As schools wind down for the summer, several important NUT campaigns are gathering momentum. The NUT and National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) recently lobbied parliament together, calling for the abolition of SATs. Some of the most persuasive arguments of the day come from Year 5 pupil Conor Muller (see page 4). Please support the campaign by signing our petition, emailing your MP, and distributing leafl ets and other resources in your school. Visit www.teachers.org.uk to fi nd out more. From September teachers will have a new contractual right to provide cover for colleagues ‘only rarely’. The NUT wants all schools to review their cover policies before the new term to ensure all teachers benefi t from the entitlement. Find out more on page 35.

Changes to nursery education are also on their way. The increase in free provision for three and four year olds is great news for children and parents, but it shouldn’t mean increased workload and longer hours for nursery teachers. Read all about our early years campaign on page 21.

Finally, don’t forget our fantastic joining offers – four terms’ membership for £1 for newly qualifi ed teachers and the chance to win gift vouchers worth up to £500 when you recruit a friend to the NUT. Turn to page 20 for details.

Elyssa Campbell-Barr Editor