One of the promises the Labour Party made to teachers was that of a sabbatical. Great idea. I understand that this idea will take some time to set up and implement.

Another promise, for teachers to move from one school to another without losing seniority could easily come into force straight away.

Applications will soon start to be issued for teaching posts. As things now stand, for a teacher with 10 years’ experience to move from a Church to a State school, s/he would have to start again from scale nine instead of eight.

The same applies for someone who has left teaching, to study, raise a family, etc. and wants to return.

Please, give credit to our years of teaching experience, encourage us to return to teaching and help us move to State schools, where we can progress much more in our career.