Labour claims the National Government is so desperate to keep its "dead-in-the-water expert teachers policy alive", it has refused to rule out forcing schools to participate through legislation, says Labour's Education spokesperson Chris Hipkins.

'John Key today attacked the Educational Institute for releasing a survey showing 93 per cent of primary teachers have no confidence in the Government's plans to pay a handful of educators more.

'Rather than acknowledging teachers' concerns, the Prime Minister suggested their opposition was partisan because it didn't come from the Labour Party. That is simply childish.

'John Key said legislating to force the Government's policy on primary schools was ‘always an option'.

'Schools have already had National Standards, Novopay and charter schools forced on them.

'In contrast, Labour's plan to lower class sizes has been welcomed by parents and teachers alike who know smaller class sizes are better for childrens' learning. This would be a far better use of such significant taxpayer funding.

'Under a Labour Government, teachers will have more one-to-one time with each child, have more time to improve their own skills and they will be better supported in their professional learning and development.

'It is time the National Government started listening, rather than attacking, those in the education sector who will have to implement their failed ideas."

Source: Office of Chris Hipkins.