Minsters can take no credit for high standards in England’s schools, says NASUWT

Commenting on Ofsted’s publication of its Annual Report, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of NASUWT – the Teachers’ Union, said:

“Ofsted’s Annual Report confirms that although teachers in England’s schools face serious and unprecedented challenges, they continue to provide children and young people with an extremely high standard of education. These achievements for pupils have been secured despite the chaotic and short-sighted actions of the Government and its ministers.

“This Government is responsible for the worst teacher recruitment and retention crisis in living memory. Teacher workload remains at unacceptable levels, not least because on top of escalating administrative duties, many are working with pupils to compensate for a lack of local supporting services in health and social care. The evidence of poor and declining wellbeing across the teaching profession is beyond dispute.

“It is past time that ministers recognise that the high quality of education provision Ofsted highlights cannot be sustained under such severe circumstances. Urgent measures are required to secure the current and future supply of teachers and to ensure that they are fairly rewarded, trained, and supported for the huge differences they make to the lives of children and young people every day.”