Jenny Elphick never thought the workforce agreement would shave hours off her working week - and it has not.
The head of Sir Robert Hitcham’s primary, Framlingham is still working a 60-hour week.
But she said: “I love my job with a passion and am lucky because I have people I can delegate admin tasks to.
“I didn’t expect the agreement to reduce my hours but it is a good thing nonetheless. If teachers get two hours a week to prepare and plan that will be excellent.”
Mrs Elphick is convinced that the deal will improve conditions for classroom teachers. “They are receiving training now so I’m not surprised they are working additional hours. We are trialling systems and working out how best to implement the reforms, and that is creating more work.”
But Mrs Elphick said heads of small schools had a huge job: “They are forced to do it all themselves.”
Mrs Elphick, a consultant head who helps new heads said: “The big question... is whether the deal is going to be properly funded.
“To release a teacher you have to replace them with a supply teacher or teaching assistant. This deal has got to be well-funded not just a quick and cheap route to less administration.”
