Eight out of 10 primary school teachers say they have difficulty coping with the pressure of their job because they have been given so many new tasks to do as well as teach, according to research by union CNV Onderwijs.

In particular, the large amount of administration which teachers have to do is causing problems, the union said. For example, teachers have to produce lengthy reports on how they plan to deal with children who need special care.

But teachers also feel they are being given too much of a social worker’s role, the union said.

‘Something happens which generates a lot of media attention, there are questions in parliament, then new rules are made and handed on to schools,’ news agency ANP quoted a spokesman as saying.

Obesity

Almost half the teachers questioned think compulsory lessons on obesity should be scrapped, 43% are against school swimming and one third think lessons on drugs and alcohol can go.

The problem is equally acute in secondary education, with half of teachers saying schools have too many other jobs to do as well as teach. Some 80% think they do not have enough time for administrative duties.

Over 700 secondary school and 3,500 primary school teachers took part in the survey.