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Mid Essex NUT Newsletters |
We publish a newsletter for members at frequent intervals.
Main contents of back issues are available here.
2000: January, March, June October, December
June 2001 |
At a meeting last week , Jerry Glazier the Executive member for Essex spoke to members about Workload and Bureaucracy. He said that the biggest problem for the Government is teacher shortage. For teachers, the biggest problem is workload; Primary school teachers working an average of 53 hours a week and Secondary, 51 hours. He reminded members that the directive on meetings was still in force, i.e. on average only one meeting a week of 60 minutes and this time should include any pre-school briefings. Jerry said the NUT has secured an agreement that if there are not enough teachers, pupils will be sent home (see below) or action will be reintroduced. The Government has now agreed to a review of teachers’ workload by Price Waterhouse; the results are expected soon. The Union is now pushing the Government to make an agreement similar to that achieved in Scotland of a 35 hour week with a phased maximum contact time of 22.5 hours for all teachers.
With the exit of Year 11 and 13 student, many secondary schools are currently dealing with teacher shortages by re-timetabling this term. Barry Fawcett, Assistant Secretary at Hamilton House for Pay and Conditions, advised members that this was acceptable if an equivalent reduction in other ways was achieved. However, come September this ‘papering over the cracks’ will no longer be possible How will your school cope then? Essex is currently short of some 200 NQT’s for both Primary and Secondary schools. If there is going to be a problem, don’t wait till next term. Contact either Jerry Glazier on 01702 207780 or Regional Office on 01638 664538
The annual meeting will be held this year on 11th July at The Red Lion Pub, New London Rd. Chelmsford from 7 to 9 p.m. Come and meet John Dixon the Regional Secretary . Talk to other school Reps about your problems and have a free meal and drinks with the local committee Remember to reply to the secretary by Friday 6th July. If you have not yet received your invitation phone the secretary on 01277 626321
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February 2001 |
All teachers who failed to cross the threshold do have the right of a review. Some headteachers are telling their staff this is not the case. Ask your Head for the two leaflets entitled :- “Guidance for teachers who have not yet met all the Threshold Standards” and “Threshold Assessment : Application for Review” . You must apply within 40 days of receipt of written feedback and no later than 31st March . Before completing your application you are advised to consult with the Regional Office, by sending them the form “Threshold Watch-Outcomes” which your school representative has.
The recent leaflet sent to school representatives re-iterates that there should be no more than one meeting of 60 minutes on average each week and that a mid-day break of reasonable length is not part of directed time and teachers cannot be required to attend management convened meetings during their lunch breaks. Advice is also given on pupil reports, updating lessons, schemes of work and lesson plans, pre– school briefings and parents evenings. Any members who are having difficulties should contact Regional Office on 01638 664538
Juliet Greeley from Hamilton House answered members queries at the General Meeting in January. She said that headteachers were responsible for promoting good behaviour and discipline. The Union is sending them detailed guidance on the creation of school discipline policies. She recommended that it should include who staff should turn to for support when dealing with difficult pupils and where pupils should be sent if excluded from the classroom . The Union pamphlet gives advice on the use of force to restrain pupils. An ‘Incident Book’ should be kept to record all incidents involving the use of force. If the Head and/or Deputy Head are out of school someone must be designated in authority to deal with difficult situations if they arise.
The secretary uses membership lists to make sure, for example,
that enough newsletters are sent into each school. These lists are only as
accurate as members make them. All members will have received an update form
recently with their new membership card, so if you transfer to another school,
become retired or a supply teacher please complete it and return it to Hamilton
House in the pre-paid envelope.
December 2000 |
Year 5 teachers have or will shortly be receiving training on the latest catch up programme, Springboard 5 , a numeracy programme aimed at schools with more than eight pupils who will get level 3 in year 6 .They will be given a 50 minute mathematics lesson with the teacher each week followed by a 45 minute session with the T.A. It should not be necessary for the teacher to take these lessons in the lunch hour or after school, Emily Evans, from Hamilton House advised our members at the meeting on 9th November, since there is sufficient money to pay for supply teachers.
The NUT has just published its leaflet on Unacceptable Pupil Behaviour (which has been sent to all school representatives) as a result of the cases recently highlighted in the press which showed the need for teachers to be properly protected when carrying out their duties. The leaflet gives advice on who is responsible for discipline. Each school should have a written policy defining amongst other things, the standards of behaviour expected. Governing bodies have also to agree written statements of general principles to accompany the school discipline policy. The Union’s leaflet outlines when it is permissible to use force to control or restrain pupils, and discusses the question of pupil exclusions. If you have had difficulty in dealing with disruptive pupils come along to the next General Meeting and talk to Juliet Greeley from Hamilton House who was involved in writing the leaflet.
The SRTB has published results of two recent surveys on teachers’ workloads which show that the total average hours worked per weekhas increased compared with similar surveys carried out in 1994 and 1996. Heads and Deputies in Primary schools now work an average of 58.9 hours a week compared with 55.4 in 1994, with classroom teachers clocking up 52.8 hours instead of 48.8. In Secondary schools Heads show a slight decrease from 61.1 to 60.8 whereas classroom teachers have gone up from 48.9 to 51.2 There is no clear difference between male and female teachers, though those under 25 worked longer hours than older colleagues in secondary schools but not in primary. Only 40% of the time was on teaching activities. 25% of the work was done at weekends or in the evening amounting to about 15 hours. All teachers felt that the working day was longer and more intensive. Enough said!
October 2000 |
NUT members and their families now have access to NUT Legal Plus, a new service operated by Thompsons, Solicitors, who have 14 offices located close to the Union’s Regional Offices across England and Wales. Thompsons operate a No Win-No Fee service to cover the following:- personal injury cover for accidents within the UK away from work representation in UK based claims arising from accidents abroad legal representation in claims for medical negligence low fixed price home buying and selling This is in addition to the NUT’s legal and professional services which covers the problems of teachers arising in the course of their professional lives or NUT activities. For Thompsons call 0800 169 6660 or 0800 1606660 For the NUT’s legal services phone the Regional Office on 01638 664538
Have you joined the NUT yet? Join now and pay nothing until January 2001 . A Direct Debit will ensure that the cost of your subscription will be spread throughout the year but you will be covered immediately Hamilton House receives your application form or your phone call on 0845 300 1669
June 2000 |
John Dixon has just been appointed to take over from Alan Ward as Regional Secretary for the Eastern Region John was already working at the Regional Office at Newmarket as one of the Region’s officers. The appointment arose because of Alan Ward’s retirement earlier this year through ill health. We wish Alan a happy retirement and look forward to seeing John Dixon at a future Mid Essex meeting
On June 14th the Association will be holding a meeting at the Rivermead campus at the Anglia Polytechnic University. Nick Easingwood, a lecturer at APU, will guide us through using the Internet to download lesson plans and to access sites which will be of use in the classroom. Please park in the North car park and meet in reception of the Sawyers building at 4.00 p.m. DON’T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
The Union has just published a leaflet called Tackling Stress which has been
sent to all schools. Part one looks at the causes, symptoms and effects of
stress in schools today . Part two shows why employers must take action to
tackle stress . Other sections deal with ways in which members can deal with
the issue in their own school and formulate an action plan and lastly, how
you can help yourself. Anyone who would like their own copy please contact
the secretary on 01277 626321
Don’t forget the self referral, counselling service provided free by
Essex for all its teachers available on 01245 443540 and Teacherline , the
national helpline on 0800 561 562 available 24 hours a day , 365 days a year.
This booklet, published by the NUT provides advice and guidance on the new arrangements for the inspection of schools in England. It provides a summary of the requirements under the new OFSTED framework and gives advice to School Representatives and Teacher Governors. All school Reps. should have received it, but extra copies are available from the secretary on 01277 626321
Did you update and return the membership list sent to you in March ? If not it would be helpful if you could do as soon as possible. N.B. not all schools have received these yet.
March 2000 |
1) At the Occupational Health unit at the Royal Oldham hospital it was noticed
that there was an increase in the number of teachers attending as a result
of sickness absence due to mental ill-health when undergoing inspections.
This led to research being undertaken where all schools within the LEA undergoing
inspection between April 1996 and March 1997 were matched with schools from
the same LEA of similar type, number and social mix etc., who were not being
inspected.The sickness absence due to mental ill-health in both groups was
identified anonymously and compared. It was found that the absences in schools
being inspected was at a rate of 5.4 to 2.52 per 100 F.T.E. in non inspected
schools, almost twice as many.
Although this was a small sample the study indicates a relationship between
OFSTED inspections and mental health. The report suggested that employers
should carry out risk assessments and that OFSTED should review its inspection
processes.
Has your school done the risk assessment on stress shown in the Essex Code
of Practice ?
2) In 1999 the NUT commissioned the NFER to evaluate the effect of special
measures on teachers. Questionnaires were sent to all Heads and teachers
in these schools and parallel questionnaires were sent to a comparable sample
of schools not in special measures.
The main findings were as follows:-
a significant deterioration in morale
high levels of illness and absenteeism
increased stress
a high turnover of staff, and
increased workload for teachers
Schools in special measures lost staff just when they needed to retain them and recruitment became difficult.
A copy of this report is to be sent to the NUT Rep. in all schools currently
in special measures. Heads will be asked to devote at least one staff meeting
to discussing it . The Union’s briefing relating to it
‘The Human Costs of Special Measures ‘ will be sent to School Reps.
to help focus on possible supportive action which can be taken
By now you should have seen the poster on your NUT
notice board advertising Teacherline.This is a service open to all teachers
started last September by the TBF.
It is a free, confidential counselling, support and advice service available
24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The phone number is 0800 562 561.
Help can be obtained not just for stress from workload and difficulties with
colleagues, but also for loss of confidence or motivation, personal and family
problems and alcohol or drug dependency.
A 5 minute video is available which can be borrowed from the local Secretary,
Marion Wilson (01277 626321) which outlines the service and shows how it has
helped teachers like you.
School Reps. why not have a Union meeting and show the video to your colleagues
to make them aware of the help that is at hand? Loan restricted to one week
per school. Leaflets are also available for trainee teachers.
When the last newsletter was published no reply had been received from the
Brentwood M.P., Eric Pickles, in relation to Performance Related Pay. After
discussion with his office a letter containing the following points was
received.
The views he expresses are very similar to those received from Simon Burns.
They both point out that under a Conservative Government individual schools
would manage their own budgets and could decide for themselves how to reward
good teachers.
On the question of external assessors Eric Pickles says that “there
will be an inevitable increase in bureaucracy by clogging up schools with
the 5290 paid-up Govt. officials who are currently in training, according
to the DfEE. The 2,280 advisors will take up the valuable time of headteachers
and the 3010 assessors will be a regular source of distraction in schools
throughout the country.”
He then quotes the report prepared for the NUT by the LSE which concludes
that
‘all the original doubts about the effectiveness of this scheme to raise
motivation among teachers remain in place …. The Government has not
thought its proposals through adequately.’
Ian Grant was re-elected as President for a further year. The other officers
remain unchanged. Details were given on the leaflet sent to all members via
the school Rep. or with the mailing of this newsletter to those not in
schools.
It was decided not to issue a meetings card this year so that we could respond
more readily to topical subjects. This was always difficult when meetings
were planned a whole year ahead, so don’t lose your leaflet for meetings
up to the end of the summer term. Better still make a note in your diary
and come along and join us.
At the end of the AGM Alan Williams, one of our Regional Officers spoke about
the work he did on behalf of members of our Association.
He explained that case work was on the increase and the long term absence
of the Regional Secretary had added to the difficulties. He hoped members
would bear this in mind when expecting an instant response to their queries.
He explained that Alan Ward, who has been Regional Secretary for many years
has now resigned on the grounds of ill-health and a new Regional Secretary
would be appointed in the near future.
Teachers Assurance are willing to come and give free seminars on financial
matters if enough teachers indicate they are interested.Anyone who would
like to participate pleasecontact the Secretary, Marion Wilson on 01277 626321
before Easter indicating the particular subject matter of their choice, e.g.
finance in retirement etc.
They will then arrange a convenient time and venue for those concerned. Financial
seminars for retired or retiring teachers used to be an annual occurrence.
This or similar seminars can be revived if sufficient interest is shown.
Don’t delay; pick up the phone today.
Not surprisingly all three local Conservative M.P.’s voted against the repeal of Section 28.
January 2000 |
On November 29th our secretary wrote to the M.P.’s for Chelmsford, Maldon and Brentwood explaining the Union’s opposition to Performance Related Pay and asking for their views which they were told would be published in our next newsletter. Their replies are detailed below.
Simon Burns, the M.P. for Chelmsford said “apart from the cost
of the pay proposals themselves, the new pay scheme will rely on thousands
of external assessors all demanding their own salary …..This process
will furthermore inevitably increase the bureaucracy of our education system
…..assessors will take up valuable time of headteachers…..the
Government have not set a quota for the number of teachers to be rewarded
for their performance ….Local Authorities will have to work out how
to share out a finite amount of money between an unspecified number of
teachers.”
Mr. Burns has arranged to meet with members of our committee at the end of
January for further discussion.
JohnWhittingdale, the M.P. for Maldon sent a copy of the Conservative
party policy on PRP which points out that the training arrangements for Heads,
Governors and staff are inadequate. In small primary schools where staff
work as a team ...PRP could be divisive. Initial decisions on moving to the
higher pay scale will not be taken on the basis of clear objectives.
Mr. Whittingdale is to meet one of our Headteacher members in February.
No reply from Eric Pickles, the M.P. for Brentwood .
Yet again Eric Pickles has chosen to ignore a letter to him asking for his views. Brentwood members please note.
Next Meeting :7 p.m. on 15th February at the Red Lion, New London
Rd. Chelmsford
A.G.M. plus Alan Williams, Regional Officer, talks about his case work
Stay and have a free meal afterwards.
Phone 01277 626321 by 11th Feb. to book your place
STOP PRESS
A letter from Eric Pickles received on 3rd February explained that he had
not received the letter from the Secretary byt would be happy to meet with
us in Brentwood. Any member who lives in Brentwood and who would be interested
in meeting Mr. Pickles to discuss PRP please contact the secretary immediately
on 01277 626321
October 1999 |
Richard Stainton , Principal Officer for Education at Hamilton House spoke to members of Mid Essex Association last week about the Literacy and Numeracy Hours.
Many schools adapted the material sent to them for the Literacy strategy last year so that it would best suit their own pupils.
An NUT briefing has just been sent to schools with respect to the Numeracy Hour. Since Mathematics is already frequently taught as a distinct lesson the approach is therefore not so new. Training and support materials appeared better than those for the Literacy Hour, but it has to be remembered that all this is in addition to the Literacy strategy. In response to NUT pressure an extra training day was made available in the summer term.
Poor management of the implementation of the Literacy Strategy had often
lead to overwork for Primary school teachers and a too formal approach with
younger pupils. He urged that this should not happen again with the Numeracy
Hour. It is not a statutory requirement for schools to introduce it throughout
the school from September this year. If materials are not yet available it
should be possible to adapt the strategy to meet the needs of the pupils
in the school.
Co-ordinators for both strategies should be formally appointed and must be
given adequate and relevant training along with time to carry out their duties.
He drew attention to the June and September editions of the NUT’s leaflet, Issues– Leading on Primary which asks if workloads could be reduced by more sharing of planning and preparation ; whether other demands on teachers could be reduced ; if elements of the planning / recording could be completed by administrative staff.
The NUT believes that ALS classroom assistants should receive ALS training and be allocated time to plan and evaluate the support programme. Similarly it is important for supply teachers to be adequately trained.
He said that 50% of consultants for Literacy and Numeracy are NUT members. At times they have been asked to be part of capability procedures which is not part of their role. Chris Woodhead has stated that some LEA’s still do not have enough consultants.
May 1999 |
At the meeting of the Association in April, members heard Barry Fawcett, Assistant Secretary for Pay & Conditions of Service at Hamilton House, explain why the Union is opposed to Performance Related Pay.
Calculations have shown that the extra £1 billion that the Government has allocated for teachers’ salaries will be inadequate to implement the Govt.’s plans, especially when the extra money needed for governor training, external assessors etc. is taken into account.
More importantly the Union objects to teachers’ pay being linked to teacher appraisal, pupil performance and school targets. He stressed the importance of the Appraisal Ballot and urged all members to vote.
Pupil performance in SATs has been shown to be affected by a large number of non-teaching factors such as home background, class size, language ability etc.
In addition the proposals are likely to lead to the end of the traditional team work and to massive disruption in schools with the yearly appraisal scheme.
He pointed out that Performance Related Pay in the Civil Service has lead to both race and gender discrimination and that the DfEE itself has rejected Appraisal linked to pay.
What’s good enough - - - - - - -
January 1999 |
By now you should have received a response form from the Union together with a leaflet in which the Union has costed the Governments proposals re Access to Higher Salary, Fast Track, Advanced Skills Teachers, Classroom Assisants etc.
It is clear that there will not be enough funding to pay for all of this even if the idea of passing a threshold to gain a higher salary were a good one. Those going beyond Grade 9 will find that their pay and conditions will then resemble that of Heads and Deputies.
Will there be a return to larger classes if more NTA’s are employed, and will this lead us back to a possible Mum’s Army again ? Will parents start demanding that their child is taught only by teachers who have ‘crossed the threshold’? How will staff who don’t cross the barrier feel about those who do?
Members are urged to make sure they return the Union’s survey by 15th February but also that they return the Government’s response form as individuals. Do not be content with a whole school response. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD.
John Bowers, Head of Barnes Farm Junior School, talked to Mid Essex members of the NUT in January on this subject.He took us through a leaflet he had prepared from preparation starting before even applying for jobs, through writing applications, the interview and afterwards. Candidates would be advised to borrow a video camera to check for any irritating habits We then tried our hand at answering some typical questions.
Members interested in obtaining the leaflet should contact the school on 01245 467973
Tony Blair visited Moulsham High School in January together with David Blunkett and Estelle Morris as part of a series of roadshows in connection with the Green Paper. The audience was one made up mainly of carefully selected headteachers. The NUT school Rep was able to be there -but not as a Union representative, none of whom seemed to have been invited.
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