The Joint NUT and NAHT Campaign Against SATs

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You will be aware that the indicative SATS ballot closed on 30 November. An overwhelming 95 per cent of those responding agreed that the current system of KS1 and KS2 SATS should be abolished, while 76 per cent indicated that they would be prepared, in a formal ballot, to vote in favour of taking action as part of the Unions' joint campaign with NAHT. A good proportion of NUT heads and deputies responded and responded in favour of taking action, consistent with the response the NAHT received to their own survey in relation to KS2 SATS.

The Union's campaign to end SATS will continue. It has been a long campaign, with successes along the way. Most recently there has been some change in the position of the Secretary of State who has stated that matters are not "set in stone" and that there is a drive to move away from existing league tables. The campaign will not be over until tests at KS2 have been eradicated. As NUT members, we should all be proud of our active support of and commitment to this important campaign.

The NUT's National Executive agreed at its meeting in December to take forward the campaign in a number of ways, as outlined below:

• Jointly with NAHT, the Union will continue to press the Government for an end to KS2 SATs and an end to KS1 arrangements.

• Jointly, we will also keep under review any progress made towards our objectives with the Government.

• The Union will ballot, with NAHT, for action in time to frustrate the administration of KS2 SATs in 2010, if necessary.

• In schools where APP is implemented, without limits to the number of students to be assessed, members will be supported, including through industrial action.

• Support will continue to be given to members to teach a broad and balanced curriculum that has not been skewed by National Curriculum testing.

• The campaign will be supported by a press and publicity strategy at national and local levels.

• Current joint work with NAHT on teacher assessment will be broadened with similar joint work with ATL.

» 'End SATS' campaign on NUT national website

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