Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Teacher Workload

Monday 11 December 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Teacher workload reduction is a priority, with a taskforce convened to make recommendations.
  • Ofsted inspections have flexibility in their framework to address concerns about notice periods.
  • The government reports 27,000 more teachers and 60,000 more teaching assistants since 2010.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Flick Drummond Con
Education
Context

Teachers face significant workload issues that impact their ability to perform effectively in the classroom.

Question

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.

Answer from Damian Hinds

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or change to notice period was not provided

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Q2 Flick Drummond Con
Education
Context

Ofsted inspections cause anxiety among small rural schools due to their last-minute nature, affecting teacher planning and activities.

Question

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?

Answer from Damian Hinds

I value all activities schools undertake, including school trips and professional development courses. Inspections are important but Ofsted has flexibility in its framework.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to change notice period was not provided

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Q3 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education Employment
Context

Schools face teacher vacancies and funding cuts affecting support staff, leading to higher stress levels among teachers.

Question

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.

Answer from Damian Hinds

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to a workforce strategy was not provided

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Q4 Carol Monaghan SNP
Education Mental Health
Context

Workload and stress levels of teachers increase during Ofsted inspections, contributing to tragic incidents such as Ruth Perry's suicide.

Question

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?

Answer from Damian Hinds

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to ensure welfare was not provided

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