We have long recognised this as a key education issue.

That’s why the NUT:

• supports the End Child Poverty campaign
• calls for class size maxima
• supports access to personalised learning
• calls for funding in the state sector at the same level as in the independent sector (as promised by the Prime Minister); and
• calls for teachers to be valued as skilled professionals.

PROFESSIONAL RESPECT

We believe that securing stable and motivated staff in schools is key to achieving quality education in areas of social deprivation. The extra money being offered to take up posts in challenging schools will not do the job if the Government continues with its regime of arbitrary targets. The real need is to support those who have committed to a career with children and young people from the toughest backgrounds. The motivation of those teachers comes from knowing that they are making a massive difference to the individuals they teach. They also need to know that they are appreciated by their community and local authority, and are valued by the Government.

NUT Acting General Secretary, Christine Blower, said:

“We welcome the Government’s intention to promote social mobility. The lack of social mobility in Britain over the last 30 years is a national scandal. We in the NUT see our goal of Professional Unity for teachers as key to the achievement of social mobility and social justice. When teachers speak with one voice they will be a powerful force to stand up for all our children.”

IT’S ALSO OFFICIAL…

…that the NUT is the UK’s largest teaching union – even though we only recruit in England and Wales! The only figures that count are the published, certifiable figures for trade union membership:

NUT – 292,238

NASUWT – 265,202

The NUT is proud to be the largest, most effective teachers’ union.