Teachers part way through the chartered teacher scheme before it was axed should continue to receive higher pay, the association representing their interests has demanded.

The Association of Chartered Teachers Scotland has already argued that teachers midway through the chartered teacher scheme should be allowed to complete their studies.

Now it has presented a series of points to be considered by Scottish teachers’ national bargaining forum, the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers. These will ensure the “fair and just” treatment of all chartered teachers, it argues.

Full chartered teacher status should remain for all fully-accredited chartered teachers, whether they gained their status through the General Teaching Council for Scotland accreditation of prior learning or the university master’s route, it says.

The association also contends that the SNCT’s code of practice on the role of the chartered teacher should remain the context in which chartered teachers work; that the chartered teacher pay spine should continue to be recognised and applied; that the fundamental difference between principal teachers and chartered teachers is understood by all who make policy; and that line managers should identify opportunities for chartered teachers to take initiatives, lead developments or mentor others.

The McCormac review of teacher employment recommended scrapping the chartered teacher scheme and last month, education secretary Michael Russell wielded the axe, saying he wanted teaching to become an all- master’s profession.

An EIS spokesman said: “The SNCT working group established to look at this issue is in the early stages of dealing with this process, and will report its findings to the full SNCT. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Both Cosla and the Scottish government said it was a matter for the SNCT.

emma.seith@tess.co.uk.