Commenting as he left the Department for Education following talks with the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"Ahead of a difficult week for education it is encouraging to see all parties engaged in genuine attempts to break the impasse.

"I believe that Gillian Keegan was serious about her desire to get things moving. I was able to hear direct from the SoS about her concerns and desires and I was able to make clear to her the basis upon which I think progress can be made on pay and associated matters.

"Although the individual meeting was welcome I am concerned that lasting progress will only be made if all parties sit around the same table. Whatever the public rhetoric that should surely be everyone’s preference."