Commenting as the government's recently release schools workforce
data shows improved retention rates for school staff over the
last year, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’
union NAHT, said:
“The improved retention rates shown in these new figures are due
to school staffs’ incredible dedication and commitment to
children during what has been an extremely difficult year. But
the government must not take it as any cause for complacency.
“Even before the pandemic it was widely acknowledged that
teachers and school leaders’ working hours had reached
unsustainable levels. During the pandemic, their working week has
got longer still.
“A recent NAHT survey found that the top words school leaders
would use to describe their experiences over the last year are
‘challenging, exhausting and stressful’. Nearly half (47%) were
considering leaving the profession sooner than originally
planned.
“The government’s only response has been to announce yet another
pay freeze which will again cut salaries in real terms.
“Last year was not a normal year and recruitment was largely on
hold, so we have yet to see the full impact of the government’s
neglect.
“To meet the challenge of recovery post-Covid we need great
teachers and leaders in all schools for all children. The
government has said that no child should be left behind.
Investing in the teaching profession and creating the conditions
for an attractive life-long career in education is the best way
to keep that promise.”
