Class size constitutes a central factor in teachers' workload. Large classes contribute to growing stress and fatigue among teachers. They also increase other work items, such as the correction of homework and preparation/marking, which in turn increase both the intensity of teaching and total working time.
The Union's policy on class sizes is set out below:
a maximum class size of 20 in respect of nursery classes which should be staffed on the basis of 2 adults (one qualified teacher and one nursery nurse) per 20 children;
a maximum class size of 27 in classes consisting wholly or partly of children in their first year of infant education;
a maximum class size of 20 in practical groups including GCSE and other classes which involve teacher assessment of pupils;
staffing ratios in special schools as recommended in DFE Circular 11/90;
a maximum class size of 13 in respect of remedial groups;
a maximum class size of 24 in respect of classes of mixed age range;
staffing establishments in relation to sixth forms to be such as to ensure a pupil/teacher ratio of no worse than 10:1; and
a maximum class size of 30 in all other timetabled classes (ie other than those listed above).
If classes exceed these sizes in your school and you want support in dealing with this, contact the NUT Office. If attempts to negotiate improvements fail, the Union is willing to consider action.
Bullying at work
BULLYING at WORK
Does this affect you or someone you know?
Bullying has become more widespread in schools as stressed managers pass the pressure on. Bullying is not 'effective management'. It should not be tolerated in schools.
Bullying includes
ignoring or excluding an individual;
persistent criticism;
removing or changing areas of responsibility;
personal insults;
setting menial or demeaning tasks;
inconsistent demands;
setting unrealistic deadlines;
always shifting the blame;
sudden rages, often for trivial reasons;
allocating difficult children or classes.
Bullies often target victims in "sequence" - having subdued one person they then move to another. Is there evidence of bullying at your school? Personal confrontation of a bully is only likely to succeed in the early stages of the problem and victims should seek support.
If you think you may be being bullied :
Contact the NUT Office for confidential guidance. We would never approach management on your behalf unless you had asked us to, neither would we pressurise you to take action.
Talk to the NUT Rep or a trusted friend about your experiences.
Keep a written record of all incidents with the bully including dates and witnesses.
Some incidents may need reporting to the LEA such as acts of violence, verbal abuse etc. Contact the NUT Office for guidance.
Ask your NUT Rep to help you to resolve the problem.
If you think someone else is being bullied offer them support and encourage them to follow these steps.
If you feel your health is being affected contact Occupational Health for an appointment. (Tel 434771)
If you need to talk to someone when the NUT office is shut ring teacherline 08000 562561
YOUR UNION CAN HELP
CONTACT THE OFFICE AT:
22 EDMUND ST., BRADFORD. TELEPHONE: 414664.