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…

Teacher Unions United on Schools Opening in AugustThe 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…

COVID-19: Members UpdateThe 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) adviceHPS 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 hereCommunity Hubs, Social Distancing and PPEThe teacher unions have been pressing the Scottish Government and COSLA for specific advice for Community Hubs and…

The situation is constantly changing and I would like to take the opportunity to give further information and advice.More detailed SSTA advice to members can be found on the SSTA website. Social Distancing: The latest Scottish Government advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19): social distancing in education and childcare settings can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-in-education-and-childcare-settings/pages/social-distancing/SSTA Advice Schools must ensure a ‘risk assessment’ has taken place that includes the Scottish Governments’ advice on social distancingSchools must ensure the provision of necessary cleaning materials and measures to prevent close contact…

The situation is constantly changing and I would like to take the opportunity to give further information and advice. The SSTA advice to members can be found on the SSTA website. School ClosuresPlease find link to latest SNCT circular 20/75 School Closures. I would like to highlight the following: Spring Break Community Hubs will be open over Spring Break for vulnerable children and for children of key workers who cannot make their own childcare arrangements. The Community Hubs should be staffed on a volunteer basis and…

Please find below a link to the latest SNCT Circular published 26 March.SNCT 20-75 SNCT School Closures COVID-19

The SSTA reaffirms the advice to members issued on Friday 20 March. Please follow this advice and all members will be supported in your actions by the SSTA.The first consideration for members must be your own personal safety. If you, or a member of your household, have any of the symptoms then you must follow the health guidance and isolate.If you have an underlying health condition, or are a part of a vulnerable group, you must work from home.If you have…

The First Minister made a statement on Wednesday 18 March that all schools are closed as from the 17.00 on Friday 20 March. The closure of schools is on medical and scientific advice. There must be no normal lessons, including senior classes, taking place after this date as schools are closed. Arrangements for making provision for children of key workers and vulnerable children in school buildings is at an early stage. The number of pupils and the number of staff…

Thursday 19 March 2020 The situation is still changing and it will change further this afternoon following the Deputy First Minister Statement. The SSTA will be issuing advice on Friday once the implications have been considered. Please find a link to a COSLA document that was finalised on Wednesday evening. This document is focused upon ‘working at home’ and applies to all Local Authority employees. This hopefully clarifies the situation for teachers.

The SSTA is in constant contact with the Government and employers regarding guidance to members and schools during this difficult time. The situation and guidance on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is continually updating and changing. I have tried to lay out the current position and guidance to help answer most of your questions. Please follow the link to previous advice.The Government has made the decision to keep schools open where possible “We recommend all educational settings remain open unless you have been advised…