UNIONS representing teachers, school leaders and support staff are calling for them to be involved at every stage of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in education.

The move follows a survey suggesting that fewer than two in five parents have been actively consulted on the use of the technology in their child’s education.

The TUC said its research, among 1,200 parents, showed that involving education workers in AI would improve public confidence in the government’s agenda.

The polling reveals that a majority of parents want staff to be central at every stage of AI adoption in education, said the union organisation.

A joint statement by 10 unions said: “Technology is not a panacea. It is a tool. 

“The potential to enhance education for students, educators and society at large depends on the way these tools are designed, deployed and evaluated.

“Meaningful educator involvement is needed throughout to ensure that the rapid rollout of AI in education is shaped by professionalism and sound pedagogy.”

TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell said AI was a tool that could enhance education for generations to come, adding: “But its benefits will not be properly realised unless educators and their unions are at the decision-making table from the outset — and parents strongly agree.

“Involving education workers at every step of the AI chain would enhance public confidence in the government’s AI agenda.

“It would also significantly improve outcomes for learners.

“Teachers, support staff and other education workers know better than anyone how this new technology could benefit both them and students.”

The TUC said AI alone cannot fix underfunding, staff shortages and “overwhelming” workloads.

Just under four in 10 respondents to the survey said they have been actively consulted on the use of AI in their child’s education.

School leaders’ union NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: “If AI is thrust upon schools in a haphazard way, this risks disruption to learning and, ultimately, it is children’s education which will suffer.”

GMB national officer Stacey Booth said: “It’s so important that education workers are front and centre when it comes to rolling out AI in schools.

“That absolutely must include the school support staff who are so vital to educating our children.”