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Education organisations in Wales join forces to help reduce teachers’ workloads

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Education organisations in Wales have demonstrated their joint commitment to helping teachers balance their workload. The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams and Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Meilyr Rowlands today launched resources that focus on how teachers can reduce unnecessary activity.

Supported by 16 organisations, including Estyn, Welsh Government, regional consortia and unions, the resources collectively recognise the burden that the education workforce can feel. A staff room poster and pocket guide highlight what teachers should and should not do when they are planning lessons, marking and assessing and collecting data, as well as clarifying Estyn’s expectations.

Speaking at Palmerston Primary School, Barry, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams said:

“We are determined to give teachers more time to do what they do best: planning and teaching the best possible lessons for their pupils.

“Too often I hear how teachers feel hampered by box-ticking exercises which aren’t focussed on raising standards in our classroom.  We need to bust some myths on what is required of teachers and be absolutely clear in our guidance.

“Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and enabling teachers to spend more time supporting pupils’ learning is a priority for this government.  We want to make sure teachers’ marking, planning and assessment are effective and proportionate.

“This new guide, developed with a range of partners, will help teachers get on with teaching so we can continue to raise standards.”

Meilyr Rowlands, Chief Inspector, says

“Estyn takes the issue of teacher workload very seriously and I hope that this guide will help to clarify expectations and help teachers focus their time and efforts on what is most important – teaching and learning.”

The pocket guide will be sent to every registered teacher in Wales and every school will receive a staff room poster. They will also be available online at https://www.estyn.gov.wales/best-practice/reducing-workload-teachers-and-headteachers

Notes to Editors:

The resources were developed jointly by:

  • Welsh Government
  • Estyn
  • CSC
  • EAS
  • ERW
  • GwE
  • Education Workforce Council
  • National Education Union 
  • NASUWT
  • NAHT Cymru
  • UNISON Wales
  • UCAC
  • ADEW
  • Voice Cymru
  • ASCL
  • Dioceses – The Church in Wales