EDUCATION organisations in Wales have joined forces to help teachers’ balance their workloads.

Welsh Government education secretary, Kirsty Williams and Her Majesty’s chief inspector of education, Meilyr Rowlands, today launched resources that focus on how teachers can reduce unnecessary activity.

Supported by 16 organisations, including Estyn, Welsh Government, regional consortia and unions, the resources collectively recognise the burden that the education workforce can feel. A staff room poster and pocket guide highlight what teachers should and should not do when they are planning lessons, marking and assessing and collecting data, as well as clarifying Estyn’s expectations.

Ms Williams said: “Reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and enabling teachers to spend more time supporting pupils’ learning is a priority for this government. We want to make sure teachers’ marking, planning and assessment are effective and proportionate.”

Meilyr Rowlands, chief inspector, added: “Estyn takes the issue of teacher workload very seriously and I hope that this guide will help to clarify expectations and help teachers focus their time and efforts on what is most important – teaching and learning.”

The pocket guide will be sent to every registered teacher in Wales and every school will receive a staff room poster.

They will also be available online: www.estyn.gov.wales/sites/default/files/documents/Reducing%20workload%20-%20English%20poster.pdf