NASUWT calls for workload impact audit of changes to the qualifications framework in Scotland

11 June 2009

Commenting on the announcement by the Scottish Government of the revised qualification structure for children and young people, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the fastest growing teachers’ union in Scotland, said:

“The NASUWT welcomes the plans in principle but it is critical that teachers and schools are provided with adequate training and time to prepare, plan and implement the new qualifications.

“Teacher’s capacity is finite and there is already growing evidence that their working hours and workload are increasing.

“The NASUWT welcomes the Scottish Government’s decision to delay implementation of the new National Grade until the academic year 2013/14 to reflect the concerns raised by the Union over the potential burdens the original proposed timescale would have placed on schools.

“However, teachers already have much to contend with as a result of the introduction of the Curriculum for Excellence and without proper breathing space to prepare for the introduction of the qualifications framework there is a risk that teachers will end up overworked and overburdened.”

Jane Peckham, NASUWT Scotland Organiser, said:

"The union was pleased to note that many of its recommendations in response to the consultation on the qualifications shake-up were reflected in the decisions announced today.

“However, the NASUWT will be pressing for further details of how these changes will be paid for.

“Introducing such widespread change to the qualifications structure will incur considerable costs and the Union will be seeking assurances that it will not be teachers who end up footing the bill.”

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