Message to Members  - 4 August 2020 Safety First and the Reopening of SchoolsThe 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,…

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 FAQYoung 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 guidanceSupport to childcare sectorChildminder services guidance Advisory Sub-Group on Education and Children’s Issues – advisory note on physical distancing in…

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…

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 datesRealignment of Session 2020/21Pre-Existing Holiday Arrangements or CommitmentsQuarantine ArrangementsSummer 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…

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 COVID19 Information and Guidance for General (Non-Healthcare) Settings (version 4)’ can be downloaded here Scottish Government GuidanceThe 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…

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…

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…