School leaders’ union NAHT Cymru has called for ‘fair funding for Wales, as it launches its general election manifesto for the country.

The union says the poll comes at a ‘watershed’ moment for Welsh education, with many schools stretched to breaking point by funding pressures.

While education is devolved to the Welsh Government, NAHT Cymru says its ‘resounding question’ for prospective UK Parliament candidates is whether they would ‘use your influence to support a greater devolved settlement for Wales’.

Its manifesto – For Their Future - says the funding the Welsh Government receives from Westminster is ‘not enough’.

It adds: ‘For too long, the Welsh Government has blamed a poor settlement via the Barnett formula - the means by which Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get their share of funding from the Treasury.

‘It is clear from independent research that the formula does not favour Wales and should be reviewed.’

But the document also makes the point that the Welsh Government ‘must cut its cloth accordingly’ and act on the recommendations of a 2019 school funding review by ensuring more equitable per pupil funding is equitable and ending the postcode lottery in core funding of schools.

Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, said: “School leaders and their staff are being expected to deliver a first-rate education with one hand tied behind their backs as they are forced to cut teachers and support staff, reduce the curriculum, delay repairs, and work longer hours. They are running on empty, and it is harming their well-being and mental health.

“Pupils are more likely to be taught in bigger classes or by non-specialists, while it is harder to ensure vulnerable children, including young people with additional learning needs, receive the right support.

“We need the Welsh Government to do more to prioritise education within its existing funding envelope.

“But at the same time, the general election and the funding crisis facing schools provides would-be MPs in Wales with clear evidence to make the case for a fairer funding settlement loud and clear.”

Paul Whiteman, NAHT’s general secretary, added: “Education is vital to children’s learning, happiness and life chances, as well as to the future prosperity of Wales.

“Yet schools simply don’t have the funding they need to ensure all children get the education they deserve.

“It feels as though this year will be a watershed moment in determining whether schools are supported to stem the tide of cuts and build for the future - or whether this will become a flood which causes real damage to pupils’ learning, despite the best efforts of school leaders.

“Politicians of all colours need to work together to prioritise and invest in our children’s education.”

NAHT Cymru says its asks of the Welsh Government remain the same and are unaffected by the Westminster election. These include restoring pay to 2010 levels in real terms with fully funded increases, reducing workload, rebuilding vital support services that sit around schools and early years settings, and ensuring all pupils can access help with their mental health.