DfE Teacher Bulletin - Education Secretary speaks at ASCL Conference / Working Together on Workload video released

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Education Secretary and Ofsted Chief Inspector kick start joint effort to reduce teacher workload

The DfE have also released a 'Working Together on Workload' video to help schools tackle misconceptions and the workload burden


Damien Hinds speaking at the ASCL conference


Damian Hinds addressed the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) conference over the weekend, in his first keynote speech to the teaching profession since his appointment as Education Secretary in January. 

His speech, delivered alongside the Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman and ASCL general secretary Geoff Barton, outlined their shared responsibility and joint commitment to tackling the workload burden of teachers and schools. 

The speech also saw the Education Secretary announce:

    • a commitment to work with Ofsted, regional schools commissioners, the Education and Skills Funding Agency and multi-academy trusts to clarify their roles and ensure teachers and school leaders have a clear understanding of who they are accountable to, and for what;
    • that there will be no new tests or assessments for primary schools and no changes to the national curriculum, GCSE or A Levels for the remainder of this parliament, beyond those already announced; and
    • a strategy to drive recruitment and boost the retention of teachers, working with teaching unions and professional bodies to devise ways of attracting and keeping the brightest and best talent. 

    You can read more about the plans to tackle workload here.

    In support of the announcement, the Department for Education, in partnership with Ofsted and other leading education figures, have also launched a myth busting video called 'Working Together on Workload'.

    The video, which features the Education Secretary and key figures in education including the Ofsted Chief Inspector, sets out the steps being taken to help schools and teachers' workloads. It also includes some useful tips to challenge common misconceptions of what the DfE and Ofsted inspectors do and do not expect schools to be doing.

    Watch the full video here