Commenting on the Prime Minister's speech to set out new
milestones for the Labour Government, Dr Patrick Roach,
General Secretary of NASUWT – The Teachers' Union, said:
“Fourteen years of Conservative government starved our public
services of resources, funding, and respect. Rebuilding and
reinvigorating our public services will be complex, and it will
take time and require significant additional investment.
“There has already been a positive start since the general
election. This year's pay award for teachers, additional
investment for SEND provision, prioritisation of mental health
support in schools, and the reinstatement of the right of all
pupils to be taught by qualified teachers are welcome
developments, but they are just the beginning of what is needed
to deliver the change this country deserves.
“It is right that there should be a national effort to ensure
that all children start school ready to learn. Children who are
given the best start will be in a better position to progress and
achieve their full potential.
“It must be said that no ambition in the education sector can be
fulfilled without teachers. Recruiting the target 6500 teachers
will go a long way to addressing the profession's staffing crisis
but it must be underpinned by a national plan to recruit, retain
and raise the status of the workforce and make teaching the
profession of choice for graduates.”
