Web journal 2009 10 23

This journal is a brief summary of information for local members from National sources, and an update on local meetings between 16th September and 23rd October 2009

It should also be remembered that supporting members with individual issues is also a part of the local association’s role, but they cannot be reported in detail because all enquiries are confidential. When seeking advice it will remain confidential. Any further action on any issue will only be taken with the consent of the member.

There was a Regional Executive meeting on 22nd September at the Regional Office in Stafford. The agenda covered SATs Campaign, and Rarely Cover among other business items.

The Local Authority Health , Safety and Welfare group met on 7th October to discuss the
· Annual Health and safety report
· Personal fall protection equipment & Radon in the workplace
· Accident/violent incident Data report
· NEW GUIDANCE for Accidents to Pupils in Schools

The Division Secretary attended on 8th October the Authority meeting on “Maintaining High Quality Education – managing the local Context”. There are several of these meeting in the county to cont on what stakeholder see as the future of education in Shropshire given falling roles and financial constraints. A proposal is expected after these consultations early in 2010. Other authorities such as Devon, Suffolk, and Herefordshire are also looking at the future under these circumstances.

On the 9th of October NUT representatives attended the meeting with West Mercia Supplies (WMS) – Please remember that you can contact us about this service .

The regular meeting with Human Resources officers on 14th October dealt with
· Progress of the visioning sessions following on from the IPC
· Agreeing the Caring About Sickness policy
· Agreeing the Maternity Leave policy
· Agreeing the Adoption leave policy
· An update on the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA)
· Update on Part time teachers hours / pay
· Swine Flu
· Accident Reporting in Schools

.Members were invited to A General meeting on 15th October to receive a briefing about the way in which the New section of the SCHOOL TEACHERS PAY AND CONDITIONS DOCUMENT requires their pay and working hours to be calculated. Previously there was no information on how to do this fairly. The IPC was also for discussion.

The Division Committee meeting that followed this discussed the forthcoming visit of Martin Reed ( National president) to the AGM in February, the new policies agreed with the Authority, the STEVE SINNOTT foundation, Delegates to Conference at Easter, Representatives for the Children’s Trust seminars on “Think Family” and the possible effects of the cuts in funding.

Web journal up to 2009 09 18

This journal is a brief summary of information for local members from National sources, and an update on local meetings, since the previous journal entry.

It was good to have the 7 week Summer holiday that occurs once in a “blue moon”, however, just two weeks back and there has been much for the Local Officers of the Division to be involved in on behalf of members. ( please read the latest newsletter on this site)

Issues to watch out for in your school

Changes to performance management
Early indications of budget shortfall
Restructuring of staffing

9th September – ASG – meeting with the LA HR

There are plans to include in Services menu on the Shropshire Learning Gateway both Human Resources policies and Health and Safety Policies.
Swine flu updates are on the main Shropshire Council site.
Updates to several policies are underway (Caring about sickness: Maternity Leave; Adoption leave; Parental Leave; Fixed term contracts; health & safety policy; and Capability.
Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will in time have included many details to protect children from harm.
Rarely Cover policies that schools have created in line with the Workforce remodelling 2003 , appear to have caused no problems.
The relatively new CARS accident reporting system seems to be settling in and further advice will be sent to schools.

10th September School Forum Meeting

This meeting looks at the financial position for CYPS.

The agenda included schools balances, the budget for 2009-10, nursery provision, service level agreement and the currently important Independent policy Commission on Primary Schools. It is somewhat obvious that given the background of funding for Shropshire schools being amongst the lowest in the country, and given falling rolls it will be a difficult time to plan for the future because of budget restraints. On top of this there is also National Government Spending cuts which have as yet not been identified, but cannot be ignored.

14th September Health and Safety Management ( for CYPS)

A proactive meeting concerned with delivering the mandatory requirements of Health and Safety, along with good guidance to assist Shropshire employees on Health and Safety issues.

There is an action plan for the CYPS to make sure that new and existing requirements are implemented.
There is also a cross referencing to the Shropshire Learning Gateway to make access to important information and policies easier.
CARS form for reporting accidents need to be used in all schools and guidance as to what needs to be reported centrally has been updated and will soon be circulated. The format to record “lumps and bumps” should be included with this , as well as helpful appendices for Governor’s Health and Safety Committees that monitor, accidents, violent incidents and near misses in their schools.
The Health and Safety updates are with ASG
New Health and Safety poster—this is required to be displayed in place of the one that schools should already be displaying – it is Law – check out http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/lawposter.htm
the HS Officer’s report highlighted where there have been Enforcement notices from the HSE; the important of Design and Technology Departments cleaning filters and ensuring regular servicing of machinery: continuing vigilance on asbestos: availability of Health and Safety Training; Lone working and the use of Voice Connect; and overall results of the school premises that have been HS audited. ( something that all schools should also be doing annually for themselves)
16th September Scrutiny Panel for CYPS
This meeting was attended in the capacity of observers for the all important agenda item of the Independent Policy Commission report on Primary Education in Shropshire. The public had submitted questions to this Panel. It is in the early stages of this issue and there are further consultation meeting s around the county ( see newsletter on this website) . A plan needs to be in place for February 2010.
16th September WAMG ( Workforce Agreement Monitoring Group)
This agreement goes back to 2003 and was introduced in stages – the most recent being the Rarely cover for September 2009 .
There is always the possibility that over time work load reduction gains are lost and this groups remit is to monitor.
Performance management issues were discussed, particularly with regards to observations. It was made clear that a Head teacher may wish as part of their PM to be observed observing, but this is subject to the agreement of the teacher who is teaching. So situations where two observers appear can only happen with prior agreement.
Reference back to the TDA for policy and documentation was revisited to remind all concerned that any changes to the Performance Management policy in a school is subject to consultation in the same way as the original.
Changes to HT induction were also outlined and appear to be lacking in clarity as the effect it will have on workload for HT.
The position re Extended Schools was updated and it is hoped that soon the advice for this area will be collated, currently it exists in separate documents. Children’s Centres are being established in line with the requirements.
The introduction of APPs was raised and further consideration to possible workload issues will be on future agendas.

Web Journal up to2009 07 10

This journal is a brief summary of information for local members from National sources, and an update on local meetings, since the previous journal entry.

SATS – joint action with NAHT .

Today the 10th July Christine Hargest represented the NUT at a meeting with the NAHT with Daniel Kawczynski MP and Owen Paterson MP. The aim to build an understanding of why SATS constrict the broader role of education and why thy should be removed. The sample material for APP at KS2 and examples of the mark schemes for KS2 SATS were shared with the MPs. The role of league tables and accountability of schools were explored. The idea that parents need league tables to choose schools was refuted; parents choose schools by looking at the school and talking to other parents about the quality of the school. The impact that SATS have had on narrowing the focus of education was explained and expanded upon. The uncertainties of the SATs were also outlined – the abolition of KS3 SATS when the year for preparation had already started, the radio announcement of the removal of KS” science SATs—these are all not good for teachers or children.

Reasons for removing SATS were given because:

They are stressful for children, parents, and teachers
They are an unreliable way of assessing pupils’ progress
There is an unacceptably high level of inaccuracy in test results
They can narrow what is taught in primary school, squeezing out time for creative subjects and sports
They encourage “ teaching to the test”
They undermine the morale of too many children
Unreliable data is used to unfairly judge school performance

A meeting with Phillip Dunne on the same issue has been arranged for next week.

APP

Look at the NUT News in your staff room APP is voluntary make sure that you check this advice and avoid excessive and unnecessary workload.

See main NUT site http://www.teachers.org.uk/story.php?id=4722

Rarely cover – look for the latest advice before dealing with consultations on the issue in your school. BY latest advice we mean May 2009 – this can be found on the NUT main site http://www.teachers.org.uk/story.php?id=4645

Other meetings where NUT has been involved this term include:

Shrewsbury Sixth Form JCNC
Schools Forum
Union Associations secretaries ASG – Trips and Visits Guidance updated , PE guidance from Chris Matthews agreed and will be launched in September for the new school year. We are still awaiting the report from the Independent commission on Primary School organisation in Shropshire.
A meeting in Bishops Castle for members in the South of the county.
Health and Safety Management meeting – this is with the CYPS – so if you have any issues that would be of interest to this group please inform the Divisional Secretary

Do you use Facebook or other internet chat – then protect yourself by making sure that you have controlled who can access your pages --- some teachers are having problems where pupils have found details that they can use to their advantage!

Web 2009 05 14.

This journal is a brief summary of information for local members from National sources, and an update on local meetings, since the previous journal entry.

Regional Executive meeting held in Stafford 14/5/2009

Agenda included

Love Music hate Racism festival in Stoke 23rd May tickets via scfcdirect.com or call 08716 632 007
Chainmaker’s Festival
Planning of Briefing days for local officers

WAMG 6 05 2009

Agenda included

An update on Performance Management with particular reference to Threshold
CPD update – now available - Voice Workshop and Behaviour management
The extended schools guidance is complete and is yet to be circulated to schools
The issue of “Rarely cover” and what it means will need to be clarified for schools to implement in September 2009. Further advice will be sent out from the LA on this.

Teachers’ Assurance Seminar at the Lord Hill 30 04 2009

A well attended meeting clarifying how the Teachers pension works including the tax requirements. Changes to the scheme were also explained. Further information can be obtained from David Bramwell 0800 7311093 ( Teachers’ Assurance)

ASG meeting with the LA 29 04 2009

Liz Nicholson joined the meeting.

The HR department have moved from Shirehall to the Guildhall in Frankwell. The agenda included the following items.

The progress on the staffing of the amalgamating schools was updated.

The new structures for 2 or 3 of the amalgamations were circulated. Teachers should all soon know which position they will have in September.

The position of the staff in schools affected by Redundancies was reviewed, some have taken Voluntary Early Retirement, a small number are still waiting to secure another post. The LA is making sure these few receive job vacancy lists and assisting with applications.

Small amendments were made to the following policies:-

Grievance procedures for schools

Flexible working – The right to apply (the age of the children increased by law to 16)

Disciplinary Procedure – Staff in Schools (other than Headteachers)

Pandemic advice had been circulated to Headteachers.

WMS panel meeting ( West Mercia Supplies) attended by your reps from committee.

A few points to note:

In the catalogue it will be easier to get the right type of pages in exercise books as the picture of the page is included rather than just a description.

Also, Eco friendly products can be recognised by the green background to the description.

For those who use the website – there is a plan in the pipeline to improve the website.

New Catalogue being delivered to schools – it has a striking black cover.

Shropshire Division Committee meeting 23rd April 2009

This was a special meeting with the newly appointed Regional Officer covering Shropshire – Rob Kelsall. He has been working for the NUT previously in a different role. The committee look forward to working with Rob on union issues.

The Lobby of Parliament on 28th April on the issue of Assessment was discussed, and plans were made to contact local MPs as no-one was free to lobby.

There was a report back from the delegates who attended National Conference in Cardiff at Easter. Members will be able to find more information about Conference in their copy of “The Teacher” magazine. There were also reports in the TES.

Health, Safety and Welfare meeting 22nd April with Shropshire Council

This is a central Group for the feedback from the Directorate Health and Safety groups, which includes CYPS.

The Constitution of the group was confirmed.

The meeting went on to receive the Health and Safety Managers’ report and the Improvement Plan.

Also papers on:-

Health and Safety Auditing arrangements.

Annual Health and Safety self monitoring Process

Outdoor play equipment safety arrangements

First Aid

Office Safety

Risk Assessment arrangements.

National NUT Conference 10th April- 14th April

In the Easter Holidays 4 local Officers represented Shropshire at the National Conference in Cardiff. This is a 5 day conference. Members will have seen some of the media coverage and further reports can be found in “The Teacher” Magazine and TES. Issues relation to education included workload and SAT
Web 2009 04 01

Changes to look out for :

Performance management in your school – changes need to go back through consultation.

Arrangements for teacher cover ( contractual) – check on main NUT site – September 2009 requires that teachers “rarely” cover for absence- but this is not clear as to what rarely means.

Schools where there are redundancy situations for teaching staff will have identified , Potential compulsory redundancies by now.

Schools forum met on the 19th March. The meeting revealed that although there were slightly more pupils in Shropshire than had at first been estimated, the budget for Shropshire Schools was still a tight fit. However, there is improvement in the Insurance scheme to support Return to Work programmes that are approved by Occupational Health.

The saving from school amalgamations also play their part in the overall budget. The detailed papers for the meeting can be found on the Shropshire Council site.

The Regional Council of the NUT met on 24th of March. Unfortunately no local officer was able to attend this meeting in Birmingham . The business of the meeting was mainly about how local associations function.

WAMG ( Workforce Remodelling Monitoring Group) met on 25th March.

Included items:

Performance management update – the need to link those looking to go through Threshold to the Standards for Teachers.
A reminder that Ofsted Criteria are not to be used for observation and observation should not be graded. Members are reminded about taking care what they agree on the planning statement.
CPD can now be found through the Shropshire Learning Gateway Website.
A demonstration of the website was given to the group and the progress of the site will be reported to WAMG. There are many ways that this website could support the work of teachers, but caution about workload was expressed by NUT. Apparently there is Free training available – so you are advised to look into this.
The Secondary School update was concerned with the “rarely cover” and how it is to be defined. It would be true to say that the DCFS is still trying to define this, which is not too helpful when it is a requirement for September 2009.
Health and Safety Management Group 30th March.
Apologies were sent to this meeting as no local officer was available.

Web 2009 03 11

This journal is a brief summary of information for local members from National sources, and an update on local meetings, since the previous journal entry.

Safety
An article in ROSPA “ Safety express” is devoted to the Asbestos survey for schools. This is now being undertaken by the DCSF in the form of an audit to be completed by April 2009. Shropshire Local Authority has already been mindful of the asbestos in schools and has recently been resurveying schools. To know where the asbestos ( if any) is in your school your school office should hold the Asbestos Register which identifies the location of asbestos in the building. The golden rule is that if it is left undisturbed and if not shedding any fibres then it is safe. It is dangerous when the fibres become airborne. For more information www.hse.gov.uk/services/education/asbestos.htm

The same publication is also highlighting the impact of slips, trips and falls. This is another area that can have a long term impact on health, and therefore it is important to be mindful of the causes and avoid them. Further information can be found in the Health and Safety section of The NUT National site www.teachers.org.uk

Redundancy
This month the Division has been dealing with Redundancy situations in schools. Many have been solved amicably by voluntary redundancy or voluntary early retirement. There are still some outstanding where it will unfortunately be necessary for the selection for potential compulsory redundancy to be activated. If you have concerns in your school please contact the Division. The whole process can be extremely unsettling and wearing for staff and it may be helpful to consider using the counselling services of the TSN ( Teacher Support Network) these are confidential and are available by phone 24hours 08000 562 561 or internet at www.teachersupport.info

AGM
The AGM ( annual general meeting) was held on 5th March at the Lord Hill Hotel in Shrewsbury. This is an important business meeting to approve the officers for the division, accounts , reports and projections for the coming year. This year the AGM also included a briefing on the Employment Protection Scheme. We a new member to committee and if anyone else is interested in joining the committee please contact the secretary. Thank you to all those who attended and gave up their time.

Sixth Form JCNC
The Secretary has attended the termly meeting of the JCNC for Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, working with the NUT representative from the college.

ASG meeting
The meeting with HR from the Authority included:
· an update on School organisation ( this is the progress of the amalgamating school in the county),
· an update on the move to Unitary Status for the council
· The Learning gateway www.shropshirelg.net —will be an item on the WAMG, but also there will be a section for policies, information and procedures. ( these used to be in the Education secure area of the Shropshire Council website. We understand that school are currently being introduced to the Learning gateway.
· Update on Employment Protection Scheme position with regard to the number and type of redundancies.
· Term dates are still under discussion

Web 2009 01 28

This journal is a brief summary of information for local members from National sources, and an update on local meetings, since the previous journal entry.

SUMMARY

Falls guidance

Health and safety reps guidance

Playground supervision

ASG meeting

Health Safety and Welfare meeting

Independent Policy Commission

NUT General meeting – conference motions

Schools Forum meeting

New-- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has updated guidance for schools on working at height. The guidance was first developed three years ago by the South West Provincial Employers Education Safety Officers Group and was based on real accidents involving staff and students. The guidance can be found at

www.hse.gov.uk/falls/casestudies/schoolguidance.htm.

For health and safety reps ---NEW BROWN BOOK—which clarifies your rights etc. An electronic copy of the revised 1977 Safety Representatives and Consultation Regulations, as well as the ACoP, guidance and various annexes can be accessed through the “safety representatives” pages on the TUC website or at

http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/brownbook.pdf

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION - a new Health and safety briefing developed with the assistance of the NUT’s Health and safety working group which sets out advice on the legal framework: risk assessment and teachers’ professional duties. It also contains a checklist for NUT HS Reps.

http://www.teachers.org.uk/resources/word/PLAYGROUND-SUPERVISON-H&SBRIEF08_SL.doc

Meeting with the Local authority officers (ASG)

This is a regular meeting about employment issues. Liz Nicholson addressed the December meeting, updating the union secretaries on primary school changes. Schools not affected by primary amalgamations may have to consider possible redundancies due to falling rolls. Few have yet been identified as this is linked to the budget for the school. Members in schools likely to be affected should contact the Division.

The Spring term started with a Joint union meeting hosted by UNISON to prepare for the submission to the Independent Policy Commission on Primary schools in Shropshire as this would be given in Whitchurch on the 14th of January. Together with NAHT, ATL, NASUWT and UNISON written evidence was presented to the Commission , chaired by Neil Kingham and we answered their questions. I understand that the detail can be accessed on www.shropshire.gvo.uk/policycommission . The final report is due in June 2009.

The process of amalgamating some schools as identified as started and it is hoped that all concerned will know where they stand quite soon, so that the amalgamated schools can begin in September 2009. If a member has any queries please contact the Division.

On the 15th January the Health and Safety and Welfare Group met. The agenda included items from all council departments, including CYPS. Notably NUT members in schools there were items on Stress, slips, trips and Falls, Lone working and accident reporting. NUT members should take seriously the need to have a policy for LONE working in School, this may be at the beginning or end of the day when no-one else is around or, when you go into school as an individual to set something up – you should always make sure that there is a system to call for help if something goes wrong—you could fall or have a heart attack—and if you have no means of checking that you left the building then it could be some time before you are discovered.

With regard to accident reporting NUT members should always report accidents and schools should also have a near miss reporting system ( this helps to ensure accidents are avoided) and remember to report VIOLENT INCIDENTS. It is not acceptable to receive physical or verbal abuse, and violence towards members is not acceptable. The violent incident report statistics are always questioned as to their accuracy – maybe they are not reported for various reasons.

GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHROPSHIRE DIVISION 22nd January

For the purpose of discussing NATIONAL CONFERENCE MOTIONS was held at Belvidere School . The meeting agreed 6 motions to be prioritised at Conference at Easter these have been sent in and in due course we shall be informed the results. Shropshire submitted:

10 Workload and working time

15 Performance management

26 Primary Education

39 National Curriculum and testing

40 OFSTED

78 Public Sector Pay determination

The full text of these can be found in the booklet supplied earlier this term to Reps in Schools.

There will be 4 Delegates from Shropshire attending Conference in Cardiff in the Easter Holidays.

SCHOOLS FORUM met 29th January 2009

There were two main agenda items , Development of Early Years Single formula and the Indicative Dedicated Schools’ Grant and provisional Schools allocations for 2009/10. Shropshire funding per pupil is amongst the lowest in the country and this will naturally have an impact on what can be done. With this linked to decline in the number of pupils, making ends meet so to speak will always be a difficult exercise.

The full text of the papers from Schools forum can be found on Shropshire Council’s website.

The Spring term started with a Joint union meeting hosted by UNISON to prepare for the submission to the Independent Policy Commission on Primary schools in Shropshire as this would be given in Whitchurch on the 14th of January. Together with NAHT, ATL, NASUWT and UNISON written evidence was presented to the Commission , chaired by Neil Kingham and we answered their questions. I understand that the detail can be accessed on www.shropshire.gvo.uk/policycommission . The final report is due in June 2009.
The process of amalgamating some schools as identified as started and it is hoped that all concerned will know where they stand quite soon, so that the amalgamated schools can begin in September 2009. If a member has any queries please contact the Division.

On the 15th January the Health and Safety and Welfare Group met. The agenda included items from all council departments, including CYPS. Notably NUT members in schools there were items on Stress, slips, trips and Falls, Lone working and accident reporting. NUT members should take seriously the need to have a policy for LONE working in School, this may be at the beginning or end of the day when no-one else is around or, when you go into school as an individual to set something up – you should always make sure that there is a system to call for help if something goes wrong—you could fall or have a heart attack—and if you have no means of checking that you left the building then it could be some time before you are discovered.
With regard to accident reporting NUT members should always report accidents and schools should also have a near miss reporting system ( this helps to ensure accidents are avoided) and remember to report VIOLENT INCIDENTS. It is not acceptable to receive physical or verbal abuse, and violence towards members is not acceptable. The violent incident report statistics are always questioned as to their accuracy – maybe they are not reported for various reasons.

GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHROPSHIRE DIVISION 22nd January
For the purpose of discussing NATIONAL CONFERENCE MOTIONS was held at Belvidere School . The meeting agreed 6 motions to be prioritised at Conference at Easter these have been sent in and in due course we shall be informed the results. Shropshire submitted:
10 Workload and working time
15 Performance management
26 Primary Education
39 National Curriculum and testing
40 OFSTED
78 Public Sector Pay determination
The full text of these can be found in the booklet supplied earlier this term to Reps in Schools.
There will be 4 Delegates from Shropshire attending Conference in Cardiff in the Easter Holidays.

SCHOOLS FORUM met 29th January 2009
There were two main agenda items , Development of Early Years Single formula and the Indicative Dedicated Schools’ Grant and provisional Schools allocations for 2009/10. Shropshire funding per pupil is amongst the lowest in the country and this will naturally have an impact on what can be done. With this linked to decline in the number of pupils, making ends meet so to speak will always be a difficult exercise.
The full text of the papers from Schools forum can be found on Shropshire Council’s website.

· Web journal 2008 12 12

Health and Safety Management meeting agenda included:
· KYSIB workshops feed back – these Keep your school in business workshops have been held to assist schools in making the necessary Risk Assessments and evacuation procedures regarding FIRE. These will need reviewing yearly.
· Health and Safety Bulletin – there is now a termly bulletin to schools identifying any new issues and relevant material. This term’s included reminder about annual audits, asbestos, accident reporting, workstation assessments, slips/trips, and school visits.
A good guide for managers ,and also contains information that all staff should be aware of.
· The Health and safety Officers report due attention to the policies that have already been agreed; Emergency/bomb threat, Fire, Manual handling, COSHH, Asbestos, DSE. In progress are Ventilation, Slips,trips and Falls, LOLER, Confined spaces, Violence at work, There is also the need when hiring equipment to make sure that the provider instructs the hirer in the Health and Safety aspects of the equipment.

Workforce Remodelling Monitoring group (WAMG) meeting this term included the following:
· Performance management update – reviewer training has been provided by the LA and there is still some available. This training becomes more important as the reviewer makes the pay recommendation.
· MLT degree- this will be offered to NQTs September 2009 in their 3rd term – there had been concerns that starting this at the same time as starting teaching could lead to a workload issue.
· Further details of Career structure for support staff were examined. There was some discussion around Cover supervisors and the role of supervising set work as opposed to “teaching”
· Bob Thompson updated the group on Secondary School issues and David Somerville on Primary school issues. Large primary schools may have been in the survey of remodelling issues this term and it is hoped that some small primaries will be visited next term. These surveys are part of the monitoring role of the group to ensure compliance with the 2003 Act.
· Dedicated Headship time was discussed, but as yet there seems to be no clear way forward on this issue and more work will be undertaken.
· Extended Schools update – a guidance document has now been completed containing useful info and links to further info to assist schools with this initiative. Watch out for this next term – it is hoped that it will appear on SchoolsNet and Shropshire Learning Gateway

Steve Pritchard Jones and Christine Hargest attended Regional Casework Briefing on 9th December In Stone.
· David Whiting from ACAS clarified the role of ACAS.
· The links between Capability and the DDA were explored.
· Collective approaches to Bullying and Harassment explained.
· School organisation – Collective and Legal issues were dealt with by Amanda Brown from Headquarters
· An update on Part time teachers
· ISA and CRB update—apparently there will be a new enormous database.
If you would like more on any of these topics please email the secretary.

Christine Hargest attended the Schools Forum meeting on 11th December. The agenda included
· Feedback from the forums meeting with the Primary Commission
( the one that is looking at the organisation of primary schools in
Shropshire)
· Points about the funding formula and staffing in primary schools
· The issue of surplus places

The papers for this meeting containing the detail can be found on the Shropshire County Council website.

Next week your local reps will be attending one of the Primary Commission meeting and the regular meeting with the Local Authority.

Web 2008 11 27

The New Football stadium was an excellent venue for our NUT representatives training course. Issues covered were the structure of the Union, Local Authority policies and procedures, CPD opportunities. The course was well attended and we hope to develop further courses next year. Thank you to all those reps who attended.

The secretary sent apologies to the Schools Forum Meeting but has made arrangements to be available for the next one in December.

The Children’s Trust meeting in Oswestry shed light on the number of agencies working together for children and child protection issues.

The regular meeting with the Local Authority ( ASG) discussed
· SchoolsNet,
· the new Trips and Visits Guidance ( to be out shortly- there is a current policy),
· PE guidance policy- this is new and will also be out shortly –promises to be a really useful policy covering the huge diversity of PE
· School organisation update – if you have comments please email the Division secretary
· EPS – Employment protection Scheme – there may be the need for some schools to look at reducing staff—this deals with this issue—if your school is likely to be affected please let us know.

Ebe Rudd, Lynn Bartley, Steve Pritchard Jones and Christine Hargest attended the meeting with WMS ( West Mercia Supplies) this is as useful link meeting allowing new product ideas, complaints and other exchanges of ideas. It is a local service to schools that also has representatives from Worcester and Herefordshire. If you have any problems or ideas you can pass these on to us as we shall meet with them again in April.

Steve Pritchard Jones attended the Regional meeting in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd November an important link with other Midlands NUT associations. Guest speaker was Roger McKenzie- Regional Secretary of the TUC on The International work of the Midlands TUC. There was launch of the NUT sponsored DVD on Islamophobia in conjunction wit Show Racism the Red Card.

Sixth Form Reps attended the Regional Reps meeting in Birmingham covering the issues :
· Workload limitation stategies
· National negotiations
· Handling redundancies
· The future of Sixth Form Colleges.

NUT is represented on the JCNC for Shrewsbury Sixth Form which meets termly. The recent meeting covered
· Terms of reference
· Pay award 2008/09
· And started consultation on term dates

11th November 2008

The President Ebe Rudd has represented the Association at the Funeral of George Raxter OBE. DL. This month. Before Telford and Wrekin became unitary George was an active NUT member in Shropshire and also became Chair of the Education Committee in the 1990s, during which time he led campaign for a FAIR DEAL on FUNDING for Shropshire pupils. This reminds us just how long we having been raising the issue of funding in Shropshire.

Teacher Support Network –TSN (an independent Charity)– Ebe and Christine have been out as volunteer caseworkers to link with the National Organisation and see what help can be given to local teachers who have asked for support. The support is confidential. You can help by donating to TSN or you can access help by looking at www.teachersupport.info or by phoning 08000 562 561.
The web page includes many useful pages on topics such as workload, stress and online coaching can also be accessed.

The latest meeting of Association Secretaries with the Local Authority included agenda items on:
· The Music Service- Keith Havercroft gave an update on the service.
· School Organisation update – the group has requested a meeting with Neil Kingham who is in charge of the Commission
· Part time teachers – they are now recognised in the School Teachers Pay and Condition Document- which means that their working time and contracts can be clarified.
It should also be noted that from previous work in this group that the Guidelines for Administering medicines , and other health issues in Schools along with the Asthma Guidance were sent out to schools by Paul Jones (LA officer) last month.

Terry Morton and Christine Hargest were to attend the Disabled Teachers’ Conference in London on November 8th 2008. This was unfortunately cancelled.

Terry Morton attended the Divisional Secretaries Briefing at Stoke Rochford in place if Christine Hargest. This is a 3 day briefing that covers many current topics for the NUT such as:
· The use of IT in union work
· Recruiting school representatives ( please not we have a briefing for our reps on 12th November)
· Developments in 14-19 education
And many more 30 topics all told but one person can only choose 5, other topic included updates on the employment law, Fairer Futures and an Education update from John Bangs (you often hear him on the radio speaking on education for the NUT)

Steve Pritchard Jones attended the Health, Safety and Welfare meeting with the LA as it clashed with another meeting for Christine Hargest. Importantly from that meeting was the need for teachers if they are claiming mileage for meetings/courses etc. that their car must be insured for business use. Insuring for business use is something that is important even if you just take a sick child home. We do not recommend you take sick children home.

Next week the Shropshire NUT will be attending Shropshire Children’s Trust Area meetings on Change for Children -New Opportunities.

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Arriving soon will be the BALLOT PAPERS FOR the

FAIR PAY FOR TEACHERS CAMPAIGN it is vital that all members vote to give an accurate response. All members are urged to consider the issues which can be found in the broadsheet arriving with reps in schools and on the National Union website www.teachers.org.uk

In our Shropshire Local Authority Children and Young Persons Directorate we have wished Carol Tiddy well on her retirement after 40 years in local Government, said goodbye to Ian Budd who has moved on to a post in Flintshire, and we welcome back Liz Nicholson as Director from her secondment to another Shropshire directorate.

The Divisional secretary met with the local authority officers and other union secretaries (ASG) on the following:

School organisation update (we have responded to the commission on this issue as Joint Teacher Unions formally in writing and will be attending the oral hearings)

Caring about sickness policy and guidance (good reference form HT and Teachers and support staff—contains procedures for informing employer, employee and return to work situations)

Extended schools update ( a good policy document containing extremely useful references and cross references to other polices will shortly be in schools—this will be a great help in this expanding service organised by schools.)

Schools forum: a representative of teacher unions takes part in this group. Until now Brian Oakley of NASUWT has held this role, upon his retirement after many years of sterling work, the position will now be held by Christine Hargest NUT, with Veronica Thompson of ATL as the alternate representative.

The Divisional Secretary was unable to attend the Regional meeting on 23rd September due to teaching commitments and will inform you of the points from this meeting when the minutes are received.

On the 1st of October we had a clash of meetings Health, Safety & Welfare with WAMG (Workforce Agreement Monitoring Group). Steve Pritchard Jones attended the former, dealing with policies for Slips, Trips & Falls among other useful material for HS in all the Council Directorates. The Divisional secretary attended WAMG looking at the sample survey of workload remodelling in Secondary schools , the CPD update ( CPD details will be available on the Shropshire Learning Gateway at www.shropshirelg.net which will need passwords etc as it develops as a tool for schools) The school that the Divisional secretary teaches in previously used Digital Brain and are working towards getting the same facilities and much more in time from the new Gateway) A plea was placed for training on using the resource as ICT skills may need development. The Shropshire WAMG rates as a High performer having encouraged positive actions on many of the workload related issues. A survey of a sample of primary schools on the issues around remodelling will be undertaken this term by the Remodelling Advisers. It is their intention to talk to Headteacher, Senior leadership post holder, classroom teacher, classroom support and non-classroom support staff. There is also much work on career pathways for support staff and work for the new MTL (Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning) that is proposed for all NQTs to work through as they start teaching. The details of the MTL will become clearer as they evolve, we believe the emphasis is to be on classroom activity, but we are concerned about workload. However, we are told that new teachers welcome this development.

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Welcome back everyone and best wishes for the autumn term.

NUT members have been represented at the Health and Safety Management group. The agenda included HSE update on trips/slips, and ladders. KSBIB and KYSIB – which mean keeping your Business in business and keeping your school in business against the destructive forces of fire . The folders with the full information have been distributed to school and training for the responsible person will be advertised this term. The report of the LA health and safety officer included the importance of making sure that hired equipment has the appropriate risk assessment , and it covers your requirements, the importance of reporting accidents and violent incidents to the LA, the need to ensure that the health and safety audits of premises are completed and the SAAP returned. Look out also for the first Health and Safety bulletin.
Incorporate policies – emergency bomb threat procedure, Fire safety procedure and Manual Handling Arrangements. Check out the Shropshire County Council website.

Next week we shall be meeting the LA about School organisation update, Caring about sickness, Schools forum.

We shall also be attending the meeting in London about the Pay Campaign.

The first committee meeting will be on the 22nd of September – anyone interested in joining committee please get in touch.

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ICT training for union officers at Stoke Rochford was attended by Ebe Rudd and Christine Hargest. A valuable course because it started by asking the "mixed ability" group what they wanted to achieve, and this was then included in the course.

Div SEc attended HS meeeeting with LA....................
Mike Thomas attended the ASG meeting with the LA, looking at sickness policy.

The WAMG met and looked at workload related stress, and CPD. Apparently there is a new MLT requirement on enetering teachein the goes beyound PGCE when you start teaching. This is siad to start from SEpt 2009 has any/one else heard anything about this

Sixth Form JCNC meeting included PSP and HR handbook. Pathways of communication about issues were also raised and steps will be taken to clarify these.

On Saturday Christine and Terry will be representing the Shropshire Division at the Celbration for Steve Sinnott 1951-2008

There have also been a few enquiries about possible redundancies. There exists an Employment protection Scheme for those employed in LA schools which gives the detail of the steps to take. Reps with a redundncy situation should be involved in the rocess. A copy of the schene can be obtained from the LA website or Div sec.

If you are about to retire remember that the NUT still h

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Just before the half term break 4 local volunteer officers took part in Regional Casework training day at Stone in Stafford shire.

Jane Siddons ( works for NUT on these cases) gave a useful insight to her work for the NUT in criminal cases. The important point being that if you are ever “in trouble” with the Police in connection with your teaching job and are required to be interviewed at the Police Station you should contact Regional office so that the appropriate instruction can be given to the solicitor.( this is in office hours) If you are unfortunate to be arrested for an accusation in connection with your teaching then use the duty solicitor until Region can be contacted. Do not talk without a solicitor present.

Tony Pearce ( Regional NUT officer based at Stafford) worked through the concept of “ Constructive Dismissal” and how important it is to have witnesses to the incidents that a member may consider to be of this type. These are not easy cases to pursue.

Avril Bailey ( Regional solicitor based at Stafford) outlined the importance of evidence in Civil cases including Personal injury/ stress. The NUT can only deal with those that are work related. Witnesses and photographs are extremely useful. Contact with the NUT is essential to asses whether there is a case to be answered, but often a local authority will have its own personal accident policy.

Cheryl Crumbley ( NUT officer based at Stafford) outlined how Compromise Agreements work.

The volunteer officers from the Shropshire Division liaise with the Regional Office in Stafford. They will advise members and refer to Regional office where appropriate. Members may also ring Regional Office for advice.

i
Retirement Planning Seminar from Teachers Assurance at the Lord Hill on Tuesday was well attended. Any teacher who was unable to attend can arrange a personal meeting for advice from David Bramwell on 01743 248019
The Divisional Secretaries meeting with the Local authority this week included:-
Update on School organisation – A commission has been set up to look at this
Points were raised in connection with the “ Caring about Sickness policy” after the comments made in the Shropshire re the cost of sick ness absence in schools – please note anyone experiencing sickness should find this policy useful. Referral to Occupational Health is a supportive action.
Any queries please get in touch with Divisional secretary.
Trips and Visits Guidance – please remember to refer to the Local authority guidance. The NUT supports out of classroom activities provided the proper procedures are followed to ensure safety measures are in place.
Medicines and health Policy – this has been revised and will be available shortly on Shropshire LA website – it does include advice about other health issues such as TB , head lice etc .
Other issues this week have been about class sizes.

If you have any points to raise please get in touch

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Outstanding support for the Fair Pay Campaign with the National Strike on 24th April . Shropshire NUT members attended the Rally in Birmingham. The action was reported by Radio Shropshire, Beacon Radio and The Shropshire Star. Continue the campaign by writing to you local MP. Use the information from the National website www.teachers.org.uk The address of Parliament is the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

The Divisional secretary has met with the Local Authority to discuss Term dates for 2009/10, Single status, Flexible Working last week.
Cabinet members have met with Association Secretaries Group ( ASG) to consult on School Organisation.

The NUT were represented at the half yearly meeting with West Mercia Supplies (WMS). New catalogues are in schools ( Silver cover) . Bulk deals on p6 ish. Environmentally friendly supplies have a green background in the new catalogue. If you have any comments please email the Divisional Secretary.

Workforce Agreement Remodelling Monitoring Group (WAMG)
This agreement from 2003 continues to be monitored . Discussion at this weeks meeting included:- Performance Management update; CPD update and links with Edgehill; TDA deliverables; Primary and Secondary update- Remodelling advisers will be visiting schools with a survey this term; Extended Schools guidance will soon be available in electronic form.
A reminder was also mentioned about the need to consult when changing the structure in a school in the same way as when TLRs were first introduced.

The Shropshire Division Committee met 16th April to discuss circulars from Hamilton House ( NUT HQ) and local issues, which included the Young Teachers weekend , the conditions of service for supply teachers, the Strike Action, School organisation, The untimely death of Steve Sinnott, and proposed local Briefings for members.

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We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Steve Sinnott ( National General Secretary) 5th April 2008

Teachers’ Pay : NUT strike action on 24th April—advice will have arrived in schools for reps on how to deal with the impending strike action.

STRIKE RALLY IN BIRMINGHAM
Thursday 24th April 12.00 midday for 12.30pm.
Victoria Square, Birmingham City Centre
NUT joined by other Public Sector Unions
Live music Short speeches
If you need transport please get in touch with
secretary@the-wrekin.nut.org.uk

The secretary this week:-
· Has worked with the Local Authority to complete the Guidance and advice on administration of medicines and other Health issues in schools.
· The secretary also represents the NUTon the Health, Safety and Welfare group, which included important work on COSHH ( control of substances hazardous to health) , Display Screen equipment and Asbestos management.
· Attended the Radio Shropshire Debate on school closures. The debate can be heard again if you go to Radio Shropshire’s web site. If you have any concerns about the issue regarding consultation on possible changes to schools please get in touch.