Teacher Workload 2023-12-11
2023-12-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Teachers face significant workload issues that impact their ability to perform effectively in the classroom.
What steps she is taking to help reduce the workload of teachers. I am concerned about the last-minute nature of Ofsted inspections, causing anxiety and affecting teacher planning for activities such as school trips and professional development courses.
Reducing unnecessary workload is a priority. We have convened a taskforce to make recommendations on minimising teacher and school leader workload. Inspections are important but Ofsted has flexibility in the framework.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment or change to notice period was not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Ofsted inspections cause anxiety among small rural schools due to their last-minute nature, affecting teacher planning and activities.
The last-minute nature of Ofsted inspections is causing huge anxiety to my small rural schools in Meon Valley. That means that teachers are putting off activities such as residential school trips and professional development courses. Will my right hon. Friend consider changing the notice period for inspections so that teachers can plan their workload better?
I value all activities schools undertake, including school trips and professional development courses. Inspections are important but Ofsted has flexibility in its framework.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to change notice period was not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Schools face teacher vacancies and funding cuts affecting support staff, leading to higher stress levels among teachers.
Teacher workloads are being exacerbated by teacher vacancies that schools struggle to fill. Funding pressures result in cuts to support staff who help the most vulnerable children. Teacher training recruitment targets have been missed by 50% in secondary schools, with maths experiencing a sharp fall despite being a priority for the Prime Minister.
There are 27,000 more teachers and 60,000 more teaching assistants in schools compared to 2010. We focus on recruitment and retention strategies to attract the best talent.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to a workforce strategy was not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Workload and stress levels of teachers increase during Ofsted inspections, contributing to tragic incidents such as Ruth Perry's suicide.
The workload and stress levels of teachers rise exponentially during an inspection. In the light of the coroner's verdict that the “rude and intimidating” nature of the Ofsted inspection contributed to Ruth Perry's tragic suicide, how is the Minister ensuring the welfare of school leaders is prioritised during inspections?
I extend my condolences to Ruth Perry's friends and family. The inspection framework must be fully informative to parents and supportive to teachers and schools.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to ensure welfare was not provided
Response accuracy