The Department for Education has this afternoon published the Working Lives of Teachers and Leaders (WLTL) Wave Two report.
The report is based on a survey of over 10,000 teachers and leaders in state-funded schools across England, including academies and free schools. The survey examines subjects including teacher and leader workload, wellbeing and flexible working arrangements, opinions on pay, and experiences of professional development, including performance related pay. WLTL is also a longitudinal study that compares results over time to track changes and improvements.
Helen Osgood, Community Union’s National Officer for Education and Early Years and Director of Operations, said:
“We welcome the publication of the WLTL Wave Two report, which is something we have been calling for since January. The Conservative previous government dithered on publishing its findings: the field work for the survey was actually carried out back in Spring 2023 and the report was initially scheduled to be available in Spring 2024. We finally have it 6 months later, thanks largely to the intervention of a new government which places far greater value on its relationship with education professionals.
“This WLTL survey is vital for many organisations and plays a critical role in our discussions with government as it provides incontrovertible evidence about what life is like in our schools. This latest report confirms the dire situation faced by staff across our schools, corroborating data we gather through our own surveys, branch meetings and discussions with members. It draws a damning picture of life for teachers and leaders with insufficient teacher numbers, pay levels which cannot compete with other employment, excessive workload and levels of stress being particularly highlighted.
“We are pleased that this new government has published this data and are keen to take action to tackle the issues it raises.”
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Community is the union for education and early years professionals: representing teachers, headteachers, education, school support staff and early years staff. With over fifty years’ experience, we represent members and campaign to improve conditions for education and early years professionals. We are a modern trade union, campaigning for a better working world.
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