Primary school teachers love working with their pupils, according to a survey.

Almost all teachers questioned mentioned children as a positive aspect of their jobs, and the majority said working with children and being able to make a difference to their lives was what they enjoyed most.

Working as a team with colleagues was also cited as one of the best things about being a primary school teacher.

But the research, carried out in England and Wales by the National Union of Teachers (NUT), also suggests most teachers feel demoralised and over-worked.

Almost half of the teachers questioned for the survey said implementing new initiatives such as the literacy and numeracy hours was their greatest pressure, while more than a third said bureaucracy caused them stress.

A number of teachers also pointed out the extra strain of the autumn term, as they tried to balance activities for Christmas, Diwali and other occasions, with extra-curricular activities and events to mark the millennium.

About 40% of the teachers chosen at random for the snapshot survey said more time outside the classroom would relieve many of their pressures, and would improve teaching.

More than a quarter of those questioned said they felt pressured by "constant criticism", and said that support and respect from the public and would help improve teaching and schools.

Several teachers raised concerns about government proposals for performance related pay.

'Caring profession'

NUT General Secretary Doug McAvoy said the results of the survey reflected teachers' commitment to their pupils.

"The country should be proud of its teachers. This snapshot shows a profession which cares about the future of its children even though personally teachers feel demoralised, devalued and dispirited.

"They will take on extra work even though it may push them to the limits, if they believe it is for the benefit of their children.

"They want professional development and to work co-operatively rather than competitively with their colleagues.

"Most of all, they want to educate the whole child, not just ensure proficiency in aspects of education which politicians highlight for the purpose of headlines."