27/04/2011

NASWUT & NUT Disagree with the Use of Cover Supervisors

Teachers at this week's Annual Conference of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, have argued that using staff without Qualified Teacher Status in the wrong circumstances is an abuse and undermines the drive to raise standards.

The NASUWT accused the schools that are carrying out this practice of being driven by the need to save money.

The union also criticised the Government, arguing that its decision to exempt academies and free schools from employing qualified teachers sent out the signal that Qualified Teacher Status was of no consequence.
NASUWT General Secretary Chris Keates said: "By scrapping the national negotiating body for school support staff, the Coalition has given schools a licence to misuse and abuse support staff. Support staff are valuable members of the education team and do an excellent job, but they are not trained and paid to be teachers."

Conference was told of one teaching assistant delivering lessons full time and of another who has had a class for three years despite still not being qualified.

"Schools are flouting the law and statutory guidance," Ms Keates said, "and compromising standards."

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http://www.rec.uk.com/press/news/1543

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-13183289

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