The Live Wire



Press Release

NUT on supply teachers

24 April 2011

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said;

“The NUT has always been concerned that the inappropriate implementation of 'rarely cover'* would lead to an even greater use of unqualified cover supervisors and teaching assistants.

“Sadly this has proved to be the case. It is entirely possible that we will see an even greater increase in this trend as head teachers and local authorities look to make savings in their budgets.

“It is imperative on those responsible for the education of our children and young people, that balancing the books does not come at the expense of the quality of education parents and pupils themselves expect to receive.

“It should be an absolute given that the person teaching a class of children has the skills and knowledge to do so. As the ComRes Opinion Poll, commissioned by the NUT, shows parents clearly would not find it acceptable for their own child to be in lessons with an unqualified person.** This is not teaching.

“The introduction of agencies who clearly do make a profit has meant that the pay on offer to qualified teachers is below the appropriate scale in many cases. In addition pension contributions are not being offered by the organisation they work for, which will have serious implications for those teachers later on in life.

“The NUT is the only organisation that has continually campaigned on the policy of a qualified teacher for every class. Supply teaching through agencies was the first, and completely by stealth, privatisation of the education service. It is a disgrace that it has gone on so long and an urgent remedy is needed.”

Notes:

*The 'rarely cover' provisions became law in September 2009 and are meant to ensure that teachers only cover for absent colleagues in exceptional circumstances.

**A ComRes opinion poll of 2,003 adults carried out between 13th and 15th April found an overwhelming 89% of adults surveyed would prefer their child to be taught by a university graduate who is a qualified teacher.



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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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