Continued from page 14
real concerns regarding SATS, the centralised testing and monitor- ing regime overseen by Ofsted. One positive outcome of Mr Gove’s tenancy however, must surely be
the instigation of the Bew Review. Published last summer, the review, the first of its kind in a decade, actually acknowledged the actions of the unions 2010 boycott of key stage 2 exams, when it stated in its opening pages, ‘The considerable strength of feeling demonstrated by this action contributed directly to this Review being established.’ A timely vindication of the NAHT’s highly pressurised and publicised
stance at the time and one that gives President Chris Harrison hope for the future that in exceptional circumstances, actions speak loud- er than words. ‘We have demonstrated that through persuasive, determined argument rooted in well researched evidence we can influence policy decisions and initiatives,’ he says in the introductory notes to this year’s conference. ‘This must continue, as the NAHT members who took decisive action in 2010 were key to achieving an independent review and significant change. The outcome was a mile- stone in a long journey,’ he concluded. Unfortunately, the words of politicians are not only multifarious,
but inevitably cast in digital stone on any number of websites, where they wait patiently, biding their time until that inevitable con- tradiction or backpedal. For Michael Gove, that may well be his ref- erence at last year’s conference to being, ‘A champion for school leaders in the debate on pensions’, as well as acknowledging that,
The theme for the 2012 May conference will be ‘Fighting for Change – Protecting our Future’
Working closely with Sea Watch Foundation to ensure a wildlife friendly Eco tour of our beautiful unspoilt coastline
One and two hour dolphin spotting cruises and 2, 4 and 8 hour fishing trips, departing daily aboard the ‘ERMOL 5’ and ‘ERMOL 6’
‘All of you could be earning more in another profession.’ Coming as he did from a lofty position within the private sector,
General Secretary Russell Hobby may well agree. ‘School leaders could earn significantly higher salaries (and potentially bonuses, stock options and generous pensions) as directors in the private sector,’ he said after last year’s conference. ‘It is true that the aver- age public sector salary is close to that of the private sector, but this is only the average. It is not true for senior leadership positions, where executive pay and bonuses in the private sector far outstrip those of the public sector.’ Mr Hobby further added that in real terms, if the recommenda-
tions of the Hutton Inquiry are implemented it will in effect mean an average loss of salary to the tune of £140 per month for head- teachers. The industrial action of 2010 may have been the first of its kind in the Union’s 115-year history, but Mr Hobby hasn’t ruled out a further boycott in 2012.
Defend pensions With members voting overwhelmingly for the, ‘National Executive
to take all action necessary to defend pensions up to and including balloting on industrial action,’ Michael Gove’s championing of their cause will certainly be put to the test. ‘This does not commit us irrevocably to industrial action,’ Russell Hobby was quick to add. ‘There is still room for negotiation, and there are many actions short of striking that we could take. Nevertheless, it is a strong message, and starts us off on the road to potential action unless some serious response is made.’ Contentious subjects aside, this year’s conference will also act
upon delegate feedback from last year’s event by initiating a pro- gramme of seminars. Running throughout Saturday, 5 May, subjects covered will include Dealing with the Media, Disciplinary Issues, Assessment and the Reading Recovery Programme. Delegates to this year’s conference will also enjoy a wine reception and recital by the Barnsley Brass Band followed by a dinner and disco, to be held at local Victorian landmark, the Majestic Hotel.
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