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Teachers warn of harmful PPA impact

Members of the Professional Association of Teachers (PAT) have voted in favour of a motion warning that the introduction of workload reforms for teachers could have a negative impact on provision, especially in primary schools. The successful motion was proposed by Kathleen Barraclough, representative for the PAT education committee, at the PAT annual conference last week.

The successful motion was proposed by Kathleen Barraclough, representative for the PAT education committee, at the PAT annual conference last week.

From September, schools must let teachers spend 10 per cent of their time on preparation, planning and assessment (PPA).

Ms Barraclough said, 'PAT fully supports the concept of PPA time. But we are concerned there is not enough money in the system to provide proper cover.'

Ms Barraclough warned that PPA could mean head teachers would be forced to double class sizes and put untrained teaching assistants in charge of classes.

School standards minister Jacqui Smith defended the workload reforms and said planning time was key to raising standards in schools. She told delegates, 'We are very clear that from September PPA time is a must, not an option.'

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