ATL

Welcome

Lesley Ward is the national president of ATL

Reading this issue's cover story on the General Teaching Council for England's (GTCE) code of conduct I feel this just standardises what teachers have always had - a high level of professionalism and dedication to the children we teach.

Of course, we need accountability as well and ATL has always said that. But I do think that teachers, and all education staff, have the right to do what we want in our private lives, within certain parameters of course. Although it's good to see the GTCE say there is no intention of invading our private lives, we'll be keeping a close eye on how the code is enforced.

Marina Lewycka writes about her own experiences of struggling to fit in and being bullied as a newcomer at school. She makes the point about bullying not being confined to schools; it happens in all walks of life. The fact that so many victims of bullying feel ashamed of being in that situation makes it hidden and so much more difficult to deal with.

ATL Cymru's new president Gareth Lewis writes very eloquently about the issues around members having to pay for CRB checks in Wales and it is an issue that needs addressing. In fact, CRB checks are a problem for other reasons too. One ATL member I know works as a supply teacher in London and needs a different CRB check for each London borough - I think he's got about eight!

There's some sound advice about pensions, a subject close to many of our hearts. We will be hoping that there will be no change to the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) and benefits will be protected. There is also sound advice to keep hold of all your pay slips. My husband has all of his since he started work in 1973! He keeps mine safe as well. I always tease him about being so organised, but it paid off. When the TPS thought he had worked one year less than he had, he was able to proudly produce evidence of his service.