NASUWT Representatives

www.nasuwt.org.uk105Workforce Remodelling– the National AgreementThe historic National Agreement, signed in January 2003 by theprevious Government, employers and school workforce unions,has radically altered the teacher’s contract and conditions ofservice. The changes to the terms and conditions ofemployment secured by the National Agreement apply toteachers employed by LAs and the governing bodies offoundation and voluntary aided schools. It aims to raisestandards and tackle workload issues, allowing teachers toconcentrate on teaching.Notwithstanding the significant changes to the terms andconditions of employment of teachers and headteachersplanned by the Coalition Government, NASUWTRepresentatives should be aware that the key contractualprovisions of the National Agreement set out below still applyand have full statutory and contractual force.lllllllTeachers must not routinely undertake administrative andclerical tasks such as chasing absences, collecting moneyand record keeping. There are examples listed in the STPCDthat should no longer be the responsibility of teachers. Thekey test is whether the work needs the professional skills orjudgement of a teacher.All teachers should enjoy a reasonable work/life balance. Itis the responsibility of the headteacher to ensure that staffhave an appropriate workload, having regard for their healthand welfare.Teachers must have a reasonable allocation of time insupport of leadership and management responsibilities thatthey hold in addition to PPA time.Covering for absent colleagues is limited to a requirement tocover only rarely and only in circumstances that are notforeseeable. Alternative arrangements for cover arenecessary and the use of supply teachers, cover supervisorsand higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) is becomingcommon practice.All teachers are entitled to a minimum of 10% PPA time outof their normal timetabled teaching time.Teachers should not routinely be required to invigilateexternal exams. Invigilation should be passed to supportstaff.Headteachers should have dedicated ‘headship’ time toallow them to lead their schools. Governing bodies areresponsible for ensuring a reasonable allocation of time forthis purpose.For advice and help ˚ Local Association ˚ Regional/National Centre ˚ National Executive