The Scottish Government statement on 30 July committed schools to reopen to all pupils by 18 August. This was supported by the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on preparing for the start of the new school term in August 2020 document. 
 
This document was to be the reassurance for schools that they would be safe to return. It is expected that all the measures included in the document would be the minimum requirement for schools to return. In addition, the SSTA issued advice that went further to highlight the importance of keeping teachers safe. The SSTA has been in contact with the employers and Government to urge them to add additional measures to protect all staff in schools.
 
Unfortunately we are getting reports from schools that many of the measures necessary for the reopening schools have not been implemented and members are being put at risk. Members  have reported dirty classrooms, no additional cleaning schedules, lack of hand sanitisers, no additional cleaning materials in classrooms, and a disregard of physical distancing  measures. It appears to us that many schools are not ready to receive pupils and schools should be considering delaying the return of pupils. It is the duty of the employer to ensure staff safety and act upon all risk assessments. The SSTA has informed COSLA and the Government of the unpreparedness of schools and expects action to be taken to address these issues.
 
Should your school not have all the necessary arrangements in place to ensure staff safety and the receiving of pupils you should write to the Head Teacher outlining their concerns and asking about the Risk Assessments which should have been done and acted upon. The Headteacher should provide a written response. Please copy your correspondence and reply to info@ssta.org.uk. The examples returned will be used in discussions with employers and Government to ensure safe working environments.

Yours sincerely

Seamus Searson
General Secretary

Tuesday 11 August 2020

The SSTA conducted a survey of members prior to the reopening of schools to gauge the confidence of teachers returning to school. The survey received 2,615 responses and highlighted the concerns of members.

Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said “The survey showed the high lack of teacher confidence in schools and their employers to ensure their safety upon the reopening of schools. The survey showed that 40% of members were not confident about returning to work with only 7% of members very confident.  41% of members had no confidence in their employer ensuring that their workplace would be safe upon their return”.

“29% of members who responded identified as having an underlying health condition or as being a member of a vulnerable group, with 75% of these not being contacted by the employer prior to the return to work to carry out an individual risk assessment. These teachers are extremely worried that their employer is not taking the threat to their well-being seriously”.
 
“The survey highlighted the high number of teachers who were unaware of fundamental safety measures to be put in place in their workplaces such as risk assessments (85%), physical distancing measures (57%) and cleaning regimes (67%) introduced in their classrooms”
 
“When it came to cleaning classrooms 19% of teachers were being expected to clean their classrooms between classes whilst 24% expected that the pupils would be expected to carry out the task”

“Only 14% of members were aware that were to be allocated an individual work area with appropriate physical distancing and 39% expected to share ICT equipment with other members of staff”
 
“A major concern for members was the lack of a detailed pupil discipline policy that includes actions for pupils who refuse to adhere to physical distancing and safety measures (such as hand hygiene) with only 7% of members indicating such a policy was in place in their school”.
 
[Ends]
 
Appendix A – Survey Results.
Appendix B – Selection of Members Comments
 

Message to Members  - 4 August 2020

Safety First and the Reopening of Schools
The SSTA position throughout the COVID-19 crisis has been one of safety first for all teachers and pupils. We would all like to return to normal schooling but the current situation is far from ‘normal’.

The SSTA view remains that schools can only reopen and operate safely if there are significant operational changes in place to ensure effective social distancing, strong hygiene routines linked to thorough cleansing practices, appropriate PPE available where required, and ongoing risk assessments in place to monitor operations.

The Government’s announcement on 30 July that all schools should return to full time education by 18 August was supported by the ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on preparing for the start of the new school term in August 2020’

Although a very extensive document it does not adequately address a number of issues regarding staff safety in schools. The decision to treat schools differently to other areas, where strict social distancing guidelines are still in place, is particularly worrying. Schools and their staff must be protected regardless of the assumption that schools are less of a risk.

The SSTA intends to focus on the safety measures necessary for the reopening of schools. Schools should be prepared to open for pupils with a phased approach to allow opportunities to test and make alterations to the risk assessments

SSTA Advice

Risk Assessments
During the outbreak, those with underlying health conditions or those who are pregnant have been advised to follow stringent social distancing to reduce the risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

There is a long-standing requirement for employers to put in place measures to ensure workplace safety where a significant health and safety risk is identified. Some workers will be at greater risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

All staff should have an individual risk assessment that includes their personal circumstances and the areas in which they are expected to work. Members who have an underlying health condition or are a part of a vulnerable group must be supported when returning to school. This may include remaining at home and asked to support remote learning.

It is the employer’s responsibility to protect employees from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect employees and others from coronavirus. This is called a COVID-19 risk assessment.

The employer must:

• identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus
• think about who could be at risk
• decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed
• act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk

 
Support for Staff
The return to school will be a worrying time for many teachers, and staff will need to be supported and reassured that their safety is paramount. SSTA expects all staff concerns about returning to school and requests for measures to ensure staff safety around the school and in teaching areas must be taken seriously and action taken.

Physical Distancing
A strict 2 metre physical distancing system must be enforced for all staff, and pupils must be instructed to adhere to staff physical distancing measures at all times.

Face Coverings
SSTA recommends that all members have access to face coverings that meet the required standard and are provided by the employer. All members are advised to wear face coverings when in contact with other staff and pupils.

SSTA recommends that all in secondary schools pupils wear a face covering and should be mandatory for senior age pupils.

Staff who have underlying health conditions, or have members of their households with conditions, must ensure pupils in their care wear face coverings and adhere to strict cleaning regimes.

Plastic Screens
Schools should ensure the availability of protective plastic screens for those teachers who request them. In addition, all teaching areas that are unable to guarantee appropriate physical distancing between staff and pupils must have plastic screens installed.

Cleaning Regimes
It is essential that all schools have rigorous cleaning regimes that are planned, managed and delivered by appropriately trained staff. This cleaning must take place prior to a new class entering a teaching area.

Teaching Areas
Schools should ensure that no teaching area presents a risk to staff or pupils particularly small teaching areas. Schools should reduce class sizes and/or relocate to larger appropriate teaching areas.

Teacher Work Spaces and Staff Rooms
All teacher work spaces and staff rooms must have strict 2 metre physical distancing measures in place and allocated spaces for designated members of staff. There should not be any sharing of equipment or materials. Should there be no place of safety within the school, teachers should remove themselves from the building.

ICT Equipment
All ICT equipment and telephones must be allocated to individual staff and must not be shared with other colleagues. No ‘hot desking’. ICT equipment in classrooms must not be shared by teaching staff and classroom administration tasks need to be reviewed and alternative arrangements made.

Pupil Behaviour
As schools are not back to normal and pupil and staff safety is a priority, SSTA expects a high level of pupil discipline with a ‘zero tolerance’ approach in schools. Pupils refusing to follow safety measures cannot be accommodated in school and must be sent home.

Safety First
Should schools be unable to maintain a safe environment for staff and pupils then measures should be introduced to reduce the number of pupils accommodated in the school building on particular days. Safety must be the priority and putting people at risk trying to maintain full time education would be irresponsible.

Following the Government statement earlier today, please find below all the relevant links to publications issued today.
 

• Schools guidance 
• Impact assessment 
• Children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment 
• School FAQ
• Young Scot Schools FAQ – please note that this version is a “starter for 10” and additional Q&A will be added almost daily and existing ones updated as required.
• Early learning and childcare services guidance 
• Fully outdoor childcare providers guidance
• Support to childcare sector
• Childminder services guidance 
• Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues – advisory note on physical distancing in early learning and childcare settings (ELC) 

Please note: SSTA will be issuing advice early next week (Week Commencing 3 August 2020).
 

30 July 2020

Message to Members 25 June 2020

The SSTA position throughout the COVID-19 crisis has been one of safety first for all teachers and pupils. We have been guided throughout by the scientific and medical evidence and that will continue to be the case. We would all like to return to normal schooling but we are not at that place yet and not likely to be in the coming months.

The SSTA view remains that schools can only reopen and operate safely if there are significant operational changes in place to ensure effective social distancing, strong hygiene routines linked to thorough cleansing practices, appropriate PPE available where required, and ongoing risk assessments in place to monitor operations.
 
The DFM statement on 23 June and the decision for all pupils to return to school full-time in August was unexpected. The SSTA had been working with Government and Local Authorities in putting in place plans for blended learning in schools for August. At this point in time that position has not changed.
 
Please see the Government Press Release and the DFM’s Statement
 
To date the Government approach had been a cautious one, with the safety of all its paramount concern. The conditions that the DFM expects in place for the full time return of pupils to school:

• sufficiently low infection rate;
• early warning infrastructure in place, including test and protect;
• right protective measures and risk assessments in place in schools

The DFM also stated that a full time return to school in August for pupils could only be achieved if there were no social distancing measures for young people. This situation cannot apply to teachers and other adults in school as COVID-19 has not been eradicated. The SSTA cannot ignore members’ safety and allow schools to return to normal as if the COVID-19 crisis had not existed.

The DFMs statement has heightened members concerns and raised more questions that must be answered before schools can return in August. The SSTA will be working to find answers to the many questions in the coming weeks to ensure members are safe should schools return in August.

The SSTA will be seeking that

• additional time be given to all school staff to prepare for a change from the current blended learning plans for schools including delaying the return of pupils to secondary schools
• teachers will not be required to undertake additional work in altering existing plans during the summer vacation
• teachers who are in the vulnerable and shielding categories remain protected when schools return in August
• suitable physical distancing arrangements for all adults in schools are in place
• that the provision of suitable PPE is available for all staff,
• proactive testing of all school staff, and
• the highest level of school cleaning regimes are in place.

The SSTA believes it is unwise to anticipate the situation we may be facing in August and await further details before embarking on further work.

SSTA Advice

1. Make no alterations to their existing plans for schools reopening in August
2. Members should take their well-deserved break following a very stressful and demanding term and return to work refreshed and rested in August.

The ‘Arrangements for Re-opening Schools August 2020’  SNCT 20/76 has now been finalised.
 
The SNCT document contains the following information

• Early return and leave dates
• Realignment of Session 2020/21
• Pre-Existing Holiday Arrangements or Commitments
• Quarantine Arrangements
• Summer Retirals

 The earlier ‘Emergency Provision’ SNCT 20/74 that included provisions for ‘Self-Isolation’ remain in place

‘Employees who are undergoing self-isolation as instructed by their GP or as advised by Health Protection Scotland should advise their school and Council immediately. They should be entitled to full pay during this absence as COVID-19 is a notifiable infectious disease. The provisions of SNCT Handbook Section 6.34 will apply’.

Please follow link to circular.

Finally

1. Please follow the Government guidelines
2. Follow the SSTA on Twitter
3. Contact info@ssta.org.uk if you require further advice
4. #StayHomeStaySafe

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) advice
HPS advice can be found at  https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/
The most recent ‘Core COVID19 Information and Guidance for General (Non-Healthcare) Settings (version 4)’ can be downloaded here
 
Scottish Government Guidance
The Scottish Government guidance is very clear with the main message to ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘Work from Home’ where you can. If you, or a member of your household, have an underlying health condition, or are a part of a vulnerable group, you must work from home.
 
This will be a major factor in any arrangements for teachers returning to school towards the end of June to prepare and plan for the new way of working and welcoming pupils back. 
 
Reopening of Schools
The SSTA view remains that schools can only reopen and operate safely if there are significant operational changes in place to ensure effective social distancing, strong hygiene routines linked to thorough cleansing practices, appropriate PPE available where required, and ongoing risk assessments in place to monitor operations. SSTA District Secretaries are working with Local Authorities in preparing detailed Risk Assessments for the reopening of school buildings.
 
Details of the Scottish Government guidance can be found below

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): re-opening schools guide
• The Deputy First Minister’s letter ‘Strategic Framework Supporting Guidance and Next Steps’ 

SNCT Guidance
Guidance from the SNCT is being prepared regarding contractual matters relating to the decision to reopen schools on 11 August. This guidance will include clarification of early return and leave dates, guidance for pre-existing holidays or commitments, and summer retirals.

Returning to school in June
In preparation for schools reopening in August some schools are asking staff to return to their place of work. The SSTA urges caution in members returning to school prior to all normal premises management preparations being complete, detailed risk assessments being completed, and health and safety measures put in place. Schools should be collating lists of staff who are able to attend the school and making arrangements accordingly.

The SSTA expects a collegiate approach to be taken by schools when planning approaches to blended learning.

SSTA Advice

1. Members must continue to work from home
2. All meetings should continue to be held remotely
3. Members should only attend their workplaces:

• To assist with the completion of Risk Assessments i.e. as part of a physical premises inspection
• To assist in the Risk Assessment of their own workspaces including staff department areas
• To collect teaching materials in preparation for the reopening of schools to pupils in August

1. Should schools invite specified pupils to school as part of a transition arrangement (following adequate risk assessment and planning) only those staff that have direct child supervision responsibilities for those pupils should attend. No other members of staff should be required to attend.
2. Members must not attend work if they have not been assigned a specific child caring responsibility and given advice on procedures to be followed.
3. Please remember. If you, or a member of your household, have an underlying health condition, or are a part of a vulnerable group, you must work from home

Additional Training and Wellbeing Support Survey
A new workforce support group created in response to COVID19 is surveying Scotland’s education workforce, including early learning and childcare, to find out what additional training and wellbeing support is needed.  The group is one of a number of workstreams formed by the Scottish Government and is focused on looking beyond the immediate impact to consider how national and local government can best work with key partners to support schools and early learning and childcare services in moving forward.

The SSTA is represented in the group and is keen that members take part in this important survey to share their views on what additional training and wellbeing support is required.  Details of support currently available is here:

Please use this survey link to share your feedback with the group: https://bit.ly/CERGWS6Feedback

SQA arrangements for 2020-2021
SSTA has been pressing the Government and SQA to make alternative arrangements for the examination diet for 2020-2021. It would be reasonable for the SQA to make adjustments to take into account the current COVID19 crisis. An early decision and a reduction of what is expected is essential to allow teachers to prepare in advance of the reopening schools in August. Should the collection of evidence be a major factor then the SQA must ensure the focus should be quality rather than quantity.

Working Time Agreements
Working Time Agreements exist as a tool to help control workload.  They are usually negotiated at this time of year by school negotiating committees, with 190 hours of collegiate time being allocated to a range of essential activities.  This year uncertainty caused by the closure of school buildings has presented a significant challenge to negotiations (see SNCT circular).

Following strategic advice from the COVID19 Education Recovery Group, LNCTs should be offering schools advice on how collegiate time should be allocated, although the final Working Time Agreement is still a matter for school negotiating committees to conclude.  As indicated by the SNCT, any agreement reached before the summer break may require to be renegotiated after school buildings reopen.

SSTA advice up until now has been that time could be allocated like this:

40           Additional Preparation/Correction
30           Parents Meetings
40           Formal Assessments
40           Pupil Reports
25           Staff/Departmental Meetings
3             Professional Review and Development
5             Additional Supervised Pupil Activity
*             Curriculum Development
*             Continuing Professional Development

(* minimal time remaining)

However, it is likely that a blended learning model will increase the preparation/correction and curriculum development workload.  The format of parents meetings is likely to have to be rethought, and reporting may take on greater significance.  Teachers will need time to develop online pedagogical skills, and formal assessment may need more time depending on how things develop with the SQA 2021 exam diet. 

School Working Time Agreements will need to be thought through carefully to prevent workload spiralling out of control.

The SSTA recommends that:

• School improvement plans are adjusted to allow teachers to focus on core learning and teaching activities. 
• Working Time Agreements are reviewed early in August
• Workload is regularly reviewed by the school negotiating committee throughout the year
• Clear plans for parent/carer reporting are agreed and time allocated
• A schedule of staff meetings is agreed within allocated time
• Additional development time and CPD required for online teaching is estimated and allocated
• Time is allocated for SQA and other formal assessment requirements

If your school is currently without an SSTA representative, please consider offering to take on the role so that SSTA members are represented in WTA negotiations.  Contact info@ssta.org.uk for more information.

Finally

1. Please follow the Government guidelines
2. Follow the SSTA on Twitter
3. Contact info@ssta.org.uk if you require further advice
4. #StayHomeStaySafe

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister announced that all schools will reopen on 11 August and teachers would return to school towards the end of June to prepare for the new term. See details below.

• Recovery Route Map 
• Strategic Framework Reopening Schools 
• John Swinney, Deputy First Minister’s statement regarding the reopening of schools. 

These arrangements were not agreed with the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers(SNCT) and will be part of the negotiations with teacher unions in the coming days. The SNCT will be issuing guidance on the contractual implications of the decision to reopen schools. It is clear that teachers should not suffer any detriment as a consequence of a change of school holiday dates in terms of such contractual entitlements such as annual leave and pension entitlements. The SNCT guidance will cover all these issues and the details will be implemented at Local Authority level. It will also be expected that members who have outstanding commitments during expected school holidays will have those commitments honoured.

The SSTA view is that schools can only reopen and operate safely if there are significant operational changes in place to ensure effective social distancing, strong hygiene routines linked to thorough cleansing practices, appropriate PPE available where required, and ongoing risk assessments in place to monitor operations. This will mean that as schools cannot reopen as normal, a phased return will be required and priorities established around attendance, which is likely to be part time for most pupils. Therefore, the 11 August should be regarded as an aspirational date for the reopening of schools.

The existing Scottish Government guidance to ‘Stay at Home’ and work from home where possible remains in place and this will be a major factor in any arrangements for teachers returning to school towards the end of June to prepare and plan for the new way of working and welcoming pupils back. The existing SSTA advice remains in place and will be updated in the light of SNCT guidance. If you, or a member of your household, have an underlying health condition, or are a part of a vulnerable group, you must work from home. Members should only attend work if you have been assigned a specific child caring responsibility within school and given advice on procedures to be followed.

Finally

1. Please follow the Government guidelines
2. Follow the SSTA on Twitter
3. Contact info@ssta.org.uk if you require further advice
4. #StayHomeStaySafe

The SNCT Teachers’ Side wrote to John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, urging caution in plans for reopening of schools. The position of all unions is that the safety of pupils and staff is and can only be the first consideration and that schools should reopen in August .  In  his response the Deputy First Minister stated:

“Whilst the Scottish Government is clear that we don’t want restrictions to be in place any longer than they need to be, the decision on when and how to re-open schools will not be taken lightly. As you say in your letter, we believe that “stay at home” remains the right message at this time but we are continuing to assess different means of easing restrictions”.   

“Any decisions made regarding the timing of school opening will be guided by the science and schools will not re-open until the science indicates that it is safe to do so.  Decisions on this will align with the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) framework for decision making which sets out the challenges Scotland faces and outlines the approach and principles that will guide us as we make decisions about transitioning out of the current lockdown arrangements”.

See the Deputy First Minister’s letter.

Within the COVID19 Education Recovery Group (CERG) a number of workstreams have been established to develop guidelines for the reopening of schools and other educational settings.  The CERG has been advising the Deputy First Minister on actions necessary. We await a statement on Thursday from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the route map that will give an up-to-date view of the phasing of a return to school.  At this point the SSTA is unable to predict what decision will be taken and what the implications will be for members.

Following the First Minister’s statement and consideration of the accompanying detailed guidance the SSTA will be issuing advice to members.

Seamus Searson
General Secretary

Teacher Unions United on Schools Opening in August
The SNCT Teachers’ Side has written the John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, urging caution in plans for reopening of schools. The position of all unions is that the safety of pupils and staff is and can only be the first consideration.It appears to us, therefore, that there is a strong argument to maintain a cautionary approach and to reinforce such by indicating schools will reopen after the summer break. Schools should prepare for an August reopening should all safeguards be in place. See the letter to DFM

COVID-19: Members Update
The situation with COVID-19 is changing constantly but the fundamental priority is keeping people safe. It is essential that everybody adheres to the Government guidance and do not put people at risk.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) advice
HPS advice can be found at  https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/
The most recent ‘Core COVID-19 Information and Guidance for General (Non-Healthcare) Settings (version 4)’ can be downloaded here

Community Hubs, Social Distancing and PPE – LATEST GUIDANCE
Agreement has been reached with Scottish Government and COSLA for specific advice for Community Hubs and ASN settings has been published today. This guidance highlights the need for social distancing, the provision and use of PPE.  Please also find a link for a message from Jason Leitch (National Clinical Director)

SSTA Advice

1. Community Hubs must ensure a ‘risk assessment’ has taken place that includes the Scottish Governments’ advice on social distancing
2. Community Hubs must ensure the provision of necessary cleaning materials (including handwashing materials and hot water) and measures to prevent close contact before asking staff to attend
3. If you, or a member of your household, have an underlying health condition, or are a part of a vulnerable group, you must work from home
4. Community Hubs will be staffed by volunteers
5. Community Hubs need to prepare a schedule for the supervision of pupils and a rota for available staff
6. Members must not attend work if you have not been assigned a specific child caring responsibility and given advice on procedures to be followed

Teachers’ Pensions
The Teachers’ Pension scheme administered by the SPPA is a very important condition of service available for all teachers. https://pensions.gov.scot/teachers A valuable benefit in addition to providing a regular income in retirement is the provision of death in service  currently three times your final full time equivalent salary. SSTA advises all teachers to be members of the teachers’ pension scheme. Please follow the link to SSTA quick guide to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Injured at Work
SSTA Legal Services are here to help with any accident suffered in the last three years. If you would like further advice or information please see this flyer

SSTA Membership Offers

• Probationer members who are completing their induction year will continue to receive free membership until the end of December 2020.
• Incoming NQT’s - Free membership until the end of December 2021.
• All New members receive 50% off the first 12 months of subscription fees*

Anyone wishing to join the SSTA can do so via the SSTA Website www.ssta.org.uk/join.

Members who have moved school, changed post or home address can update their details with the SSTA by completing a form at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails.

Finally

1. Please follow the Government guidelines
2. Follow the SSTA on Twitter
3. Contact info@ssta.org.uk if you require further advice
4. #StayHomeStaySafe