History of Dorset County Division

Originally there were 7 Associations in the Dorset County Division. When the Local Education Authority and County Council reorganised in the 1990s, three new N.U.T. Divisions (Dorset, Poole & Bournemouth) came into existence to match the 3 new LEAs. Each Division has steadily grown and now Dorset NUT is the largest teachers' Union in the county with over 1,600 members - teachers in Infant, First, Primary, Middle, Secondary, Independent, Special Schools, Leadership, Supply, County Support & Advisory/Inspectorate, Youth Service and Retired teachers.

What is Dorset NUT Division pressing for in 2009/10?

We shall continue to oppose the setting up of an Academy on Portland and at The Grange, Christchurch.  Also, we oppose the Trust status proposals for Wey Valley and schools in the Dorchester pyramid. The NUT believes in a good local school for all children, not preferential funding and provision for the few. The NUT is against privatisation of our education system. There's nothing wrong with democratic control of our local schools, and there's every danger in handing over our schools with their property, assets and educational curriculum to entrepreneurs, religious groups and unaccountable privateers.

Purbeck Area reorganisation

The decision to move to two-tier has been taken.  The task now is to secure further consultation for Swanage and Wool, where teacher, parent and community opposition has forced a rethink.  Forums are due to run in the Autumn term and NUT has asked for participation by classroom teachers and other school support staff - this request was received without enthusiasm by the powers that be.  The need for additional funding for retraining and relocation has also been firmly emphasised.

Genuine equal pay and equal opportunities for women teachers in Dorset.

Women teachers (especially in Primary) are missing out on UPS pay progression, TLR payments and sympathetic return-to-work and part-time arrangements.  A new Equal Opportunities in Employment policy was negotiated with the LA last term - we now need to turn the print on the page into reality.