Primary Teacher

Working for Primary School Teachers

• NASUWT: Working for Primary School Teachers (PDF - 85KB)

The NASUWT works at school, local and national level to ensure that the interests of primary members are represented effectively and that their particular needs and concerns are reflected in the development of its policy its advice and guidance.

While teachers working in all sectors of the education system across the United Kingdom face many similar challenges and concerns, the NASUWT recognises that primary teachers can face particular issues, often related to the relatively small size of the schools within which they work and the current model of generalist primary teaching as the principal means of curriculum organisation and delivery.

Tackling the workload of primary teachers and ensuring that their professional status is protected and enhanced remain key priorities for the NASUWT.

England and Wales

In England and Wales, the contractual changes heralded by the National Agreement, Raising Standards and Tackling Workload, and the workforce remodelling agenda have particular resonance in the primary sector as they are creating the opportunities for new and more effective ways of working in primary schools that enhance teachers’ working conditions and also ensure that primary teachers can concentrate on their core responsibilities for teaching and learning. 

In light of the significant demands placed on the primary system by policy initiatives related to the Every Child Matters agenda and curriculum reform among others, the need for the Union to continue its work in this area have never been more important.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

The concerns of primary teachers in Scotland and Northern Ireland are no less pressing and while they reflect the particular circumstances and context of the education systems in each nation, the need to drive down primary teacher workload and remodel the school workforce remain equally as urgent.

• 'Delivery of education must not be compromised' says the NASUWT
• ‘New Scottish class sizes don’t go far enough’ says the NASUWT
• 'Scottish Class Size Review Provides The Opportunity For Across The Board Change' Says The NASUWT
• Drop in teacher numbers 'deeply worrying'
• Scottish education cuts 'last thing teachers or pupils need' says the NASUWT
• NASUWT calls for 'flawed' pay system to be reformed
• NASUWT comments on Scottish draft budget
• Scottish councils not carrying out government policy says the NASUWT

Links to the NASUWT’s most recent policy and guidance materials focused on the primary sector can be found on this page. These materials highlight the Union’s position as the leading trade union for primary teachers as they all reflect and address the direct experiences and concerns of its members. 

It is only through the active participation of members that the Union’s vital work on behalf of primary teachers can be sustained. By taking advantage of the many opportunities to get involved in the work of the NASUWT, primary members will ensure that their Union can continue to protect and advance their interests and those of their colleagues.