As a result of Union pressure, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has agreed to produce a briefing note for schools on preventing excessive and unnecessary workload arising from Assessing Pupils’ Progress (APP).

The QCA document on ‘manageability’ says:

• The use of APP is voluntary, not statutory.
• The use of APP should be subject to discussion and consultation with staff before it is introduced in schools.
• APP uses evidence from day-to-day teaching and learning – it does not require any special assessment activities.

The NUT is advising members that:

• The use of APP should be determined by the professional judgement of teachers. It should only be used where teachers believe it would be valuable.
• There is no single approach or ‘right way’ to use APP. It is for teachers to use their professional judgement to determine how useful the programme, or elements of it, would be.
• Time should be made available during the school day for in-school APP standardisation and moderation meetings to take place. Teachers cannot be required to use their Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time for activities related to APP.
• All initiatives are likely to generate additional workload and APP is no exception. Where APP is used, additional time should be provided during the school day for teachers to familiarise themselves with the APP materials.

The NUT is asking members and school representatives to:

Hold a meeting to discuss whether and how APP should be used.

Agree a position on APP to be put to the headteacher.

Contact your NUT division/association secretary if you need further support from the Union.

	Welsh version