme danger to themselves or others, the wait for help is interminable”.

On school funding, Paul pointed out the particular challenge that exists in relation to SEND provision: “my school's biggest funding issue is the current state of funding for children with special educational needs. SEND funding needs fixing urgently. Exeter Road is a magnet school; just under ten per cent of our pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan, and we regularly have children joining our school as their needs cannot be met elsewhere. However, although we take pride in our reputation for including all children in our work, each time a new child joins the school with an EHCP, it is a blow to our financial plans as the high needs top-up funding provided does not meet the costs that we incur. It is not right, and it is not fair.”

Paul also articulated the stark realities of the consequences of the state of teacher pay: “This very month, one of my best full-time teaching assistants was evicted from her home as she could no longer afford the rent. We must have pay levels in schools that enable us to attract and keep high-quality staff at all levels, the children deserve no less, and we must not be shy to speak up about pay for teachers and school leaders”.

Paul rounded his speech to delegates off by reflecting on the conference’s theme of compassion, humanity and solidarity, and how these are espoused by the profession.

“Compassion for those living in poverty by actively campaigning to end child poverty so that every child can grow up in conditions that enable them to come to school well-fed, well-rested and correctly clothed so they can engage fully with the incredible educational opportunities that we provide for them. Humanity in understanding that being a parent or carer is not an easy job. The human condition is complicated, and there are times when people need help which is why NAHT is campaigning for investment in pupil and family support services. If that help and support are not there, we risk damage to families and to children’s life chances. And standing in solidarity with our colleagues as we campaign for better pay for those working in education and better funding for schools and academies.”