National Conference 2026

The Annual Conference 2026 took place in the Birmingham ICC between Friday 3rd April and Saturday 4th April. Our Cheshire East Branch sent a number of delegates and one or two spoke in relation to the motions.

There was a discussion around the issues we all face on retention and recruitment. The union committed to campaign on improving the employment benefits for supply teachers in areas like access to CPD, access to the TPS etc. On the issue of the pay settlement with government there was a strong debate, with the conference voting to lobby the government for a fully funded and above inflation pay increase.

Another area for discussion was the use of 'support plans'. The conference was clear that these should not be used to 'force' people out of the profession and there was a need for more guidance on member rights and a clear set of national standards.

With the growing temperatures, that seem to characterise our summer months, there was a call for a maximum classroom temperature - as well as a minimum one - and the need for more central funding to support improvements to schools with ventilation and insulation. At the same time, the conference recognised the benefits of Mental Health trained staff in schools and voted for a national campaign to allow staff to access mental health first aid training. Part of this improved focus on staff wellbeing was a motion to require academies and schools to publish a formal staff wellbeing policy.

Another area of discussion was around the reshaping of provision for SEND. Delegates warned that the infrastructure around the proposed reforms was in danger of collapse and or worsening the workload issues, there was a strong feeling in support of more ring fenced resources in this area. Equally, the conference reaffirmed the union commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum that protected the arts and critical thinking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZS9qs_1Aak