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NEWS • VIEWS • INFORMATION • ADVICE


THE BIG QUESTION

Coalition achieves in only one year the level of teacher demoralisation it took the last Tory Government 18 years to achieve

NASUWT members responding to the Union’s Big Question survey of teachers’ across the UK gave a resounding vote of no confidence in the education policies of the Coalition Government.

97% of respondents stated that they did not believe the Coalition’s policies would improve education. Opposition was even deeper in the devolved nations where only 1% in Northern Ireland and Wales and 2% in Scotland felt their Government’s policies would improve education.

Nearly half of teachers reported their job satisfaction had fallen in the last year and were seriously considering leaving the profession.

The Big Question survey aimed to explore members’ experiences on key issues, including pay, pupil behaviour and job satisfaction. Thousands of teachers and school leaders responded.

Pay and Pensions

78% of teachers believed they should receive a pay rise in line with inflation, particularly in the light of increases in VAT and National Insurance.
68% of teachers state they could not afford to pay more in pension contributions.
Overall, 57% of members stated they would consider opting out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme if the changes would leave them significantly worse off. The situation was even worse in the devolved nations where over 60% believed they would be forced to exit the scheme.
Nearly three quarters of newly qualified teachers believed they would not be able to pay more towards their pensions and suggested they would consider opting out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
71% of disabled teachers state they would not be able to afford a rise in pension contributions and 70% of black and minority ethnic (BME) teachers were considering opting out of the scheme.

Behaviour and Discipline

78% of teachers overall believed that poor pupil behaviour is a widespread problem. Concerns were worst in Northern Ireland where 84% of members reported fears over student conduct.
BME and disabled teachers appear to experience more problems with poor behaviour than teachers overall, with 84% and 87% respectively stating that this was a concern for them.
68% of members believed that lack of support from parents was the most important factor associated with poor behaviour.

Workload

This continues to be a major cause for concern for teachers with 74% stating it was a major issue. Workload is a greater issue for women teachers (76%) and young teachers (77%).
In Northern Ireland administration and cover were cited as the biggest factors driving up teachers’ workload. This reflects the failure to introduce the same contractual rights for teachers in Northern Ireland as exist in England and Wales.
Similarly in Scotland, 57% of respondents identified curriculum changes as the main driver, reflecting the increase in workload as a result of the introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence.

QTS

85% believe the removal of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will undermine the provision of high-quality education.

Job satisfaction

Less than a fifth of teachers feel empowered to do their job effectively. q Over half of respondents overall stated they felt their wellbeing was seen as important.

Academies

Teachers in academies had greater issues with behaviour than teachers in general: chatter in class (72% compared to 66% in general), failure to bring in correct equipment (67% compared to 51% in general) and failure to complete work (72% compared to 61% in general).
Fewer academy teachers felt they were respected as professionals (68% compared to 72% in general).
Fewer academy teachers believed their work was valued (64% compared to 68% in general).


ipad winners

The NASUWT offered all members who responded to the Big Question the chance to enter a draw to win an ipad.

The lucky winners were Helen Wilson from Nottinghamshire and Beverley Forsythe from Co Antrim.

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