Further action to address teacher workload

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has invited Scotland’s teaching unions to identify specific, tangible ways to reduce unnecessary teacher workload by the end of this week.

In a letter to leaders of the Educational Institute of Scotland, Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association, NASUWT Scotland, Voice, School Leaders Scotland and the Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland, Mr Swinney reiterated his commitment to reducing teacher workloads and called on each union to provide specific ideas to support his aim.

The letter was issued ahead of today’s (Wednesday) education summit in Edinburgh, at which the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will meet teachers’ representatives, young people, education experts, political leaders, representatives of local authorities, unions and other third party stakeholders to consider the immediate actions required to close the educational attainment gap and raise standards for all children in Scotland.

The summit will inform a Delivery Plan, which the Scottish Government will publish by the end of the school year.

Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney said:

“In the last few weeks I have met many teachers and it is clear one of the key challenges to be addressed is teachers' workload.

“I took early action to reduce workload for teachers and ensure the greatest possible clarity around the curriculum. But I am keen to work with the teaching unions, local authorities, schools and other stakeholders to make further progress quickly on this important issue.

“That is why I have asked the teaching unions to provide me with their own specific, tangible ideas to reduce unnecessary workload for teachers and to de-clutter and streamline approaches in education.

“I have made clear that young people are at the heart of what we are trying to achieve. Proposals should therefore reflect the key principles of Curriculum for Excellence and protect the integrity of our national qualifications.

“This is part of a crucial dialogue we need to have with all those who have an interest in improving Scottish education. This will continue with today’s education summit.

“The summit will bring together teachers’ representatives, young people, education experts, representatives of local authorities, unions, political leaders and others to discuss the actions required to close the educational attainment gap and raise standards for all children in Scotland.

“We intend to move quickly to ensure the outcome of my letter to unions, and the discussions during today’s summit, inform a bold education delivery plan that we will publish before the end of this month.”