| Greater role beckons for School Support Staff |
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| Monday, 05 September 2005 15:47 | |||
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School teachers in England are now legally entitled to put aside a fixed amount of time for the planning, preparation and assessment of lessons. Their right to devote 10% of their timetable to this work, as of 1st September 2005 has been hailed by the government as an "historic" change to teachers working conditions. UNISON welcomed the move as an opportunity for school support staff, many of whom we represent, to play a greater role in delivering education. Recognising planning, preparation and assessment time is the third phase of changes to the way teachers work, designed to ensure they can spend as much of their time as possible actually teaching and raising standards. It follows the freeing of teachers from administrative tasks and the limitation of teaching cover to 38 hours per year. Schools minister Jacqui Smith said the move is "about raisinig standards, as it will give teachers dedicated time within the current timetable, to plan and prepare for their lessons and help to personalise the education our young people receive. It "will not only benefit pupils, but will aslo help to reduce workload and pressure on teachers". Welcoming the move, UNISON head of education services Christina McAnea said "the introduction of planning, preparation and assessment time gives schools the opportunity to use our members knowledge, skills and experience. "AT the same time, we ask that recognition is given to those members of staff covering this time by paying them at the correct level"
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