NASUWT Cymru, the largest teachers’ union in Wales, has called on the Education Minister to ensure that his expectation that the new curriculum will be built for the profession, by the profession, comes to fruition.

The call came during a motion that was debated at today’s Annual Conference of NASUWT Cymru.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“The NASUWT has welcomed the Donaldson Review, ‘Successful Futures’, believing that it offers the opportunity to shape a new National Curriculum designed to meet the needs of children and young people in Wales.

“In taking forward the review’s recommendations, it is critical teachers and schools are involved in shaping the framework for the new curriculum, and they are given sufficient time and support to undertake this work.

“The announcement of the Pioneer School Network will provide a starting point for the engagement of the profession in this venture.”

Moving the motion, NASUWT National Executive Member Neil Butler, was critical of the absence of teachers on the overarching Advisory Group, and in describing the Change Board he said:

“The Change Board is worse. Again, not one classroom teacher, but instead a lot of Alphabetti Spaghetti.

“EAS; CSC; ERW; GwE; ESTYN, ADEW; QW; WLGA; EWC.

“Donaldson recognises the prime importance of the teacher, yet the Welsh Government appears to be relying on quangos and so called experts.

“We cannot allow them to pervert the Donaldson reforms.”