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Scroll down to the bottom to see – ‘What Else Did They Say They Will Do?!’
The NEU is to ballot all members in primary schools for a boycott of all high stakes testing – starting with an indicative ballot in the second half of this term.
The decision was made at NEU Conference in the same week that both Labour and the Liberal-Democrat Parties announced that they would abolish SATs and league tables for primary schools.
Speaking at the NEU Conference, Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn said, “These tests are bad for children, bad for parents and bad for teachers. We need a different approach, so I am pleased to say that the next Labour government will scrap SATs for seven and eleven year olds”. He went on to say that Labour will end Baseline too.
Corbyn’s announcement came the day after Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson told our Conference, “It is high time we ended the unnecessary stress placed on pupils and teachers by high-stakes testing in primary schools; which is why we should scrap SATs and reception baseline tests altogether”.
The NEU, and its predecessor unions NUT and ATL, have been campaigning for many years for an overhaul of the current system of assessment and accountability.
SATs were introduced in 1991 as a system of assessing schools and children – two things which should be kept entirely separate – and they have been added to by the phonics tests and times table check.
There is a widespread view amongst teachers, parents, politicians and education experts that the system is damaging for children and education, causing stress and a narrowing of the curriculum.
The announcement from Labour and the Liberal Democrats, together with our ballot, give us the best chance for a generation to press for change.
Make sure you know what is happening, talk to your colleagues and be ready to vote in the ballot.
NEU Indicative Ballot Details
The NEU indicative ballot will include all members working in primary schools.
- The indicative ballot will be conducted online
- The ballot will begin on June 4th and run for about four weeks
- The ballot will have two questions, along these lines:
- Do you support the union continuing to campaign for the abolition of SATs and league tables?
- If the union balloted you in the next school year would you refuse to administer statutory tests and refuse to prepare children for them?
- The NEU Executive will use the results of the indicative ballot to decide on whether to move to a formal ballot – therefore, every vote is vital, and we urge all primary members to vote.
UPDATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP DETAILS: Phone: 0345 811 8111 or Email: membership@neu.org.uk
What Else Will They Do?!
Labour Will:
- End SATs, Tuitiuon Fees, Academies & Free Schools
- Give 30 hours entitlement for 2, 3 & 4 year olds – Sure Start Centres
- Create the ‘National Education Service’ Like the NHS where all will be entitled to “life-long learning”
- Create the ‘Arts Pupil Premium’ where all pupils will be able to study art, music, dance, drama, go to museums, & art galleries. This will broaden the curriculum and ensure a minimum time for these subjects
- End the recent anti-trade union laws and bring back national bargaining
Lib’ Dems’ Will:
- End League Tables, SATs & Ofsted
Click Here To See Jeremy Corbyn’s Full Speech at NEU Conference 2019