Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

Category: Information for Members

  • Named Person and Child’s Plan Consultation

    The Scottish Government launched a public consultation on complaints concerning functions relating to the Named Person and Child’s Plan. The consultation is open for eight weeks until Friday 30 October 2015 on Citizen Space.

    Link to consultation and how to respond: https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/girfec/complaints

    The Named Person and Child’s Plan are part of the Getting It Right For Every Child approach and the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014.
    This consultation document outlines two options for the management of complaints relating to the functions of the Named Person and/or Child’s Plan:

    1. A parent or child will make a complaint to each organisation involved in a matter. This will mean that the complaint is investigated by the organisation or body whose performance is being complained about.
    2. A parent or child will make a complaint to the organisation providing the Named Person or to the organisation acting as the managing authority for complaints made about the Child’s Plan. The complaint, regardless of the number of organisations or issues involved, will be investigated by one point of contact for the parent and child.

    If the parent or child is not satisfied with the response to their complaint, and local processes have been exhausted, it is proposed that for both options, they can escalate it to the Scottish Public Sector Ombudsman (SPSO) as an independent arbiter.
    These proposals have been developed by the Scottish Government in close partnership with professionals in Health, Education, Social Work and SPSO.

    Any responses received after the 30 October 2015 will be considered but cannot be included in the subsequent consultation analysis report or published on the Scottish Government website.

    If you would like to return a paper copy of your consultation response you can find the consultation documents on the Scottish Government consultation page here.

  • Pay Agreement 2015

    Please find attached the Pay Agreement 2015 and the supporting documents.

    The agreement includes

    • Pay 1.5% 1 April 2015 and 1.0% 1 April 2016
    •  Supply An evaluation and review of the impact of the recommendations of the supply working group will be concluded by January 2016 with a view to addressing any ongoing issues in the delivery of supply teaching. A number of councils (more than 50%) are already paying the full supply rate from the first day. A letter will go out shortly to confirm to councils that this is permissible within the current agreement.
    • Workload A statement and principles for managing teacher workload agreed. The document will be circulated widely so that all negotiations for Working Time Agreements will take the substance into consideration.
    • Teacher numbers The Scottish Government will maintain its commitment to teacher numbers for the entirety of the period covered by the proposed pay deal with the details to be determined through discussion.

    The SSTA is committed to see this agreement developed and bring about improvements in conditions of service for all its members. Further advice to follow.

  • Teachers’ Pension Scheme (Scotland) 2015 – Pension Presentation

    A recording of the Pension Presentation given by an Independent Financial Advisor at the recent meetings with members is now available for members to view. You must be logged into the website to view the video.

    • To login to the website you can use your eight digit membership number or your email address as the Username.
    • If you do not know your password, you can reset it by clicking on the ‘Lost Password’ link and entering your email address. An email will be sent to you with a link to reset the password.
    • If your email address is not recognised by the website, please email info@ssta.org.uk with a note of your email address and we will have the record updated.

    You can view the video at this page – Pension Presentation Recording

  • Early Retirement Buy Out Reduction (ERBBO)

    Please see the statement received from the SPPA

    On 16 March SPPA wrote out to all scheme members who had either no protection or tapered protection setting out the changes being introduced from 1 April 2015. Enclosed with each letter was a leaflet which included details of the Early Retirement Buy Out Reduction and that there is a time limit of 6 months to request this option.

    The 20 day turnaround time is a target set by SPPA and is not set out in the regulations nor any scheme literature. Any application received up to and including the period of 6 months from the date of joining the scheme will be accepted.  In addition, where an enquiry is made within 6 months of joining the scheme which results in a quote being issued by SPPA outside the 6 month time limit,  then any subsequent election made within a reasonable time of that quote being issued can be accepted. The scheme regulations provide for an extension of time limits and elections received after the 6 month time limit in these circumstances will be considered under that discretion.

  • Meet the General Secretary – Pension Scheme

    Seamus Searson the General Secretary would like to meet with SSTA members to discuss the issues that face secondary teachers and how we protect and improve conditions for members. The General Secretary will also give an update on Pay, Workload and the New Qualifications. A list of dates and venues are below.

    At this meeting there will be an important update on the new Scottish Teachers 2015 Pension Scheme and how it could impact on your future plans.

    The Scottish Teachers’ 2015 Pension Scheme
    Following the launch of the new Scottish Teachers’ 2015 Pension scheme, on 1 April 2015, we have seen an increase in the number of people seeking guidance. The main focus has been on how the scheme will operate and what actions can be taken to help secure retirement at a reasonable age.

    The new scheme has members that have ‘no protection’, ‘tapered protection’ and ‘protected status’ all dependent upon the teachers’ age on the 1 April 2015. In addition, there are various schemes to top-up your pension. However, there is a new arrangement called Early Retirement Reduction Buy Out (ERRBO). This option lets you pay extra contributions to reduce or remove the early retirement reduction if you retire before normal pension age. The ERRBO option is only available for 6 months after joining the new scheme. The clock started ticking for some members on the 1 April 2015. Do attend the ‘Meet the General Secretary’ meetings to get more information.

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    If you are able to attend please express your interest by contacting the SSTA head office on 0131 313 7300 or email us at info@ssta.org.uk

    ERRBO

    On 16 March SPPA wrote out to all scheme members who had either no protection or tapered protection setting out the changes being introduced from 1 April 2015. Enclosed with each letter was a leaflet which included details of the Early Retirement Buy Out Reduction and that there is a time limit of 6 months to request this option.

    The 20 day turnaround time is a target set by SPPA and is not set out in the regulations nor any scheme literature. Any application received up to and including the period of 6 months from the date of joining the scheme will be accepted.  In addition, where an enquiry is made within 6 months of joining the scheme which results in a quote being issued by SPPA outside the 6 month time limit,  then any subsequent election made within a reasonable time of that quote being issued can be accepted. The scheme regulations provide for an extension of time limits and elections received after the 6 month time limit in these circumstances will be considered under that discretion.

  • General Secretary Report – September 2015

    Health and Safety Reps

    • A well-attended training event took place in June. Topics included asbestos, safety on social media, pupil risk assessment, stress and violence.

    School Representatives Training

    • A well-attended training event took place in August. Topics included WTA, managing workload, stress and absence management.

    Pension Briefings

    • An update of the 2015 pension changes and their implications have been arranged in Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh, Troon, Dundee and Fife . Other venues to be added see ssta.org.uk
    • The new scheme allows teachers to make arrangements to reduce the age of retirement to 65 or by a maximum of 3 years. However, it needs to begin within 6 months of entering the scheme. Teachers born after 1 October 1965 need to make the decision by 1 October 2015. Those born between 1 April 1962 and 30 September 1965 have a sliding deadline view here

    First Minister and Cabinet Secretary

    • ‘Closing the Gap’ – increased funding for Early Years, the introduction of standardised tests, student support through EMAs, and the introduction of Attainment Advisors in all local authorities. view here
    • SSTA seeks additional resources for Secondary Schools, which includes increasing the number and training of Guidance and ASN Teachers.
    • SSTA emphasised the need for collaboration of schools and support services to work together and support all pupils to reach their full potential
    • SSTA to propose a range of measures for secondary schools to meet the challenge

    Education Scotland

    • SSTA returned to the CfE Management Board. Next meeting in September.
    • Review of the Inspection Process for implementation in the autumn 2017. New arrangements to be trialled from September 2015.
    • How Good is Our School (HIGIOS)? To be relaunched 23 September. SSTA met with officials in June as part of the review

    ‘Named Person’

    • SSTA issued a Fact Sheet to advise members of the potential changes
    • Government working with the SSTA in developing the guidance view here

    SQA – New Qualifications

    • Acknowledgement of the commitment of SSTA members in the delivery and improvements in qualifications in August 2015.
    • The SSTA met with the SQA in June and raised issues identified in the SSTA survey including bureaucracy, verification processes, information on website and training. Next meeting in September
    • A major concern is the value and excesses of the internal assessment regime
    • A survey of members to be undertaken in February 2016

    General Teaching Council Scotland

    • The GTCS has been asked to make provisions for Further Education Lecturers and has celebrated its 50th year in June
    • SSTA has met with GTCS on the process/stages of the complaints procedure

    Professional Update

    • The guidance materials for Senior Managers has been issued by the Senior Mangers Advisory Panel was well received View here
    • PU focus group meeting to discuss personal CPD entitlement and the reduction of the administrative procedures (still a major concern)

    Scottish Parent Teachers Council

    • The SPTC is piloting a programme to increase parental involvement in secondary schools

    Scottish Trades Union Congress

    • Campaign launched to oppose the changes in trade union laws in Scotland

    Supply Teachers

    • SSTA to campaign to restore pay levels and the introduction of a National Register for supply teacher view here

    Working Time Agreements

    • Salaries Conditions of Service Committee issued updated guidance on Working Time Agreements
    • SSTA to advise members to adhere to the WTA in resisting the increasing demands being placed upon them

    Absence Management

    • Guidance has been issued to members on the process
    • Increasing examples received of schools using the procedure to ‘bully’ teachers. guidance has been issued to members on the process
    • SSTA advocating a review in LAs to produce a fair and supportive procedure

    Workload

    The Curriculum for Excellence Working Group on Tackling Bureaucracy Follow-up Report published in March 2015

    • Assessment should be based on professional judgement. Tracking pupil progress and moderation is important; however there is no need for large folios of evidence to support it.
    • Forward Planning should be proportionate; there is NO need to plan, assess, record or report every experience and outcome. Planning should support professional dialogue rather than to fulfil an audit function
    • Monitoring and Reporting –ICT planning and reporting systems should be used with CAUTION. Just because such systems can support very detailed planning and reporting, does not mean they should be used in that way.
    • Self-Evaluation and Planning – over-reliance on audit “tick box” distracts from quality teaching and learning.
    • SSTA guidance to be issued to members.

    Salaries

    • The Managements offer of 1.5% for 2015 and a further 1% in 2016 is likely to be agreed but union side is seeking a restoration of supply teacher pay rates and guarantees on teacher numbers. View here
    • Increasing concern over the movement away from Principal Teacher system to a Faculty structure and protecting subject specialism,
    • SSTA is to develop a new career structure to encourage more teachers to remain in the classroom.

    Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) 29-30 June

    • OECD Working Group on Education, Training and Employment Policy
    • Innovative Teaching for Effective Learning: Progress Report on OECD activity (final international report Dec 2016)
    • The OECD Skills Outlook 2015 http://skills.oecd.org/skillsoutlook.htm
    • Skills and Wage Inequality oecd.org/els/social www.oecd.org/els/newsletter
    • TALIS 2013 Impact upon education policies and future developments. Views of teachers next survey 2018 oecd.org/talis
    • Education Marketers: Corporate involvement in Education (e.g. Pearson)
    • PISA for Development An initiative to enhance PISA. Concern raised about the focus upon assessment (testing) as a way of developing an education system.
    • OECD Review of Policies to Improve the Effectiveness of Resource Use in Schools

    British Irish Group of Teacher Unions (BIGTU) 8 June

    • Teacher Workload a common issue across the BIGTU region. Agreement   reached to compile information on terms and conditions for teachers in each education sector in each jurisdiction. SSTA agreed to undertake a survey and collate the information.
    • Internal Assessment TUI/ASTI dispute following a government decision to replace external examination with internal assessment at Junior Certificate (15 to 16 year olds). Following industrial action an agreement has been reached with the Irish Government. See tui.ie/
    • Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)
    • Resolution at World Congress EI (UCU/IFUT) opposition for education to be included in international trade agreements. ‘Stop TTIP and other similar Trade and investment Agreements (1.13)
    • England – new government. Education Bill – no opposition to conversion and sponsorship of schools (underperforming and ‘coasting’ schools) out of LA control into Academies.
    • Northern Ireland – The refusal to implement welfare reforms and set a budget is putting the NI Assembly at risk. The uncertainty is impacting upon on schools and staff and anticipating further cuts in education
    • Republic of Ireland – Health and child-care will big issues in the forth-coming election. Education needs to raise its profile in the coming months. Public sector looking at pay increases in 2016 and 2017. This follows a 5 year period of serious cuts in pay and increased pension contributions.

     

     

  • Pay Settlement

    The SSTA, Scotland’s only specialist union for secondary teachers, has reluctantly agreed to accept a two year pay settlement. Two increases are proposed: 1.5% for the 12 months to 31 March 2016 (backdated) and a further 1% to 31 March 2017. The proposed settlement still needs to be agreed by all three sides of the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers.

    Some details of the proposed settlement were welcomed:

    • The government has expressed a commitment to protecting teacher numbers for the duration of the agreement.
    • A letter will go out to councils confirming that they can choose to pay supply teachers at the full daily rate from the first day.
    • The SNCT will publish a written commitment to managing workload.

    General Secretary Seamus Searson said, “Teachers have been getting Curriculum for Excellence into classrooms over the last 8 years. Throughout this time they have seen the real value of their salaries reduced. Teachers have toiled to introduce a new range of experiences and outcomes in S1 to S3. For the last 3 years they have been putting a huge amount of their own time into new S4 to S6 qualifications. There is more assessment than ever. Attainment levels are rising. Record numbers of youngsters passed their Higher exams this year. It is disappointing that the value of teachers is not properly recognised.”

    Further Information from:

    Seamus Searson
    General Secretary
    0131 313 7300

  • Named Person Legislation

    The SSTA welcomes the refusal of the challenge to legislation to a named person for every child in Scotland.

    The SSTA agrees with the statement made by Lord Carloway “Essentially all that the legislation does, and is intended to do, is to provide for every child and his or her family a suitably qualified professional who can, if necessary, act as a single point of contact between the child and any public service from which the child could benefit.”

    Seamus Searson General Secretary said “we do see the value of the Named Person legislation. The legislation does not undermine the role of the parent but help to support the parent. The SSTA continues to support the Government and looks forward to continue working with children and young people and their family’s to enable them to acquire an individualised support package that will meet their needs.

    “The SSTA commends the aim of the ‘Named Person’ in supporting the young person and enhancing their health and wellbeing and educational outcomes. The SSTA welcomes this decision and acknowledging that we (the Scottish Government and partners) must now move forward with implementing the legislation. However, we must ensure that teachers are properly trained and given sufficient time to undertake this extremely important role.

    Further information from

    Seamus Searson
    General Secretary

    0131 313 7300

    3 September 2015

  • Post-Congress 2015 Newsletter

    The Post-Congress 2015 newsletter is now available for members to download.

    Congress 2015 Newsletter
    Congress 2015 Newsletter

    Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open the newsletter. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader it can be downloaded from http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/.

  • Professional Update Survey

    The SSTA wishes to gauge members’ opinions on the implementation of the Professional Update Process. Emails are being sent out to members today with links to the survey. Members who have not received an email should contact the SSTA office with details of their email address.

    The information we collect will provide a snapshot of how the process is being implemented and will be helpful in our discussions with the GTCS and local authorities.

     

    The link in the email is uniquely tied to this survey and your email address and should only be used by you .If you are having difficulties getting the link to work you should try the following:

    • copying and pasting the full link into the address bar at the top of your internet browser.
    • if the link appears over 2 lines copy the link into a document and edit the link to appear on one line. Copy and paste this into the address bar at the top of your internet browser.
    • some local authority IT policies block access to the SurveyMonkey website. You can try accessing the survey outside of school.