Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
TEACHERS and school leaders from across the country are gathering in Manchester this Easter weekend for the annual conference of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK.
Conference provides the opportunity for teachers to share their reflections on the challenges facing our public education system and set policy on issues that teachers and school leaders from across the country have balloted as their most pressing concerns.
It is no surprise that high on the agenda is the impact of excessive teacher workload which is driving the teacher recruitment and retention crisis, exacerbated by deep cuts to pay and increases in pension contributions.
MATT WRACK issues a clarion call for a rejuvenation of public services for the sake of our communities and our young people
With 170,000 children living in poverty in north-east England and teachers leaving in droves over 20 per cent real-terms pay cuts since 2010, all while private companies siphon off billions, it is time to unite and fight for education, writes MATT WRACK


