A new survey that reveals that a quarter of teachers have paid for text books for their pupils is shocking, says Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies.

A survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers revealed that 85 per cent of teachers and classroom assistants had paid for stationery, prizes or display items.

Just over half of teachers said the items they had bought were essential for their job, while nearly 30 per cent said they paid for items themselves because their school or college was short of funding.

"To hear that teachers and classroom assistants are having to dip into their own pockets to carry out their jobs properly is shocking," said Mr Davies.

"I know that schools do the best they can with what resources they have but to hear that such a high percentage of teachers have to use their own money for even the basics is appalling.

"I hope the Welsh Assembly Government sit up and take notice. Our schools are obviously not getting enough money to allow teachers and LSAs to do their jobs to the best of their abilities."