Responding to the publication of the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body report, and the announcement by cabinet secretary for education Lynne Neagle that the Welsh Government accepts the majority of its recommendations in principle, Laura Doel, national secretary at school leaders' union NAHT Cymru, said:

"We welcome many of the recommendations – especially on supporting school leaders’ wellbeing and ensuring proper recognition for the vital work they and other staff do in identifying the increasing numbers of children with additional learning needs and the help they require.

“School leaders in Wales are facing increasingly unsustainable workloads which place enormous strain on their wellbeing and ability to be on top of their game for staff and pupils. It is therefore positive that the pressure put on them to be constantly on call has been recognised.

“School leaders deserve periods of uninterrupted rest and we stand ready to work with employers to implement this, which is essential to reduce the risk of burnout.

“They and other members of their staff have for too long not been properly supported and valued for their work as ALN coordinators (ALNcos).

“NAHT has long spearheaded calls for better recognition, reward and support for ALNcos, and it is good to see that our tireless campaigning on this has paid off, with these recommendations for improved pay and conditions, training, and time set aside for staff to carry out this role.

“However, many schools are facing funding shortfalls right now, and while it is positive that £5m has been allocated to support these changes, we will need to consult with schools and local authorities to determine whether this is sufficient. It’s vital that school leaders are not left to pick up the tab from their budgets for any other increased costs likely to arise - not only for pay, but also for training and to arrange cover for classes and other duties when staff are supporting pupils with additional learning needs.

“It is imperative that the government and employers waste no time in working with the profession to implement these proposals on rest periods and ALNcos without delay to deliver the benefits for both staff and their pupils.”