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SSTA Members Update – Pay, SQA and Covid

Teachers’ Pay 2021-2022. The story so far…….

In the autumn of 2020 the SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee submitted a claim to the SNCT Teachers’ Side for a restorative pay award that promoted the retention and recruitment of teachers. This was expected to be paid to teachers on 1 April 2021.

In December 2020 the SNCT Teachers’ Side agreed the following pay claim that would be paid to all teachers without differentiation:

“A range of 3%-5% is the financial scope of the claim, depending on other measures and benefits also being considered as part of the pay and reward package, in particular those measures aimed at tackling excessive workload”.

On the 15 March 2021 Cosla responded with the following pay offer

“A 2% uplift for those earning up to £40,000; and
A 1% rise for those earning over £40,000 with a cap of £800”.

This offer was rejected by the SNCT Teachers’ Side as it was not only too low but a differentiated offer. Despite further negotiations no further formal offer was made until November.

On 4 November 2021 Cosla made the following

“A 1.22% increase at all SNCT pay points.
A back dating of the implementation date of the pay award to be effective from 1 January 2021”.

This was followed on 13 December 2021

“A 1% increase at all SNCT pay points effective from 1 April 2021.
A further 1% increase at all SNCT pay points effective from 1 January 2022.
A one-off non-recurring payment of £100 to each SNCT member of staff in post on the date the offer is agreed (pro-rata) and a cap of £800 for those earning £80K and above”.

A further offer was made on 10 February 2021

“A 1.22% increase at all SNCT pay points effective from 1 April 2021.
A further 1% increase at all SNCT pay points effective from 1 January 2022”.

All these offers were rejected by the SNCT Teachers’ Side and Cosla made the following offer using the following statement on 25 February 2022.

“..to make a best and final offer within the overall cost envelope allocated and with scope to reconfigure aspects such as the percentage and maintain a one-off non-recurring payment:

A 1.22% increase at all SNCT pay points effective from 1 April 2021.
A further 1% increase at all SNCT pay points effective from 1 January 2022.
An £800 cap for those earning £80K and above
And a one-off non-recurring payment of £100 to each SNCT member of staff (pro-rated for part-time) for all SNCT members in post on 31 March 2022 and based on working hours at that time”.

The SSTA Position

In September 2021 the SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee took the position that it would not consult members on an offer that was less than 3% and was paid universally to all SNCT grades.

The Committee maintains that the 25 February 2022 pay offer has not met its baseline but has agreed due to the totally unacceptable protracted period of negotiations to consult SSTA members on the pay offer. The SSTA will conduct a consultative ballot of all members that will be issued separately to members at their preferred email address. It is, therefore, essential that members ensure that the Association holds your correct personal details. You can updated your details at www,ssta.org.uk/update-details/

*Please note on 7 February 2022 the SNCT Teachers’ Side submitted a 10% pay claim to be applied to all grades and pay points without differentiation or discrimination for 2022-2023.

The SQA and National Qualifications

The SSTA has received many messages from members regarding the latest communications from the SQA and preparations for the examinations next term. The SSTA is meeting with the SQA later this week and would welcome further comments from members at info@ssta.org.uk

Covid 19 - Safety First

The Scottish Government has reduced mitigations in schools and is attempting to return society back to ‘normal’. However, Covid-19 is still with us and members are advised to take precautions to ensure their safety.

The current Government guidance ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools’ to ensure a low-risk environment for learning and teaching still applies

This still includes:

  • Risk assessments to be continued
  • Environmental cleaning, hand and respiratory hygiene to continue
  • Ventilation – strengthened guidance for local authorities on CO2 monitoring
  • Support for people in the highest risk groups/pregnant staff

SSTA says ‘Put Teachers at the Centre’

Conditions of Service / COVID-19 / Information for Members / SQA - 03/14/2022

Message to Members - 25 October 2021

Safety First – the fight against Covid-19 continues

Covid-19 has not gone away and the SSTA has welcomed the Government decision to continue mitigations including face coverings in schools. There was a push from some to reduce the mitigations to match other measures in other settings. However, that is not taking into account that the majority of the school population are not vaccinated and it is in the secondary school age group that the highest increase in cases of covid is occurring. The SSTA believes the priority must be to ensure teachers in schools are kept safe so that schools can remain open. This may be an unpopular position as we all know how unpleasant the current mitigations are, but they must remain in place for all until it is safe to reduce them. The failure to adhere to the mitigations will lead to schools being closed and pupils being sent home due to the lack of teachers in the coming months.

The SSTA is still insisting upon a national message rather than allowing any local discretion or interpretation at a local level to remove mitigation measures. The SSTA advises all members to take all precautions to keep themselves safe.

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.

The existing Government guidance ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools’ to ensure a low-risk environment for learning and teaching 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

SSTA Members Briefing and Pensions Update 2021

The SSTA has arranged briefing sessions for members in the coming week.

The General Secretary, Seamus Searson, will give the latest information regarding Covid-19, national qualifications and the Education Reform review. There will also be a presentation on the impact of the Teachers’ Pensions consultations and the changes due to take place in April 2022 by Stuart McCullough, Independent Financial Advisor from Llife Ltd.

The briefings will be conducted remotely and will take place on:

Please select the briefing you would like to attend and complete the registration form to book your place using the links above.

Teacher Pay Negotiations 2021 – No progress to report

It has been reported that the Teachers’ Side of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) declared a formal dispute over the sub-inflationary pay offer made to Scotland’s teachers (1.22%). The declaration of dispute was a direct result of the delay in an improved offer being made by COSLA following an extended period of negotiation. 

The pay claim for 2021 was lodged in December 2020. However, the Teachers’ Side remains willing to continue negotiations through SNCT Extended Joint Chairs in the hope of a negotiated settlement.

To date, no meeting of the SNCT Extended Joint Chairs meeting has been called and the teacher unions will have no option but to progress the dispute and move to consult its members on the actions they are prepared to take to achieve a suitable pay settlement for 2021.

SSTA 76th Annual Congress (part two)

The SSTA 76th Annual Congress (part two) took place on Saturday 2 October 2021. The Congress was a hybrid event with some delegates attending in person whilst the majority attended virtually.

The Congress included an address from John Guidi, SSTA President, the report of the SSTA General Secretary Seamus Searson, guest speakers Professor Walter Humes and Professor Mark Priestley, together with a number of policy motions adopted by the Association.


Please follow the link to the SSTA Congress 

Request to all members

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’

Congress / COVID-19 / Information for Members - 10/25/2021
Reopening Schools

Members Bulletin - Schools Reopening

Members Bulletin - Schools Reopening

The Scottish Government confirmed on 6 April that all secondary school pupils would be back in school on a full time basis after the Easter holidays. The Government published its ‘Guidance for opening schools in April 2021’ Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

This guidance includes:

  • Confirmation that a full-time return for secondary schools is on the basis of no physical distancing required between pupils
  • School staff and other adults in the school should continue to apply strict 2m distancing when with other adults and with pupils.
  • All staff areas and schools must ensure adequate staff facilities in all staff areas with 2 metre physical distancing
  • Update on vulnerable and shielding staff to follow medical advice
  • Face coverings should now be worn at all times by staff and young people in secondary schools; (including S1-S3 learners) in classrooms, in communal areas and when moving about the school.
  • Pupils behaving or acting in a way which doesn’t align with school policy or procedure can be excluded.
  • Focus on ventilation and other mitigations
  • C02 monitors being provided to schools – mixed picture in local authorities

SSTA Advice

  • SAFETY FIRST must be the first priority in all workplaces
  • All Risk Assessments including individual risk assessments must be reviewed
  • Risk assessments of vulnerable and shielding staff need to be cognisant of their own individual medical practitioner instructions
  • All staff must follow all the mitigation measures including 2 metre physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings
  • Secondary schools should look to minimise movement of young people and staff when in school.
  • Staff numbers working in school buildings should be kept to the minimum required at any one time; all others should continue to work from home

National Qualifications 2021

The Government guidance states

  • The priority during the phased return from 15 March, and on immediate return after Easter, should be to maximise learning and teaching time. This will impact on the timing of assessment, which can take place in the later stages of the 2020-21 session.
  • SQA has produced subject-specific guidance for a range of qualifications, taking into account disruption to learning this year, that sets out the key evidence required for each course.
  • National standards will be applied based on a holistic assessment of this key evidence of demonstrated attainment, to determine provisional results.
  • Teachers should use the flexibility to assess learners at times and in ways that are appropriate to their needs in order to manage the assessment burden on young people during the remainder of the academic session.


Additional in-service days and £400

The First Minister’s announced that two additional days will be set aside for assessment procedures, with teachers and lecturers involved in awarding national qualifications this year receiving a one-off payment of £400.

The Government has written to Directors of Education notifying them of the ability to use two additional in-service days for supporting the delivery of the Alternative Certification Model (ACM). They were advised that these days could be deployed flexibly at the discretion of individual Local Authorities.
 
The Government is continuing to work through the exact eligibility criteria, but it appears to be any teacher who is involved in at least one activity of assessing, marking or moderating a National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher course would be eligible for the £400 payment. As this is a payment in respect of additional work associated with the Alternative Certification Model (ACM), and given the time needed to make payroll changes, it is likely that a payment will be in July/August after the conclusion of the centre based element of the ACM.

SSTA Comment

The arrangements for National Qualifications 2021 will create severe workload complications for both pupils and teachers and puts undue pressure in providing evidence to meet the SQA demands.

The use of the two additional in-service days has been left to individual local authorities and appears to be for the purpose of verification and not time for preparation and correction of evidence. The reports we have at present show a wide variance, with some Local Authorities using the dates in early May whilst others are preparing for dates in mid-June. These discrepancies will only add to the pressure on pupils and teachers.

The SSTA believes an over bureaucratic national qualifications process is unachievable and the focus must be on supporting teachers making competent professional judgments and not gathering evidence to replace the teachers’ professional judgement. It is essential that all pupils receive grades that reflect their merits throughout the course.

Members must ensure that Headteachers are made aware of the time necessary to undertake all tasks associated with the national qualifications 2021 at the earliest opportunity. Working Time Agreements will need to be reviewed in light of the demands of the Alternative Certification Model.

The SSTA’s view of the £400 additional payment, despite it being inadequate and not reflective of the work or the expertise required in the process, should be paid to all secondary teachers.


School Teachers’ Pay 2021

The latest meeting of the SNCT Extended Joint Chairs took place on 31 March. The employers were unable to make an improved pay offer until a meeting with the Finance Minister had taken place. Although an agreement was made to continue discussions it will be unlikely any progress will be made until after the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
 

Teachers’ Pension Consultation - Increase in age for access to pension

A consultation has been opened by the Government on the increase of the age where pensions can be accessed from 55 to 57 by 6 April 2028. 

The consultation that closes on 22 April 2021 and individuals are able to respond.
 
The SSTA is opposed to the proposed change. The SSTA argues against any further increases applying to the Minimum Pension Age both for existing teachers and new teachers coming into the profession. Once again, the government risks discriminating against new and old members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
 
Should a scheme member exercise their right to retire early, the scheme applies an actuarial adjustment to those benefits to ensure that there is no extra burden on the public purse.
 
See the SSTA response to the Consultation here

COVID-19 / Information for Members - 04/19/2021
safetyfirst@0.75x

School Reopening - 15 March 2021 - Update

School Reopening - 15 March 2021
 
On the 9 March the First Minister confirmed the proposal for the return of secondary school pupils from the 15 March.

  • All secondary pupils will return on a part-time basis from 15 March - it is the intention that all secondary school pupils will return to spend some time in school from 15 March until the Easter break.
  • It is expected that all secondary school pupils will be back in school on a full time basis after the Easter holidays.

The Government published its guidance for the reopening of schools on 8 March. Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance on arrangements for the phased reopening of schools in March 2021

In addition, Education Scotland produced its guidance for schools ‘Guidance for in-school and remote learning S1 – S6,’ intended to give further assistance to schools:


The SSTA Position

The Government’s plan has created operational problems for schools by trying to accommodate all pupils at some point during the weeks preceding the Easter break. The arrangements for pupil return and managing parental expectations has been left to the schools. This will only add to the pressure on teachers trying to meet pupil needs and ensure good parental communication. The SSTA advises:

 Safety First

  • SSTA’s first priority is SAFETY FIRST.
  • SSTA School Representatives have been advised to work with members of the school management to devise a work plan this is manageable to ensure that safety of all staff and pupils is not compromised.
  • All Risk Assessments including individual risk assessments must be reviewed to ensure that staff are not put at risk (please note all previous risk assessments do not take into account the new variants).
  • Vulnerable and shielding staff should be encouraged to work from home and support remote learning.
  • Secondary schools should look to minimise movement of young people and staff when in school.
  • Staff numbers working in school buildings should be kept to the minimum required; all others should continue to work from home in line with Government advice.

Safety Measures

  • Face coverings to be worn at all times by staff and young people in secondary school. SSTA advocates the provision of FFP2 masks for staff and pupils.
  • A greater emphasis should be placed on good ventilation. SSTA advocates the use of CO2 monitors and air purification systems where necessary.
  • Strict 2 metre distancing to be observed in the school building in secondary schools.

School Priorities

  • Vulnerable young people and the children of keyworkers to continue to be supported in school.
  • Senior phase students (S4-S6) who are taking national qualifications will have priority for face-to-face lessons in school.
  • All secondary pupils will return on a part-time basis from 15 March - it is the intention that all secondary school pupils will return to spend some time in school from 15 March until the Easter break.

Parental Expectations

  • Parental expectations need to be managed. The proposed arrangements are not a return to ‘normal’ schooling.
  • Parental support is essential to ensure all safety measures are observed by all pupils.
  • Councils will decide how to balance safely in-school learning for secondary school learners based on local circumstances and needs.
  • Remote learning will be much reduced as a consequence of the proposed school reopening measures.

Teacher Workload

  • Members are advised to focus on the pupils they will be asked to teach/supervise in the period before the Easter break.
  • ‘Face to Face’ teaching is the priority with ‘Remote Learning’ only being continued if time is available.
  • Members should not be expected to continue remote learning if required to be in school teaching or supervising pupils.
  • Online livestreaming of classroom lessons must not take place.
  • All teachers need a good rest during the Easter break.

School Return after Easter

  • The SSTA has a major concern that the Government’s intention for all secondary school pupils to be back in school on a full time basis after the Easter break is an unrealistic expectation.
  • This intention will lead to further work being undertaken by school staff during the Easter break in preparation for a full pupil return
  • SSTA is of the view that arrangements will need to be the similar to those in place before the Easter break. There should only be a phased increase of pupils when restrictions are eased in the community (for example following the removal of 2 metre physical distancing guidelines).

National Qualifications 2021 and £400

Finally, following the First Minister’s announcement on 16 February that two additional days will be set aside for assessment procedures, with teachers and lecturers involved in awarding national qualifications this year receiving a one-off payment of £400 (pro-rata), no further detail has yet been forthcoming.  Information will be circulated as soon as it is received.

COVID-19 / Information for Members - 03/10/2021
Reopening Schools

School Reopening - 15 March 2021

 On the 2 March the First Minister announced proposals for the return of secondary school pupils. The First Minister added that the plans are conditional on continued progress on suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19). The statement included:
 

  • All secondary pupils will return on a part-time basis from 15 March - it is the intention that all secondary school pupils will return to spend some time in school from 15 March until the Easter break.
  • Councils will decide how to balance safely in-school learning for secondary school learners based on local circumstances and needs.
  • Senior phase students (S4-S6) who are taking national qualifications will have priority for face-to-face lessons in school.
  • Vulnerable young people and the children of keyworkers to continue to be supported in school
  • Remote learning will continue in parallel for all secondary school learners.
  • Face coverings to be worn at all times by staff and young people in secondary school.
  • A greater emphasis should be placed on good ventilation.
  • Strict 2 metre distancing to be observed in the school building in secondary schools.
  • Secondary schools should look to minimise movement of young people and staff when in school
  • It is expected that all secondary school pupils will be back in school on a full time basis after the Easter holidays.

 
Education Scotland subsequently produced ‘Guidance for in-school and remote learning S1 – S6,’ intended to give further assistance to schools:
 
In addition, the Government is also preparing supplementary ‘Reducing Risks Guidance,’ expected to be published on Monday 8 March.
 
The SSTA Position
 
The First Minister’s statement has created serious operational problems for schools by trying to accommodate all pupils at some point during the weeks preceding the Easter break.
 
The SSTA had been expecting an increase in senior pupils before Easter should there be progress on suppressing the virus. This could be managed if schools were able to ensure all mitigations were in place, such as 2 metre physical distancing, face coverings for all, appropriate ventilation, and the review of all risk assessments, with all vulnerable and shielding staff remaining at home and expected to support remote learning.
 
The arrangements for pupil return and managing parental expectations has been left to the schools. This will only add to the pressure on teachers trying to meet pupil needs and ensure good parental communication. Schools are encouraged to work with trade unions to ensure safety measures are in place to protect both pupils and staff. Timetables and opportunities for pupil engagement need to be realistic and should not add to teacher workload. Parents need to be aware that this is a limited return to face to face engagement and as a consequence there will be a reduction in remote learning provision.
 
In an effort to support members in the preparations for the 15 March the SSTA has arranged an online School Representatives’ Briefing on Monday 8 March at 4.00pm.
 
Further details for the School Reps’ Briefing will be sent separately. If your school does not have a rep please contact the SSTA office for further information by email at info@ssta.org.uk 

COVID-19 / Information for Members - 03/04/2021
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
twitter_comment

Safety First - Secondary Schools Reopening

It is sensible to take a cautious approach to reopening secondary schools on Monday 22 February but it cannot be a return to a way of working that existed prior to Christmas. Schools were closed in January because we needed to control the virus. We now need to ensure pupils and staff are safe during this staged return. The reopening of secondary schools is a controlled exercise that will be evaluated before further decision will be made. Secondary teachers need to be confident that the Scottish Government has put in place all measures necessary to keep people safe.

The SSTA expects that

  • 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
  • Schools will be given full support to ensure that all pupils follow all the safety guidance
  • Pupils who refuse to follow safety guidance 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.

#SafetyFirst #FollowTheGuidance #ProtectLives

COVID-19 / Information for Members - 02/15/2021

Members Update - 5 February 2021

 
First Minister Statement – Reopening of Schools 22 February 2021
The First Minister made a statement to the Scottish Parliament on 2 February that it is her intention to reopen schools to some pupils on 22 February.
 
This decision is to be confirmed in two weeks (16 February 2021). The statement raised a number of issues that are still to be resolved as the detail had not been discussed with teacher unions.
 
The SSTA has been advised that updated reducing risks and mitigating risk guidance, together with the Education Scotland technical guidance regarding the limited senior phase return for practical activities, will be published by Friday 12 February.
 
SSTA Advice
 We know that schools will start preliminary work in preparation for a possible reopening of schools on 22 February but the SSTA advises that:

  • Detailed plans are delayed until the receipt of the guidance on mitigation measures, defined practical activities and number of pupils permitted is confirmed.
  • Remote Learning will continue for all remaining pupils and additional time must be made available to undertake the additional preparation and correction
  • 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 on the 18 June.
  • Teacher numbers in schools must be restricted to a minimum to reduce the exposure to, and transmission of, the virus
  • Teachers who are required to supervise pupils in school are unable to contribute to remote learning
  • Vulnerable and shielding teachers must continue to work from home
  • Teachers with child caring responsibilities must be encouraged to focus on remote learning from home
  • All Risk Assessments must be reviewed in light of the new variant of Covid-19 and any changes to local authority level status
  • 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 by 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 3 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 are putting in place a testing system for all school staff. The testing kits are to be issued to schools in the coming weeks. 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. Trade unions in local authorities and individual establishments should be fully involved and consulted on the updating and revision of existing risk assessments.
 
Public Sector Pensions
The Government response to the consultation on the implementation of 2015 Public Sector Career Average Pension Scheme that was found to be discriminatory on grounds of age has been published.
 
The government will proceed with the deferred choice underpin. This approach will mean all eligible members are members of their legacy scheme for the period between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022, known as the remedy period.
 
Eligible members retiring after implementation will get a choice of whether to take legacy or reformed scheme benefits for the remedy period when their pension benefits become payable. Legacy schemes will be closed in relation to service after 31 March 2022.
 
An accompanying leaflet provides a high-level summary of the government’s policies and who is affected by them can be found here.  For full details of the consultation and Equality impact Assessment can be found here.

The Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme - Retirement Workshop
A recording of one a recent Retirement Workshop’s is now available to view on the SSTA website. The workshop, hosted by L-Life Ltd, concentrates on the decisions you will/are being faced with at retirement. The workshop runs for approximately 1 hour and looks at:-

  • The Teachers’ Pension Scheme – how it works and the options that you have
  • How you can top up your pensions in preparation for Retirement
  • How to apply for your pension
  • Money management & investment choices

COVID-19 / Information for Members / Pensions - 02/05/2021

SSTA Advice – 4 January 2021

The First Minister is introducing new laws that will require people to stay at home and work from home where possible from 5 January.

There is now confusion is some areas as some schools and local authorities are still instructing teachers to attend school in person this week when pupils are nor present (See advice below).

The SSTA advises members that:

  1. Teachers should only attend school if they have been assigned child supervision duties
  2. All meetings should be conducted remotely
  3. Teachers should be allowed to prepare for remote learning from home. Should teachers need to collect materials from school then arrangements should be made to limit the number of people in the school buildings at all times.

SSTA Advice – Reopening of schools includes supervision of children and remote in-service days can be found here

COVID-19 / Information for Members - 01/04/2021

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