Schools struggling with workload reforms

Many schools are still struggling with the Governmentís planned changes for reforming the role of teachers and administrative staff in schools according to nationwide educational recruitment company, Select Education plc.

As the new term starts in schools across England and Wales this week, changes are supposed to be in place to limit the number of hoursí cover that teachers provide when colleagues are off sick or are unavailable because they are involved in training or other activities. The new reforms are part of the Governmentís overall plan to reduce teachersí workload and to make more use of ancillary staff to enable teachers to carry out their role without being distracted by administrative tasks. The reforms mean that heads are expected to ensure that they have appropriately trained staff to provide cover for both short and long term absences. However, according to Select Education, many heads are expressing concerns as to whether they will be able to implement the changes immediately, as expected by the Government.

Select Educationís Marketing and Projects Director, John Dunn, explained, ëOur offices throughout the UK are in touch with hundreds of schools daily, and many say that they are not able to implement the reforms immediately. Our offices have all been fully briefed on the Governmentís Workforce Reform and the new Regulations, which we welcome, and they are actively helping schools to implement the reforms by providing appropriately-trained teachers and teaching assistants.í


This termís changes are the second phase of the Governmentís reforms. Last September, schools were expected to relieve teachers of administrative and clerical burdens such as collecting dinner money or creating classroom displays. John Dunn commented, ëItís clear from our discussions with schools that many teachers are still carrying out these tasks, even though contracts may no longer require them too. Many teachers will have spent several days before term starts getting their classrooms ready.í


Between now and next September, heads must put in place plans to guarantee a minimum of 10% time within the timetabled teaching day for planning, preparation and assessment. John Dunn said, ëThis will place considerable pressure on staffing in schools, but now that some 10% of the teaching workforce works flexibly, and now that there is a clearer development path for teaching assistants, it should be possible for most schools to implement the next stage of reform on time.í