Forum members respond to a "historic" deal on overhauling classroom practices.

Forum Response: National Union of Teachers

Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the NUT, said: "The government's proposed package is described as 'raising standards and tackling workload'. Its package deal offers significant improvements in the contract, including an entitlement to 10 per cent of the school day as guaranteed marking and preparation time. But the price is to accept that unqualified persons will teach whole classes. That price is too high.

"The NUT has refused to abandon the principle that classes should be taught by qualified teachers. The NUT has argued that we need more teachers and that teaching assistants are needed to assist not replace teachers. Other teachers' organisations have decided to sign, 'promote and promulgate' the agreement.

"Only the NUT has surveyed teachers on the proposals to use teaching support staff to teach whole classes. The results were striking; teachers believe strongly that teaching assistants can provide significant and essential support. They are opposed, however, to support staff being expected to teach classes. The NUT's response to the government reflects that view, your view.

"The government's solution to the problem of excessive workload of teachers is to employ others, at lower salary levels and without teaching qualifications, to teach classes."

Forum Response: Professional Association of Teachers

Jean Gemmell, general secretary of the PAT, said: "This historic agreement represents a major step forward in reducing teachers' workload and promoting a whole team approach of professionals working together in the classroom.

"We welcome the proposed limits on teachers' working hours, cuts in bureaucracy and the guaranteed time for planning, preparation and assessment.

"At the moment, teachers are working excessively long hours and have to do much of their non-teaching work in their own time. We have long been calling for a limit in the number of hours in which teachers can be expected to carry out other duties, and for limits to the duties expected of teachers.

"We particularly welcome the proposed increase in the number of teaching assistants and other support staff. Many of those already in post are highly skilled and completing their tasks effectively.

"Not surprisingly, some of our members may have reservations about certain aspects of the proposals. Much work remains to be done to make these reforms work and negotiations will continue over issues such as training, funding and the precise roles and responsibilities of teachers and support staff. However, like our partners in this agreement, PAT is committed to the goal of delivering real improvements for pupils, teachers and support staff in our schools."

Forum Response: GMB

John Edmonds, general secretary of the GMB, said: "GMB members in classrooms across the country are working with teachers in complementary roles to improve classroom standards. The agreement gives our members long overdue recognition but it must be followed with intense negotiations on career development and improved terms and conditions for teaching assistants. The outcome of these further negotiations will determine how long we stay on board. Schools can no longer trade on the good will and commitment of our members."