ATL

ATL response to Ed Balls' speech to the Labour Party Conference

In response to Ed Balls', Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families speech, Dr. Mary Bousted, General Secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) said:

"The Secretary of State outlined the government's 'moral purpose in action', but teachers in our schools already work hard, day in and day out, driven by their own moral purpose. They simply want to 'get on and teach' so that their pupils can learn, which is why ATL is disappointed that the stifling key stage two tests will remain.

"ATL are pleased that the continuing need to reduce workload was highlighted and that he committed to introducing entitlement to CPD, and we back any moves to eradicate racism from schools and urge action sooner rather than later.

"Following ATL's lead this year, we also support the government in recognising that parents have a responsibility for their children's behaviour in school. The new Behaviour Challenge needs to support teachers and parents, and not put teachers under more pressure nor turn them into scapegoats."

Notes to editors:

1. The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) is an independent, registered trade union and professional association, representing approximately 160,000 teachers, headteachers, lecturers and support staff in maintained and independent nurseries, schools, sixth form, tertiary and further education colleges in the United Kingdom.
2. ATL exists to help members, as their careers develop, through first-rate research, advice, information and legal advice.
3. ATL is affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) and Education International (EI). The union is a member of the social partnership - working with the UK government, employers and other unions on education issues. ATL is not affiliated to any political party and seeks to work constructively with all the main political parties.