Workload Reduction Commission
The SoS has identified reducing teacher and headteacher workload as a key priority for the DfE.
Workload is cited as the main reason for teachers leaving the profession and is therefore central to our broader strategy to retain staff. It also has a strong link to school improvement as by reviewing practice to identify areas which have become overly burdensome and acting on this schools tell us that teaching quality improves. This is often due to channelling greater effort into what makes most difference to pupils and stopping unhelpful practice.
The DfE is taking action to address national drivers of workload by ensuring a period of stability; simplifying the accountability system and convening an advisory group on data requirements whose report is due to be published soon. This will set out principles for the Department, Ofsted and schools to tackle workload at all levels. The DfE also works with the sector to address school- level drivers and has recently published a ‘workload reduction toolkit’ – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/re
Getting involved
We are looking to recruit schools who would be interested in taking part in a workload reduction project. Interested schools must return the very short Expression of Interest which you can download here, by 12 noon on Tuesday April 2nd 2019. We will notify successful schools by the end of April and provide the opportunity to meet and discuss next steps. We require a full cross section of schools from across our region. Schools must be willing to share their work and the associated impact as part of a case study at the end of this project.
Any questions please contact Sophie Walsh, ATSA Business Director at enquiries@albantsh.co.uk
