Calls for a new review of teaching

THE Lib Dems have called for a fresh independent review of teachers’ terms and conditions to make them “fit for purpose”.

The party wants to revisit the 2001 McCrone Agreement, which aimed to improve the professional conditions of service and pay for teachers.

Education spokesman Tavish Scott said a “McCrone 2” is needed to take into account teachers’ increasing workloads and responsibilities.

He said: “It has been well over a decade since the McCrone Report and Agreement. Teachers have told me it is no longer fair nor representative of what they are required to do.

“Their workloads have increased, they’ve seen cuts to support in the classroom, and new powers and responsibilities are on their way to schools and head teachers in particular.

“That it is why it is time for a new rootand-branch review – McCrone 2.

“Teaching is an amazing profession but there is an urgent need to make it more desirable to potential and existing teachers.

“They have a right to manageable workloads, sufficient time to prepare lessons and to not be burdened with bureaucracy. It is clear that isn’t happening.

“With exam results published this week and many schools returning the week after, teachers and pupils will be getting to grips with the challenges ahead.

“Teachers’ working arrangements must be fit for purpose if they are all to be given the best chance of succeeding.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish Government had acted to reduce teacher workload.

He said: “We are phasing the removal of mandatory unit assessments for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.

“We have also issued a definitive statement that clearly sets out, for all teachers, what they should and should not be asked to do and reviewed demands placed on schools by local authorities in relation to Curriculum for Excellence.”