Left-wing politician calls for expansion of school social work

Leipzig MP Sören Pellmann is calling for the expansion of school social work in Saxony. According to a press release, the Left Party politician said that the Free State must also support local authorities in financing school social work at grammar schools. He is therefore calling for school social work to be made mandatory by law at all general education schools.

In Saxony, school social work is only required by law in upper secondary schools and community schools. Due to the tight budget situation, some municipalities in Saxony have announced cuts. In Dresden, for example, 25 jobs are at risk of being cut.

"This important work is constantly on the cut lists of Saxony's financial bureaucracy," criticized Pellmann. Against the backdrop of social problems, however, school social work must be expanded, according to the press release. It could support young people in difficult life situations.

The Education and Science Union (GEW) is also calling for an expansion. "The need for school social work is undisputed and the demand is increasing every day," said deputy state chair Claudia Maaß in a statement. The announcement by the CDU and SPD in the coalition agreement to expand school social work must be followed by action. According to GEW, a ratio of one full-time position for every 300 pupils should be gradually achieved by 2030. This would require 1,300 positions, currently there are around 640.