“It is significant that even Ofsted is now highlighting the impact of teacher workloads. This problem is caused by the government’s chronic underfunding of the education system and teacher shortages resulting from real-terms pay cuts. Professional development is a vital element of supporting career progression, classroom practice and retaining teachers. But schools and colleges have very little time or money to do anything beyond the needs of the day. This desperate situation doesn’t just affect professional development time but every aspect of school and college life. It is simply unsustainable and the government must act.”