According to Mr Harniess, this stated that the ESF acknowledged that extra-curricular activities were organised on the basis of goodwill on the part of teachers and that teachers had the right to review their working practices, taking into account the needs of their schools. Management would lift the threat of disciplinary action against those who had followed the directive in exchange for lifting it.

ESF chief executive Heather Du Quesnay was 'surprised' that Mr Harniess had revealed details of the statement.

'I want to say as little as possible because I believe the last time we were in discussions teachers felt bounced by the fact it was leaked to the press prematurely. We made no agreement about going to the press.'

Mr Harniess' summary, she said, left out the context. 'We agreed extra-curricular activities were an important part of ESF education,' she said.

If teachers rejected the statement management would take stock over the holidays, she said.

The directive meant that it 'was not business as usual', but most schools were managing to do most of the things they normally did. Mr Harniess said the directive, which forbids members from supervising students after 4.30pm, had affected activities such as evening performances, as well as plans for overseas and local overnight camps.

'This is not a selfish act on teachers' part. It is the consequence of a dispute,' he said. 'It is important people recognise the time and commitment teachers give to these things.'