Newly-qualified teachers face stress

A poll of newly-qualified teachers (NQTs) by the NASUWT teachers’ union has shown the amount of stress and pressure NQTs experience.

It found that excessive workload was the biggest problem experienced during the induction year, followed by a lack of support to deal with poor pupil behaviour.

Training and support was also identified as a concern. Over a third of respondents said they can rarely or never access appropriate external professional development.

Nearly a quarter said they were rarely or never provided with adequate support and guidance from their induction mentor, and one in 10 had not even been provided with a named mentor. Meanwhile, over a third were not in receipt of the full 10% reduction in teaching time that they are entitled to during their induction year.

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates told an NASUWT conference that too many NQTs are being denied their statutory rights and entitlements during their induction year.

“If the enthusiasm and energy which newly qualified teachers bring to the profession is to be effectively harnessed for the benefit of pupils, it is vitally important that they are provided with the statutory entitlements during their induction year which will enable them to fully develop their skills and knowledge,” she said.

She added that while many NQTs are positive about the support they receive during their induction year, “far too many are being denied their statutory rights”.

www.youngworkersmonth.org/newly-qualified-teachers-being-denied-their-rights