For the last 100 years education in England and Wales has been a national service administered through democratically accountable local authorities. This system has worked well but is now under attack.  Academies will undermine the key strategic role of the local authority. The advent of so called “free” schools will mean that local authorities even lose control of the planning of pupil places.

Moving to academy status can pose a massive threat to pay and conditions.  Even if no changes are imposed at the time a school becomes an academy, existing pay and conditions may come under attack later.

If you haven't already done so, pass a motion like the one below in a Union Group meeting at your school.

The NUT National website has some very good materials (http://www.nut.org.uk/academies).