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NEWS


Academy Schools: Issues for Governors

The NASUWT has produced a package of guidance and advice on all aspects of the Government’s academy schools programme, including this new publication aimed at school governors in England.

It aims to counter some of the myths surrounding conversion to academy status, including funding, costs and legal responsibilities, and offers a detailed breakdown of the true implications of the Government’s policy for schools.

It sets out the NASUWT’s belief that the education system should be publically owned and democratically accountable and urges governors to adopt a model resolution affirming their belief in and support for state education.

For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk/Academies.


Free Schools

This fact-filled booklet looks at the Coalition Government’s adoption of the Swedish free school model. Whilst the UK Coalition Government continues to promote free schools, serious concerns are being raised about their educational effectiveness.

For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk/FreeSchools.


The Case Against the Cuts

The Coalition Government has argued that there is no alternative to tackling the financial deficit facing the UK than by making deep cuts to public expenditure. However, the NASUWT believes that there is an alternative and that cutting public services risks deepening the economic malaise and consigning a generation of young people to the scrapheap.

The Case Against the Cuts sets out the NASUWT’s argument, exploring how, through the introduction of a ‘Robin Hood Tax’ on global financial transactions, making a number of efficiencies in procurement and school balances and utilising economies of scale, damaging cuts can be avoided.

A dedicated version has been produced for Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.

For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk/ChampioningEducation.


Model school policy on planning

To assist NASUWT members in exerting downward pressure on working hours and achieving a reasonable work/life balance, the Union has developed a model policy to set out the important principles that should guide effective approaches to planning in the UK. The NASUWT believes planning should be streamlined and non-bureaucratic, should not be subject to frequent scrutiny by managers and should meet the needs of teachers, rather than employers.

For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk/Curriculum.


Induction Planner

The NASUWT has produced a spiral-bound interactive planner to help guide newly qualified teachers and probationers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland through their first year in the classroom.

The planner provides a comprehensive guide to the rights and responsibilities of new teachers, the rules on induction and a wealth of top tips on common issues new teachers may face in the classroom.

It incorporates space for users to add their own notes, lists and a log of progress and development.

The planner forms part of the extensive support the NASUWT offers to new teachers to ensure they have the best possible start to their careers. Newly qualified teachers will receive a free copy on joining the NASUWT.

For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk/NewTeachers.


Estyn inspection advice

The revised inspection process for schools in Wales came into force in September and the NASUWT has produced a series of advice documents tailored for school leaders, union representatives and teachers. The guidance provides an overview of the main features of the revised system, along with NASUWT advice designed to ensure that the process of preparing for or responding to an inspection is not burdensome or bureaucratic for schools.

For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk/Inspection.


For more information, go online at www.nasuwt.org.uk for all NASUWT publications