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Members Bulletin - 14 December 2023

SSTA meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills

The SSTA led by President Stuart Hunter met Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth in November to discuss Teacher Retention, Pupil Behaviour and Education Reform. The President was accompanied by Vice-President Monique Dreon-Gould, National Executive member Lynn Myles, and General Secretary Seamus Searson. The focus of the meeting was the retention of teachers, education reform and pupil behaviour.
 
The SSTA highlighted the impact of excessive workload demands together with poor pupil behaviour leading to low morale within the teaching profession. We pointed out that many experienced mid-career secondary teachers are, as a result, considering leaving the profession. Fearing more COSLA intransigence in upcoming 2024 pay negotiations, we also commented on COSLA’s role in the recent pay dispute which damaged morale and teachers’ public image. The SSTA sought support from Ms Gilruth to address teacher workload by helping to reduce bureaucracy, control Government and local authority priorities and address the pressure created by the ‘fear’ of inspections. We expressed concern over the delay in implementing the promised reduction of 90 minutes of class contact time, and the lack of progress of ‘Lead Teachers’ in schools – both of these must regarded as lost opportunities in rebalancing the profession.
 
The SSTA welcomed the pausing of education reform to allow an opportunity for engagement with teachers but reported that many schools, despite the Cabinet Secretary’s letter, had not allocated time for discussion.

We outlined our view that the replacement body for Education Scotland must prioritise support for teachers, develop curriculum materials, clarify standards, build on good practice, and develop networks of subject specialists and other specialist education groups. The SSTA argued for a reformed inspection regime in which local authorities are inspected, and which delivers guidance for teachers and helps develop schools. We also stated that a replacement body for SQA must accept the need for qualifications which reflect a broad curriculum encompassing vocational education and awards qualifications. Rather than feeding the overuse of ‘Insight’ as a measure of a school’s success, which can be detrimental to pupils, there needs to be a broader acknowledgment of pupil achievement.  Because current education and assessment organisations lack any true relationship with teachers, and appear oblivious to the needs of pupils, teachers, and schools, it was emphasised that new organisations must have teachers and teacher unions front and centre.
 
With the findings in the SSTA behaviour survey, along with very similar findings in other recent surveys, there is no way of ignoring the issue of deteriorating conditions in secondary schools. The SSTA stated that the decline in pupil behaviour was evident long before the pandemic and that the pandemic was not the catalyst. Prior to year-on-year reductions schools were a ‘safe’ place for pupils and staff, but recent behaviour surveys have demonstrated that, in too many schools, classrooms and communal areas now feel (and often are) a lot less safe.  Teachers need serious support with the increasing challenges arising from poor pupil behaviour. The SSTA was pleased that, with three pupil behaviour summits, the Cabinet Secretary has committed to addressing poor pupil behaviour in secondary schools.   We hope that the pupil behaviour summits have a serious impact and positive outcomes in schools. Cuts in education staff over several years, the lack of subject PTs, pastoral and ASN staff have all contributed to the situation teachers face in secondary schools. The SSTA urged more support for pupils who find mainstream settings challenging and more support for classroom teachers through an increase in staff.


SNCT Pay 2024-2025

Teacher pay will increase by 2% for most teachers with a £1,600 increase for those teachers earning above £80,000 in January 2024. A new annual pay date for pay increases has moved from April to August as part of the last pay agreement. The SNCT Teachers’ Side will meet in January to determine the pay claim for 2024-2025. The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee considered that claim at its last meeting and will be proposing an increase in line with the rate of inflation plus an additional 2% restoration payment for all teachers at all pay grades. Expectations that teachers must complete all tasks, and employers’ inability to contain and reduce workload, mean that teachers feel a professional duty to work excessive hours. The SSTA will be seeking serious consideration of overtime payments for teachers beyond the contractual 35-hour week. Employers must acknowledge the extra ‘free’ overtime and we believe it is only fair that teachers are appropriately paid. The SSTA claim will be considered with the claims from other teacher unions at a meeting in January where an agreed pay claim will go to the employers.
 


Additional Support for Learning (ASL) in Scotland ConsultationThe Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee has agreed to undertake an inquiry into Additional Support for Learning (ASL). The Parliamentary Committee  wishes to know people’s experiences of how services are provided. They want to hear views from a range of people including parents, teachers, support staff, carers, pupils and organisations. The questions include:

  • Implementation of the presumption of mainstreaming
  • For children with additional support needs, in your experience: levels of support
  • Impact of COVID-19 on additional support for learning 
  • The use of remedies as set out in the Act

The SSTA Additional Support Needs (ASN) Committee is preparing a response to the Scottish Parliament’s consultation but would encourage members to make their own submissions.  The call for views closes on 31 December 2023. More information, and the consultation, can be found on the link Your views on Additional Support for Learning (ASL) in Scotland - Scottish Parliament - Citizen Space

Education Bill Consultation  ****** REMINDER Closing Monday 18 December ******

The SSTA has welcomed the decision by the Cabinet Secretary to take further time to consider education reform to allow teacher engagement on a programme of change that is thoroughly considered and will give a degree of certainty to teachers, pupils, and parents in the future. The SSTA will be making representations with the Scottish Government at various forums but would like to encourage members to be aware of the consultations.

The Scottish Government launched a consultation on the Education Bill to seek further views on a new qualifications body to replace the SQA, along with views on changes to education inspection in Scotland. The consultation will close on Monday 18 December.

The SSTA will be making a submission would encourage members to make their own submissions. More information, and the consultation, can be found on the links Education Reform: A Consultation on the provisions of the Education Bill - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space or Education Bill provisions: consultation

Bulletin - 12/14/2023
behaviour-highlighted

Member Bulletin - November 2023

Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research

The Scottish Centre for Social Research published the latest ‘Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research (BISSR’) following a seven-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research in 2023 explored the headteachers’, teachers’ and support staff members’ views of relationships and behaviour in publicly funded mainstream schools, as well as the views of key local authority representatives across Scotland. The research project can be found here.  
 
The SSTA believes that Covid-19 highlighted the increased difficulties that teachers were experiencing before the pandemic and the findings of the Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research 2023 will add to the SSTA pupil behaviour survey. The SSTA survey highlighted the lack of reporting of incidents and the need for more support for teachers in schools.
 
The report states “school staff and LA representatives identified underlying reasons for these changes in behaviour, including a perceived lack of consequences for pupils who engage in serious disruptive behaviour, and a lack of support for pupils with additional support needs”. The SSTA is hopeful that the surveys together with the Cabinet Secretary’s pupil behaviour summits, that a rebalancing of the system will occur and an acceptance that what is happening in schools cannot continue.
 
 
Education Bill Consultation
 
The SSTA has welcomed the decision by the Cabinet Secretary to take further time to consider education reform to allow teacher engagement on a programme of change that is thoroughly considered and will give a degree of certainty to teachers, pupils, and parents in the future. The SSTA will be making representations with the Scottish Government at various forums but would like to encourage members to be aware of the consulations.
 
The Scottish Government launched a consultation on the Education Bill to seek further views on a new qualifications body to replace the SQA, along with views on changes to education inspection in Scotland. The consultation will close on Monday 18 December.
 
The reason for establishing a new qualifications body is to ensure that qualifications consistently meet the needs and expectations of their users, the education system, employers and everyone with a stake in qualifications and awards. The new body should involve pupils and students, the teaching professions, and wider stakeholders in its decision making, and it should be accountable and transparent through robust governance arrangements. 
 
The consultation is also an opportunity to help inform decisions on the most effective approach for reforming education inspection, including the role that any new legislation could play. The Scottish Government are specifically seeking further views on the range of establishments and services subject to inspection; the purpose and priorities for improvement of inspection; and the different possible legislative and non-legislative reform measures that can be taken to address the priority issues.
 
More information, and the consultation, can be found on the link below.


SSTA Academic Diary

We recently emailed members to inform them that we are transitioning to an opt-in system for the SSTA academic diary in an effort to reduce wastage and cut costs.  Starting from 2024, we will no longer automatically distribute the SSTA academic diary to all members. Instead, we kindly request that you indicate your preference to receive an academic diary by opting in. By doing so, you will help us minimize the environmental impact of producing and distributing unused diaries, as well as reduce expenses for the Association.
 
If you do not wish to receive an SSTA academic diary, you do not need to take any action.  If you do wish to receive an SSTA academic diary, please follow these simple steps to opt-in:

  • Click on the following link to access the opt-in form: Opt-In Form
  • Fill out the form and confirm your preference for receiving an academic diary.
  • Click "Submit" to confirm your choice.

The 2024/25 SSTA academic diaries will be distributed to members in May 2024 to those who have expressed their preference to receive one.

Bulletin / Information for Members - 11/28/2023

Members Update -  June 2023

Education Reform – “the views of teachers will be key to Scotland’s education reform journey”.

With the publication of the ‘All Learners in Scotland Matter’ and ‘It’s Our Future’ reports, Jenny Gilruth MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills said, “the views of teachers will be key to Scotland’s education reform journey”. The Cabinet Secretary has asked all schools to provide opportunities to engage teachers at the in-service days in August as most secondary school teachers have only had a limited, if any, involvement in the process. It is expected that all schools will prepare suitable amounts of time for meaningful discussions that have the potential to have a major impact on the future of Scottish education. Correspondence on behalf of Jenny Gilruth MSP Cab Sec for Education and Skills

Please see the links to the reports below.
 
It's Our Future: Report of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment
 
Professor Louise Hayward’s final report on qualifications and assessment has been welcomed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills https://www.gov.scot/news/hayward-review-published/
 
Key recommendations of the Hayward report on the reform of the senior school phase include:

  • the Scottish Diploma of Achievement as a graduation certificate for all senior phase educational settings
  • the end of exams in S4 and a wider range of assessment methods used in Highers and Advanced Highers
  • a digital profile for all learners which allows them to record personal achievements, identify and plan future learning.

The Full report can be found here.
 

All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: summary report
 
The Muir Review ‘Putting Learners at the Centre: Towards a Future Vision for Scottish Education’ recommended a National Discussion to establish a compelling, consensual and renewed vision for the future of Scottish education. This was undertaken by independent facilitators and commenced work in July 2022. The report provided an overview of the National Discussion and outlined the vision, values, and the high-level Call to Action (C2A) based upon all the evidence collected. The overarching theme is Educating Our Future supported by four inter-related components: Learners and Learning, A Learning System, Digital Futures and Human-Centred Educational Improvement.

The action point related to Educating Our Future is as follows:
Educating Our Future requires a Scottish education system that is proactive, flexible, integrated, and upholds the rights of all children and young people. A future Scottish Education system will offer high-quality teaching and learning, different learner pathways, alternative routes to success, and a range of appropriate assessments that reflect the unique talents of each learner, supports their ambitions, and meet the needs of a changing world.

The full report can be found here.

 

Scottish Teachers’ Pension Schemes’ Consultation

This consultation is seeking views on draft regulations to implement the retrospective phase of the 2015 remedy. The Regulations are part of a package of measures to address the age discrimination that was identified by the Courts in the transitional protections afforded to some scheme members in public service pension schemes. Please note the consultation runs from 23 May 2023 until 23 July 2023.
 
The Scottish Teachers’ Pension Schemes’ Consultation on implementing the 2015 Remedy is available here
 

STUC Education Programme - Teaching Resource

The STUC has developed a ‘Cost Of Living Political Education Course’. The Course links through to the Padlet materials, all of which are online here.

All materials are free and can be adapted by teachers. If interested in having the course in your workplace or community, please see link: https://forms.office.com/e/swaYaWnpFE
 

STUC Trans Equality Guidance

This guide has been developed by the Scottish Trade Union Congress’ (STUC) LGBT+ Workers’ Committee. It is designed to be a practical tool for union reps and activists to further support trans workers/members and how trade union reps can help to embed trans equality and inclusion at work. Please find a link to the STUC’s Guidance 
 

TES Newsletter

Sign up (for free) to the newsletter. For anyone who does, every Friday afternoon they’ll get a short bit of commentary and links to four stories from that week to keep up to speed with the latest news, we’ve been told!  https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/tes-newsletters

 

Bulletin / Information for Members - 06/29/2023

Members' Bulletin - 22 September 2021

Safety First – We must keep all in schools safe

Covid-19 is still with us and it continues to cause disruption to schools. Teaching and learning is being challenged every day and unfortunately we are looking at a further period of strict adherence to mitigations. The latest government guidance has been enhanced and will continue until at least the October break. The increasing number of teacher and pupil absences due to Covid will again have an impact upon national qualifications in 2022.

The SSTA has constantly said, at all engagements with Government and employers since schools returned in August, that we are not back to ‘normal’ and our only focus must be on teaching and learning as the central part of education recovery.

There is a feeling that Covid is over and we are all back to normal. This is due to the lack of a national message to adhere to the mitigations to keep people in school safe. Each local authority is interpreting the government message differently and this is again different at school level. Headteachers are trying to keep schools open and keep pupils in schools but the mitigations and the tracing are slipping. Failure to adhere to the mitigations will lead to schools being closed due to the lack of teachers in the coming months.

The SSTA has pushed for the need for a clear consistent message from Government and an enforcement of mitigations in schools (including face coverings for all in secondary schools and clear definition of a ‘close contact’) if we are to keep schools open. The Government wants to reopen the economy and society but this can only happen if children are in school. Therefore, enhanced mitigations in schools that are different to elsewhere in society must be in place if keeping schools open is a priority.

The latest Government guidance ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools’ to ensure a low-risk environment for learning and teaching was released on the 15 September 2021.

The key changes that will apply:

  • updated information on vaccinations for 12-15 year olds
  • updated guidance on contact tracing in schools
  • a more targeted approach to the issuing of information
  • further advice/good practice on asymptomatic testing
  • inclusion of a link to additional UK-wide guidance on pregnancy

This together with the existing guidance that still applies. This includes:

  • Risk assessments to be continued
  • Environmental cleaning, hand and respiratory hygiene to continue
  • Ventilation - strengthened guidance for local authorities on CO2 monitoring
  • Face coverings in communal areas and secondary classrooms to continue
  • Physical distancing for adults at least 1m but 2m distancing expected to remain for logistical purposes
  • One way systems to be continued
  • Staggered start and stop times/ break and lunch times
  • Restrictions on assemblies
  • Support for people in the highest risk groups/pregnant staff
  • Restrictions on school visitors to continue

Mitigations are to be kept under constant review and, if data and evidence suggest that any specific mitigations can be removed at an earlier stage, advice will be provided to that effect

Teacher Pay Negotiations 2021 – No Developments

Since the meeting of the SNCT Extended Joint Chairs on 2 September on the 2021 pay claim there have been further developments. The Employers’ Side confirmed at the meeting that they were unable to make an improved offer but hoped to be in a position to do so soon. The current offer of 1.22% across all SNCT pay grades, backdated to April 2021, has already been rejected by the Teachers’ Side.

The Teachers’ Side (SSTA and EIS) made clear the frustration of members over the continued failure of their employers to make a reasonable pay offer and indicated that failure to make a substantially improved offer before the next SNCT meeting on 30 September would lead to declaration of a dispute.

The next meeting of the Extended Joint Chairs will be held in advance of the SNCT and members will be advised of progress following that meeting. Hopefully there will be some positive developments in the last week of September,

£400 Alternative Certification Model Payment

The one-off exceptional £400 payment for teachers supporting the delivery of the Alternative Certification Model for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2020/2021 has been paid in some authorities. Unfortunately the ACM payment is still causing difficulties in some local authorities and this has been raised by the SSTA with the Scottish Government.

The SSTA reminds those members who believe that they have not received the correct payment should discuss

the matter with their Headteacher in the first instance.

For full details and SSTA advice please see the 17 June 2021 Members’ Bulletin.

Assessment of National Qualifications in 2021-22

The SQA has recently stated in the event of the SQA exams in 2022 being cancelled that teachers and lecturers would determine provisional results. https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/99158.html

The SQA added that

“Under this approach there is no requirement for schools, colleges and training providers to run additional assessments. Doing so would place excess workload on teachers, lecturers and learners. Provisional results would be based on in-year assessments that normally take place during the school year such as prelims, practical activities, performances and class tests”.

Unfortunately, returning to the exam diet with an alternative of assessment in the event of further disruption to schools as a consequence of the pandemic has the potential for increased numbers of exams and assessment tasks in schools. This will only add to teacher workload and pressure on pupils during this school year. The SSTA was not consulted on the arrangements for 2021-2022 and has been excluded from the National Qualifications Group by the SQA. The SSTA has met with Cabinet Secretary to push for the voice of the secondary school teacher to be heard.

The SSTA advises all members to take the SQA at its word and not alter their normal arrangements for national qualifications by discouraging the use of valuable time for both teachers and pupils on additional and unnecessary assessment processes.

Education Reform

The Scottish Government has appointed Professor Ken Muir as an independent advisor on education reform.

The reform includes the work of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland.

The SSTA is represented on the Practitioner and Stakeholder Advisory Group (PSAG) and has had initial discussions with Professor Muir. At this stage SSTA is still considering its position on the way forward and will be engaging with members in the coming weeks. In addition SSTA will be holding a policy congress on the Saturday 2 October (further details to follow).

Please find a link to a presentation from Professor Muir that outlines the remit and timescales for the review. A consultation process is due to begin at the end of September.

Webinars have been arranged on the reform of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland as an opportunity to hear first-hand about this work.

Each session will take place from 4.30 pm till 6.00pm and follow the same format. The selection being offered

is in order to provide options for dates, and to allow as many people to attend one of the sessions as possible:

SSTA Membership – A must for all Secondary School Teachers

The pandemic has made the recruitment of student and newly qualified members extremely difficult and we welcome your support in encouraging new colleagues in to the Association. Students in training and new entrants to the profession pay no subscription for sixteen months from the date of their teaching post. So please help to recruit your new colleagues to the only secondary specialist teachers’ union in Scotland.

All new members to the Association can benefit from our new special offer of 50% off the normal subscription for the first 12 months of paid membership when completing a direct debit with their application. This represents a saving of up to £95.00 a year based on the current 2021 subscription paying by monthly direct debit. Terms & Conditions apply

Click here to complete the online enrolment form and join the SSTA

SSTA says ‘Put Teachers at the Centre’

Bulletin / Information for Members - 09/22/2021
Papers and classroom

Members' Bulletin - 23 August 2021

Download PDF Version

Return to School

The latest version of the revised school guidance and update to vaccination section has been issued.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-reducing-the-risks-in-schools/

The revised guidance includes:

  • Risk assessments to be continued
  • Environmental cleaning, hand and respiratory hygiene to continue
  • Ventilation - strengthened guidance for LAs on CO2 monitoring
  • Face coverings in communal areas and secondary classrooms to continue
  • Physical distancing for adults at least 1m but 2m distancing expected to remain for logistical purposes
  • One way systems to be continued
  • Staggered start and stop times/ break and lunch times
  • Restrictions on assemblies
  • Support for people in the highest risk groups/pregnant staff
  • Restrictions on school visitors to continue

Mitigations are to be kept under constant review and, if data and evidence suggest that any specific mitigations can be removed at an earlier stage, advice will be provided to that effect

Teacher Pay Negotiations 2021

The SNCT Extended Joint Chairs met again on 19 August to discuss the 2021 pay claim.  The Employers’ Side confirmed an undifferentiated offer of 1.22% across all SNCT pay grades, backdated to April 2021. Whilst the acceptance of the principle of a universal pay offer is progress, the offer of 1.22% is not - it being simply a redistribution of the cost of the previous offer.

The Teachers’ Side (SSTA and EIS) made clear that the offer of 1.22% is unreasonable, sub-inflationary and fundamentally misjudges the value of the profession. 

The delay in reaching a negotiated settlement was highlighted and it was indicated that the possibility of a multi-year deal, suggested by COSLA, would only be considered if full details are provided with regard to the proposed percentage increase for each year. 

The next meeting of the Extended Joint Chairs will take place in the week commencing 30 August 2021.

Pension Changes in 2022

The recent changes announced to pensions will take effect for all members of previous pension schemes from 1 April 2022.  Those who joined the scheme from April 2015 will not be impacted as they are already in the reformed scheme. 

However, those who were in either the Normal Pension Age (NPA) 60 Scheme or NPA 65 scheme will have all future contributions made to the Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme from that date.  This means that any future contributions will go into the reformed scheme which puts aside a proportion of annual salary each year, uprated in line with inflation rather than being based on final salary and the retirement date is in line with the state retirement age. 

The pension pot in the CARE scheme will therefore not be available until state retirement age without a reduction being applied but any pot in the previous schemes will be available at either 60 or 65 without any deduction. 

The SSTA will be arranging pension briefing sessions for members and dates will be circulated once confirmed.

Pay and Pension Contributions

In order to keep track of pay and pensions it is good practice to:

  • Download your payslips and save them to a file you can access from home
  • Check your pay regularly to ensure it is correct to avoid over or underpayments
  • Check your pension contributions are in line with your salary
  • Access your annual pensions statement to ensure that your service is correct

It is very difficult to rectify mistakes later. Local Authorities are only obliged to keep records for five years so it is better to keep your own records.  Any underpayments are always recovered as they are public funds so, if you notice any mistake, it is best to contact Payroll immediately.

If we can help in clarifying payslips or any query regarding pay or pension please contact: info@ssta.org.uk

£400 Alternative Certification Model Payment

The one-off exceptional £400 payment for teachers supporting the delivery of the Alternative Certification Model for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2020/2021 has been paid in some authorities. The SSTA is disappointed that the remaining authorities have not seen this as priority and a recognition of all the extra work created for teachers associated with the ACM.

The SSTA expected headteachers to approach this in an open-handed way, taking into account individual teachers’ varied workloads. Members who believe that they have not received the correct payment should discuss the matter with their Headteacher in the first instance.

For full details and SSTA advice can be found in the Members’ Bulletin of 17 June 2021.

Assessment of National Qualifications in 2021-22

The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills has confirmed that exams will be held for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses in 2022. The SQA has set out the key detail on plans for assessment of National Qualifications in 2021-22. Please follow link to see the details provided by the SQA.

Unfortunately, returning to the exam diet with an alternative of assessment in the event of further disruption to schools as a consequence of the pandemic has the potential for increased numbers of exams and assessment tasks in schools. This will only add to teacher workload and pressure on pupils during this school year. The SSTA was not consulted on the arrangements for 2021-2022 and has been excluded from the National Qualifications Group by the SQA. SSTA will be meeting the Cabinet Secretary shortly and will push for the voice of the secondary school teacher to be heard.

SSTA Membership

The pandemic has made the recruitment of student and newly qualified members extremely difficult and we welcome your support in encouraging new colleagues in to the Association. Students in training and new entrants to the profession pay no subscription for sixteen months from the date of their teaching post.

All new members to the Association can benefit from our new special offer of 50% off the normal subscription for the first 12 months of paid membership when completing a direct debit with their application.   This represents a saving of up to £95.00 a year based on current 2021 subscription paying by monthly direct debit. Terms & Conditions apply

Those interested in joining the SSTA can do so via our website at www.ssta.org.uk/join

Membership fees and income tax relief

It is worth remembering that two-thirds of the annual subscription payable to the Association is allowable for income tax relief. Section 343, Part 5, Chapter 2 of the Income tax (earning and Pensions) Act 2003. A Proforma letter “Tax Relief on Subscriptions – Jan 2021” that shows subscription rates for Association membership over the past few years. Further information on how to claim the tax back can be found on the HMRC website. Tax Relief for professional fees and subscriptions.

There are specialist firms that can assist you in doing this and at the same time, check if you have been missing out on any other tax allowances or been given the wrong tax code by HMRC meaning you are owed a tax refund.

The Tax Refund Company is one such firm and has helped over 140,000 teachers. They can quickly find out if it worth having your tax codes checked by visiting www.thetaxrefundcompany.co.uk

Membership Details

Have any of your personal details changed over the summer holidays? Moved House, Change of contract or moved to a new school?  You can inform the SSTA of these changes by completing a form on our website at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails. 

SSTA says ‘Put Teachers at the Centre’

Bulletin / Information for Members - 08/23/2021
MarkingPapers

SSTA Members’ Bulletin - 17 June 2021

SSTA Members’ Bulletin - 17 June 2021

£400 Alternative Certification Model Payment

The SSTA welcomes the one-off exceptional £400 payment for teachers supporting the delivery of the Alternative Certification Model for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2020/2021.

Key points

Payment

  • Teachers in education authority schools, independent schools and grant aided schools, involved in delivery of the ACM, will receive a maximum taxable payment of £400.
  • Funded by a Scottish Government grant to employers, schools must claim on behalf of relevant staff.
  • Payment will be made to teachers through normal payroll arrangements.

Timing

  • Schools can start processing details immediately.  The final deadline for submission of forms is 30 September 2021.
  • Staff with concerns about receiving the payment (e.g. because of a possible impact on benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax Credits, Legacy Benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Pension credit, Carer’s Allowance) should speak to their employer as soon as possible.

Eligibility criteria

  • Teachers must have:
    • supported the delivery of one or more of the following functions: assessing, marking or quality assuring National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher courses in academic session 2020/2021.
    • been employed between 1 January 2021 and 25 June 2021 for the initial window and, where relevant, between the start of the new school year in August and 3 September 2021.
  • Teachers who work full-time or part-time and are subject to a permanent or temporary contract are eligible.
  • Those who were shielding; on sick leave; on maternity, paternity, adoption leave; or furloughed are not precluded from qualifying for this payment if they have had a role in supporting the delivery of the ACM.
  • Those who have since left or retired are also eligible and should contact their former employer.

Calculation of payment

  • For eligible staff, the payment will be based on average contracted hours and reflect the degree to which the employee’s individual work has supported the delivery of the ACM. This will require a judgement on the part of the headteacher.  The SSTA expects headteachers to approach this in an open-handed way, taking account of individual teachers’ varied workloads.
  • Teachers with multiple employers should ensure that each of their employers is aware of the proportion of their pro-rata payment to ensure that the maximum they receive is £400.

Complaints

  • Teachers who believe that they have not received the correct payment should discuss the matter with their Headteacher in the first instance.  They may contact info@ssta.org.uk for advice before doing so.

More information

Bulletin / Information for Members - 06/17/2021

SSTA Members Bulletin – 11 June 2021

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School Teacher Pay 2021
The SNCT Extended Joint Chairs met on Monday 7 June but COSLA were not prepared to make an improved offer.  COSLA said the reason for the lack of progress was that it is awaiting discussion on local government funding with Cabinet Secretary Kate Forbes and Shona Robison. The further discussions on finance between COSLA and Scottish Government are deemed necessary before there can be any reconsideration of the terms of the pay offer. 

The Teachers’ Side noted COSLA’s position and made clear that the ongoing delay was very disappointing.  COSLA was also urged to exhibit more urgency in improving its offer and reaching a pay settlement.  The point was made forcibly that allowing this situation to drag on would not be conducive to educational recovery in session 2021-2022.

No date was set for the next meeting of the Extended Joint Chairs as this will be dependent upon the outcomes of the meetings between COSLA and the Cabinet Secretaries for Finance and Local Government.
 
Professional Update
The SSTA welcomes the GTCS announcement that the deadline for Professional Update has been extended to 31 October due to the current pressures in secondary schools.  The SSTA would expect, therefore, that both PRD and Professional Update meetings do not take priority over the important focus on learning and teaching, as well as the gathering of evidence and assessment necessary before the end of this session.
 
Lead Teacher
The new post of Lead Teacher will be introduced into the SNCT Handbook from August 2021. The SNCT Lead Teacher report

The new role – which will command a salary of more than £47,000 a year – is to provide a promotion route for teachers who want to further their careers but who do not want to move into school management.

The Lead Teacher Role is described as: “school-based Lead Teachers will remain classroom teachers and should not be regarded as part of the school’s management structure. Their role therefore will include the duties of a teacher as set out in the SNCT Handbook. Lead Teachers would function alongside and complement the existing leadership roles, structures and posts, bringing clear additionality to the system through supporting the professional learning of colleagues in their context and beyond”.
 
National Qualifications 2021
The Alternative Certification Model (ACM) and the submission of grades is drawing to a close and there is an increasing concern that the process may lead to a rise in appeals. The ACM is restricted to demonstrated attainment only.

This is different to 2020, when teachers were able to use a mix of demonstrated and inferred attainment. Last year teachers had some flexibility to take into account the disruption caused by Covid. This year the SQA has made it clear that inferred attainment cannot be used. In the recent SSTA survey only 36% of members believed the evidence that they collected truly demonstrated their pupil’s attainment.

As a consequence, SSTA believes that there will be an increase in appeals and further scrutiny of how the schools submitted grades to the SQA. Therefore, SSTA encourages members to retain all records of their assessment.
This should include:

  • Your expected pupil attainment level (taking into account Covid-19)
  • Your initial attainment level before moderation/verification, and
  • The final grade submitted to the SQA by the school

 
Appeals Process (National Qualification 2021)
The SQA Appeals Process has been published and is to be managed by the SQA.

Students have been told they have to register for appeals between Friday 25 June and Thursday 12 August. If they miss the 12 August deadline, they have been told teachers and lecturers can appeal on their behalf until Monday 16 August.
 
However, as mentioned above, because students are also told they should have another discussion about their options with their teacher or lecturer after results day on Tuesday 10 August, questions are being asked about how this will be possible when many schools are still off for the summer break.
 
SSTA advises its members not to pre-empt any appeals but to await the formal notification from the SQA in August.
 
 
The SQA ‘out of touch’
The SSTA understands that the SQA are conducting post submission checks to take place between 25 June and 7 July. Schools are being advised that SQA will contact them and they must respond by 5 July. This is totally unrealistic as the vast majority of schools will be closed for the summer and teachers will be unavailable.
 
In addition, priority appeals are now scheduled to be submitted no later than 16 August when a number of schools are due to return. This would not allow schools sufficient time to identify the appeals, gather the evidence and have it packaged without teachers working through their holidays.
 
The SQA appears to have little understanding or respect for schools or staff if it expects teachers to work through the summer vacation.
 
SSTA recommends that all teachers take a well-earned break and step away from all work until they return to school in August. The last thing teachers need is another vacation period ruined.
 
 

Teachers Deserve A Break – Make Sure You Take It

Bulletin / Conditions of Service / Information for Members / SQA - 06/11/2021
High School

Members Update - 19 February 2021

 
First Minister Statement – Reopening of Schools 22 February 2021
 
The First Minister made a statement to the Scottish Parliament on 16 February to confirm the intention to reopen schools to some pupils on 22 February.
 
Following this announcement the government also published their related guidance:
 
The updated reducing risks and mitigating risk guidance, together with the Education Scotland technical guidance regarding the limited senior phase return for practical activities, that was published on 12 February and which is available here
 
The guidance includes

  • Strengthened requirement for pupils and staff in secondary schools to adhere to 2 metre physical distancing
  • Wearing of face coverings for all pupils and adults in communal areas in schools
  • Wearing of face coverings of all senior phase pupils and adults in classrooms
  • Adherence to strict ventilation requirements and the installation of fixed and mobile C02 monitoring equipment in classrooms

The SSTA in addition expects

  • 2 metre physical distancing for all staff and pupils will be enforced in secondary schools
  • That all pupils and staff will be required to wear face coverings at all times including the provision of FP2 masks
  • Pupils who refuse to follow safety guidance, including the wearing of face coverings, cannot be accommodated in school
  • All risk assessments are reviewed and additional measures introduced
  • Parental expectations need to be managed as teachers in school will not be able to continue to support remote learning.

SSTA Advice

We are aware that schools have already made plans in preparation for the limited reopening of schools on 22 February but the SSTA advises that the following key areas are addressed:

  • Only those practical activities required for National Qualification assessment are undertaken and number of pupils is limited to remain below the caps given by the government.
  • Remote Learning for all remaining pupils cannot be undertaken at the same time as practical work or supervising vulnerable and/or key workers children in hubs.
  • We recommend that supply teachers are used to support remote learning and/or supervision in hubs to ensure as little mixing as possible between these learners.
  • Plans for a change of timetable during the summer term must be deferred as teaching and learning for senior pupils will need to be continued until the submission of qualification grades which has been further extended to 26 June.
  • Teacher numbers in schools must be restricted to a minimum to reduce the exposure to and transmission of the virus, and mixing between groups of learners limited.
  • Vulnerable and shielding staff must continue to work from home.
  • Teachers with child caring responsibilities should be encouraged to focus on remote learning.
  • All Risk Assessments must be reviewed in light of the new variant of Covid-19
  • Schools need to focus on teaching and learning and all other ‘normal’ school activities need to be withdrawn or deferred to a later date. This includes, parental consultations, annual pupil reports, tracking and monitoring, etc.
  • All changes in working practices need be agreed in the school’s Working Time Agreement Committee.

 
Government Covid-19 Advice
 
The ‘Advice from the Covid-19 Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues’ has been revised and published on 12 February 2021
 
This document outlines the phased return to in-person learning in schools and early learning and childcare (ELC) settings. It includes the evidence to support the Government’s decision and mitigations necessary to support a safe return.
 
 
Asymptomatic Testing of School Staff
 
The Scottish Government has put in place a voluntary testing system for all school staff. The testing kits have been issued to schools. Tests are to be undertaken twice a week. Please see the ‘Asymptomatic Testing in Scottish Primary, Secondary and Special Schools, and ELC Providers – fact sheet’

 
Risk Assessments
 
Following a meeting with the local authorities it has been agreed that all Risk Assessments must be under constant review, particularly in light of the new variant, and that the Government guidance needs to be followed at the appropriate level for each local authority. Trade unions in local authorities and individual establishments should be fully involved and consulted on the updating and revision of existing risk assessments.
 
 
Supply Teacher Survey
 
The recent SSTA supply teacher survey has highlighted the seriousness of their issue with a lack of work, particularly in the Secondary sector, where well over half of our respondents (56.25%) reported that work was no longer available due to lockdown. Less than a fifth of respondents (19.27%) had been contacted by their employers about their availability and we would therefore strongly advise all supply teacher members to ensure that they have made contact with employers directly to indicate their availability. We continue to press for better use of supply teachers to support the recovery process especially in light of the recent announcement on 16 February of further funding for this too.
 
Details are available on the Scottish Government website. 
 
Making better use of supply teachers should also address some of the workload concerns for permanent teaches and aid infection control by limiting mixing between groups in school. 
 

Bulletin / COVID-19 / Information for Members - 02/19/2021

SSTA Members Bulletin – November 2019

SNCT Career Pathways Working Groups
Three SNCT working groups have been established to develop the recommendations in the Career Pathway Report with SSTA represented on all groups.

  1. Career pathway established for specialist roles in curricular, pedagogical and policy delivery through the creation of a new post of Lead Teacher.
  2. Career pathways for Headteachers within and beyond Headship should be recognised including new opportunities in system leadership.
  3. A national model for sabbaticals should be developed for all teachers, including Headteachers that is both attractive and sustainable.

      Reports on the progress of working groups will follow during the year.

Secondary Teachers in Primary Sector
Members have been contacting Head Office asking for guidance regarding Secondary Teachers being required to teach in the primary sector. The GTCS and COSLA wrote to local authority employers on 9 October 2019 and helpfully clarified the situation. In summary, the letter states that the position of GTCS and COSLA is:

  • All teachers in Scotland must be GTCS registered.
  • GTCS subdivides its registration categories into Primary, Secondary (subject specific) and Further Education as a way of ensuring professional standards are maintained.
  • Primary school registered teachers are to be employed in the primary sector, Secondary registered teachers are to be employed in their registered secondary school category.
  • Teachers in specialist support roles are not affected by the above general requirement.
  • Secondary teachers may occasionally provide temporary cover in secondary subjects for which they are not qualified.
  • Teachers who have expertise in one subject or sector may share that expertise with teachers in another sector.  This should be a temporary measure and not permanent deployment. 
  • A teacher deployed in a teaching post for which they are not suitably registered would not be suitably qualified.

SSTA advice is that secondary teachers:

  • should not be deployed or timetabled to teach classes in the primary sector, although they may occasionally and temporarily share expertise. 
  • should be employed and timetabled to teach only subjects in which they are qualified, unless they are employed in a specialist support role.
  • should not be used to provide cover for primary classes. 

 
Dementia Awareness 
This short course organised through the Scottish Union Learning will provide an understanding of Dementia in the workplace, the home and in the community. Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. There are over 200 subtypes of dementia. This course will provide a greater understanding of dementia and will help members support colleagues in schools. There are a small number of places available for the forthcoming course on 19 November in Dundee. Click hereto reserve a place on the course.
 
Teachers’ Pension – New Entrants
As a member of the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme 2015, you can take your benefits in full when you reach your State Pension age. You can, of course, retire before you reach State Pension age but if you do, your pension will be reduced for early payment. However, if you plan to retire after your 65th birthday but before your State Pension age, you can elect to pay extra contributions that reduce, or remove, this reduction. To benefit from the early retirement reduction buyout (ERRBO), you must still be paying into the scheme when you retire and your State Pension age must be over 65.
 
For example if you have a normal pension age of 68 you could buy out the reduction for three years and retire at 65. Alternatively, you could buy one year or two years and retire at 67 or 66 respectively. Early retirement reduction buyout elections must be made within six months of joining the Teachers’ 2015 scheme for it to be effective from your first year in the scheme. If you don't apply within your first six months of joining the scheme, your application will only be effective from the beginning of the following financial year. Further information https://pensions.gov.scot/teachers/your-membership/increasing-your-pension/teachers-early-retirement-reduction-buy-out-errbo

Post of Professional Officer
The SSTA is seeking to recruit a Professional Officer (Part-Time 0.6 FTE). The advert for the post can be viewed on the SSTA website.  The Person Specification and Application Form can be requested by completing a form on the website. The closing date for applications is Friday 6 December (12.00noon). 
 

Bulletin / Information for Members - 11/14/2019

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