Daily roundup: Birmingham cuts, school libraries facing closure and armed forces to work with pupils

Birmingham City Council may cut more than £23m from its children, young people and families budget next year. Proposals outlined in a consultation document published by the local authority amount to a £110m saving for 2013/14 across the authority. Within the proposed children's services savings, voluntary sector services for children and young people would see a £4.4m reduction and £3m would go from children’s centres. Savings from home-to-school transport, children's homes and youth services are also proposed. Leader of the council Albert Bore told the Birmingham Post that he blames the cut in central government’s grant to the authority.

A fifth of school libraries face closure, according to research. A survey of more than 90 local authorities by the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP) found that of the 62 per cent that did provide a school library service, a quarter were reviewing services with closure under consideration. Forty per cent said funding for next year would be lower than in 2011/12. “The threat to so many schools library services is a serious concern,” said Barbara Band, school librarian and CILIP vice-president for 2013. “Across the country they contribute to children’s attainment and education by promoting reading, teaching essential research skills, improving literacy, lending books and resources, supporting teachers and arranging events and author visits.”

Former armed services personnel have received £1.9m of Department for Education funding to improve educational achievement among pupils disengaged with education. As part of the government’s Troops to Teachers programme, trainers at four projects in Cheshire, Kent, Newcastle and Merseyside will work with teachers, schools and parents to develop teamwork, discipline and leadership in school children through mentoring, outdoor learning and group exercises. “Every child can benefit from the values of a military ethos,” said Education Secretary Michael Gove. “Self-discipline and teamwork are at the heart of what makes our armed forces the best in the world – and are exactly what all young people need to succeed."