“School leaders are facing increasing levels of burnout and attrition, with many deterred from leadership roles due to intolerable workload pressures. Failure to materially improve working conditions risks worsening leadership shortages in our schools and colleges.

“Protected holiday time, where leaders can rest and recharge away from work, is hugely important and has been recognised as such by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body. Yet there is still no provision within the school teachers' pay and conditions (Wales) document that ensures school leaders receive protections in relation to working time and guaranteed breaks through school closure periods. While today’s statement from Welsh Government is welcome, it’s disappointing that this has been such a long time coming that changes cannot take place until after the Senedd election.”