Frequently asked questions
This page lists the most frequently asked questions regarding the Teachers TV Board of Governors.
I am a parent and don’t work in a school. Will the Board listen to my comments?
Why does Teachers TV need to be editorially independent from government?
How can I receive Teachers TV?
How can I make programmes or suggest topics to be covered on the channel?
How does the governance by the Board of Governors differ from the regulation by Ofcom?
Why won’t Teachers TV be covering Further Education?
I’m a teacher in Scotland, Wales or Ireland. How useful will the channel be to me?
The Board is a public body. As such, members are appointed via a fair and open public process. All Board positions will be advertised in the national press and on the Public Appointments site. Anyone with the relevant experience that matches the criteria for the post can apply. Successfully shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview by a panel which will include an independent assessor before the final selection is made by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. There are no current vacancies for the Teachers TV Board of Governors.
I am a parent and don’t work in a school. Will the Board listen to my comments?
The Board is interested to hear all points of view regarding the channel. Non-teachers and members of the public are invited to contact the Board should they have any comments or questions about the work of the Board. Comments about the programming shown on the Teachers TV channel should be addressed to Teachers TV.
Why does Teachers TV need to be editorially independent from government?
The Communications Act 2003 prevents a TV channel from having 'wholly or mainly political objects'. This means that the channel must be editorially independent from the Department for Children Schools and Families. In addition, the channel’s audience want to feel that Teachers TV represents their experience and opinions, not that of government.
How can I receive Teachers TV?
Teachers TV is available on the following digital platforms:
Freeview 88 (16.00-18.00)
Sky Guide Channel 880
Virgin TV 240
Teachers TV programmes are also available through the website at www.teachers.tv
How can I make programmes or suggest topics to be covered on the channel?
The Board of Governors is not involved in supplying programmes or ideas for Teachers TV. All interest in this area should be directed to Teachers TV.
How does the governance by the Board of Governors differ from the regulation by Ofcom?
The Board provides channel governance specific to Teachers TV, whereas Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across TV, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. Their remit is industry-wide.
Why won’t Teachers TV be covering Further Education?
In the first instance Teachers TV is aimed at a schools audience. The potential for new audiences such as Further Education will be explored as the channel grows.
I’m a teacher in Scotland, Wales or Ireland. How useful will the channel be to me?
Teachers TV contains programming made around the English National Curriculum only. However, school staff from the devolved nations may find programming in the General Zone useful and relevant, for example the professional development programmes.