Nursery World - NUT rejects school reforms

The Government's reforms in schools in England and Wales are to proceed despite the decision by Britain's largest teachers' union to boycott an agreement on the increased use of classroom assistants. David Miliband, school standards minister, stressed last week that the Government would proceed with its reforms although the National Union of Teachers had rejected them. 'We will work with all willing parties to make the most of these benefits for teachers and pupils alike,' he said.

David Miliband, school standards minister, stressed last week that the Government would proceed with its reforms although the National Union of Teachers had rejected them. 'We will work with all willing parties to make the most of these benefits for teachers and pupils alike,' he said.

Mr Miliband described the workload reduction agreement, which would introduce a 1bn package of reforms to schools and was due to be signed yesterday (15 January), as 'a great deal for teachers and pupils'

and said it would also 'deliver major benefits to the education system'.

Last Thursday the NUT's ruling executive unanimously rejected the agreement on the grounds that it would allow classroom assistants in England and Wales to take whole classes. The union said it believed 'such a move would undermine children's education and put in jeopardy the quality of provision available in our schools'.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included