Speaking following today's talks between education unions and the secretary of state for education, Gillian Keegan, on the industrial dispute, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “The tone of the talks was positive and the secretary of state agreed that action is needed to tackle the recruitment and retention crisis blighting the profession, and with it, children’s learning, which felt like a small step forward.

“However, the bottom line is that there was still no new pay offer on the table. We are happy to discuss all issues harming our ability to attract and retain staff, but there is no chance of progress if the government persists in expecting our members to accept another significant real-terms wage cut following more than a decade of below-inflation pay.

“While there was agreement to meet again soon, this needs to change. The longer the government drags its heels, the greater the anger of our members, especially when they can see the administrations in Wales and Scotland taking steps in the right direction by making new offers on pay.”