| It’s Not Workload. It’s Stress – Meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic The SSTA met with Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, and presented the SSTA Charter. ‘It’s Not Workload. It’s Stress’ set the scene for the meeting, highlighting the need to redesign the secondary teacher role and career progression to support the recruitment and retention of Scottish secondary teachers. Addressing the stress created by excessive workload and unachievable expectations would be a good starting point. The SSTA highlighted the need for additional in-service days throughout the development and implementation of the new Curriculum Improvement Cycle and the new National Qualifications Framework that will follow. The Cabinet Secretary was urged to make progress on the 90-minute reduction in class contact time for secondary teachers and to ensure that the good work developed through the Pupil Behaviour Action Plan is treated as a priority and implemented effectively in schools. A full report of the meeting will follow. |
| Reasonable Adjustments: Autism and Neurodivergence At the SSTA Congress, a motion highlighted the growing number of adults receiving a neurodiverse diagnosis and the concern that disclosing such a diagnosis could lead to discrimination in the workplace. The SSTA is seeking greater recognition and support for neurodiverse staff in Scottish education. The SSTA will pursue leaders in Scottish education, including the Scottish Government, COSLA and the SNCT, to use guidance aimed at supporting neurodiverse staff as a baseline of minimum expectations for working with all staff in schools. Understanding neurodivergent people. Neurodivergent people may experience and interact with the world differently from neurotypical individuals. Characteristics vary from person to person, but may include differences in social communication, preference for routine and repetition, focused or deep interests, sensory sensitivity and thinking styles. Neurodivergent workers, including those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia, can face barriers that affect their wellbeing and ability to work effectively. Reasonable adjustments are changes to the workplace or working practices that can enable neurodivergent staff to work safely, effectively and on an equal basis with others. For further information and SSTA guidance, visit: SSTA – Understanding Neurodiverse People |
| Equality and Human Rights Commission – Consultation The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has asked organisations to circulate its public consultation on the EHRC’s technical guidance for schools consultation The technical guidance explains schools’ legal obligations not to discriminate against, harass or victimise pupils, as set out in Chapter 1 of Part 6 of the Equality Act 2010. It suggests steps schools may wish to take to comply with their legal obligations and provides information for those involved in resolving issues arising under the Act, including parents, carers, advisers, lawyers, courts and tribunals. The guidance is not a statutory code issued under Section 14 of the Equality Act 2006, but it may be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Members can access the consultation and the specific guidance for Scotland here: EHRC – Technical Guidance for Schools Consultation: Scotland The consultation closes on 30 September. |
| Wesleyan Webinars The Wesleyan webinars have seen a high member interest but there is still time to reserve a place.Thursday 24th September @ 5.00pm Understanding Your Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme – Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association Whether retirement is just around the corner or farther in your future, taking time to plan now can help you achieve the future you envision. For further information Register here for a place at the Understanding Your Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme webinar Wednesday 30th September @ 5.00pm Teachers, Pensions and Tax Planning: Maximising Your Retirement Benefits This webinar will explore the pension and tax considerations that can arise with higher levels of income and pension growth. For further information Register here for a place at the Teachers, Pensions and Tax Planning: Maximising Your Retirement Benefits webinar |
| It’s Not Workload. It’s Stress. On Wednesday 9 September, we sent all SSTA members an email about our new campaign: It’s Not Workload. It’s Stress. Support our charter by joining our WhatsApp channel.—Today, we launch our new campaign, and it starts with what you told us.Our survey showed that tracking, monitoring, QS assignments and coursework are driving work-related stress. And the biggest thing you said would make a difference? Time. This isn’t about asking teachers to work harder or cope better with an unsustainable job. It’s about changing the job. |
| SSTA STANDING UP FOR ALL TEACHERS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION |