Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
Estimated reading time 3-4 minutes
We know that the strength of our education system depends on the people who work in it every day. Teachers, leaders and support staff continue to go above and beyond for learners – and we are committed to making sure you feel supported, valued and able to focus on what matters most: teaching and learning.
That is why we are taking practical steps to reduce unnecessary workload and improve wellbeing across the system, alongside our wider mission to raise standards in literacy and numeracy and ensure every learner can succeed.
Reducing unnecessary workload – with real, practical action
We have heard clearly from the workforce that burdensome processes and bureaucracy can take time away from teaching and from learners. Acting on that, we are beginning to implement recommendations from the Strategic Workload Co-ordination Group to reduce these pressures.
This includes:
- Expanding the use of workload impact assessments, helping ensure that new policies and requirements are designed with staff workload in mind
- Working with partners across the system to embed these approaches consistently
- Reviewing reporting and funding requirements to reduce duplication and unnecessary demands
- Strengthening collaboration through the School Social Partnership Forum, so that all parts of the system play their role in tackling workload
These are not one-off changes. They mark the beginning of a sustained, system-wide effort to reduce bureaucracy and give you more time to focus on your core role.
We recognise that change can take time to fully embed. While some adjustments may be needed in the short term, the long-term aim is clear: a simpler, more coherent system that reduces pressure rather than adds to it.
Creating more time for professional learning and collaboration
We are also increasing the time available for professional development by making six INSET days a permanent part of the school year.
This additional time is intended to:
- Support meaningful professional learning and development
- Enable collaboration within and between schools
- Provide space for planning, preparation and reflection
We know that high-quality professional learning is essential not only for improving outcomes for learners, but also for supporting job satisfaction, confidence and retention.
The updated guidance will help ensure this time is used effectively and consistently with a strong focus on teaching, learning and the needs of learners, while still allowing flexibility for schools to respond to their own priorities.
Investing in your development and wellbeing
Alongside these changes, we are working with partners, including Dysgu, to shape future professional learning opportunities, building on the support already delivered by Dysgu in areas like literacy and numeracy, leadership, inclusion and wellbeing. As we do this, we will be exploring how high-quality learning and development can be delivered in ways that are accessible, relevant and supportive of schools’ priorities.
Professional learning will explore new approaches including how technology and AI might be used to support workload reduction as well as improve teaching and learning.
Our aim is to create a system where professional development is not something you have to fit in around other pressures, but something you are properly supported to access as part of your working time.
A partnership approach
Reducing workload and improving wellbeing cannot be achieved by government alone. It depends on all parts of the system working together.
That is why we are continuing to work closely with unions, local authorities and other partners, including through the School Social Partnership Forum, to monitor progress and agree further action.
Your voice is central to this. The insights you provide help shape the changes we are making, and will continue to guide what we do next.
Looking ahead
We know there is more to do. Some of these changes will take time to fully deliver their intended benefits, and we are committed to continuing this work with you.
But this is an important step forward:
- taking early, practical action to reduce unnecessary workload
- creating more time and space for professional learning
- and building a system that better supports your wellbeing
By supporting you, we support our learners and help ensure every young person has the opportunity to succeed.