Fears the introduction of performance related pay for teachers will undermine their morale and ruin teamwork have been heightened following a teaching union survey.

In the National Union of Teachers' survey of 168 primary teachers from England and Wales, teamwork emerged as the part of teaching they most enjoyed.

The survey asked the teachers which three aspects of their work they enjoyed the most.

While 'teaching children/classroom teaching' was given 63%, 'team working with colleagues' was in second place with 42%.

All teachers' unions recognise that the introduction of performance related pay linked to pupils' results affect teamwork in schools.

NUT Cymru secretary Gethin Lewis said: "This survey highlights the fact that teachers in schools recognise that they work as part of a team.

"Teamwork is a crucial everyday aspect of how schools work.

"The introduction of performance related pay linked to pupil results will naturally affect teamwork in our schools.

"All teachers and parents recognise that very few pupils achieve good exam results due to the work of only one teacher," he added.

Beyond teachers' control

Mr Lewis said that independent research showed that pupil progress relies on family, social and economic factors - all of which are beyond the control of one teacher.

" Schools make the difference and the best schools build upon the teamwork of dedicated teachers," said Mr Lewis.

"What this survey brings home is that teachers see themselves as part of a team.

"They do not want the introduction of a pay system which will pit teacher against teacher, pupil against pupil and schools against schools."

New pay structure

Mr Lewis said that any new policies introduced must take into account these factors and enhance teamwork.

He said the Government's proposals to introduce performance related pay for teachers threatened teamwork.

Under Green Paper proposals, the new pay structure would mean the best and most experienced teachers could earn more than �35,000 a year.

It would also offer teachers the opportunity to apply for performance assessment and gain up to �2,000 extra a year and gain additional "performance points".