Notes for Meeting: November 29th 2001

Previous Meeting (November 1st)

Registration: Please sign the attendance register and record any apologies for absence. The meeting will be begin at 19:00, giving a period of reading and informal discussion. Motions arising from anything on this agenda should be sent to the Secretary to arrive before the Executive Committee meeting.

Part 1: Information and Reports.

Apologies already recorded: For EC / Both: -.For Council: -.

Section A: National with National Executive Report: GLENYS SHEPHERD

1. EXECUTIVE NEWS - NO.84
2. NUT News 26 (Teachers' workload, proposals to end excessive hours).
3. **** GTC Fee: Letter from GS with advice to complete the GTC registration up-date form and to agree to pay, but only if the fee is re-imbursed via salary increase. Members have received a slip to complete and return to GTC.
4. NUT Website Update Alerts: 1/11/2001More teachers leaving profession, Conference on Lesbian , Gay, Bisexual and Transgender equality in education, Combating homophobic bullying in schools, Classroom assistants are no substitute for teacher, PriceWaterhousecoopers' report on teacher workload; Cutting teachers' workload - the NUT's demands; Classroom assistants are no substitute for teachers .

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   And items of correspondence from HQ. Copies available by e-mail on request from the Secretary.

5. Professionalism and Trust: the future of teachers and teaching. A speech by Estelle Morris, 12 November 2001.
6. 167/01(H&S) - SAFETY ON SCHOOL VISITS
7. 170/01(M&C) - MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT : A MODULE FOR LOCAL TRAINING
8. *** 172/01 (CCU) - . Full report on TEACHERS' WORKLOAD: PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS' FINAL REPORTNational Website
9. 171/01(M&C) - MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT OF TEACHERS TRAINING ON SCHOOL BASED ROUTES
10. $ 173/01 (CCU) - "PUBLIC WORKS" - TUC RALLY AND LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT: TUESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2001: Secretary has circulated Local Associations responsible for each constituency.
11. $ 174/01(E/EO) - BRIEFING ON PRIVATISATION : Thursday 24 JANUARY 2002. Secretary may have some difficulty in attending on a Thursday (teaching commitments).
12. 175/01(E/EO) - NUT REPRESENTATIVES ON THE AQA EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE: 1 APRIL 2002 - MARCH 2005 (ASSESSMENT AND QUALIFICATIONS ALLIANCE)
13. 176/01(CoS) - VOLUNTARY AIDED SCHOOLS: TEACHERS' CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
14. $ 177/01(CCU) - ' PUBLIC WORKS ' - TUC RALLY AND LOBBY OF WESTMINSTER
15. 178/01(E/EO) - NUT PRIDE IN EDUCATION CONFERENCE : SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER 2001
16. 179/01(CCU) - TEACHER WORKLOAD STUDY
17. $ 180/01(CCU) - DECEMBER 4TH NUT PRE-LOBBY BRIEFING
18. INDEX OF CIRCULARS - NOVEMBER 01
19. *** 181/01(O&A) - Results of ELECTION OF NATIONAL OFFICERS: 2002-2004

    Senior Vice-President	Lesley Auger
    Junior Vice-President	Mary Compton
    Treasurer	Maureen Skevington
    Examiners of Accounts -	Alyson Palmer , Tom Denholm

20. $ Professional Unity 2000: Unity Special. Request for affiliation or other financial support.
21. TUC: A better way to work. TUC resource pack to help young people prepare for the world of work.
22. From CASE: Parents and Schools No. 117, November 2001: Inclusion should be a vital priority. (Also public service ethos, exclusions study, CASE response to White Paper, state boarding schools, against league tables, inclusion and exclusion initiatives. Also CASE Annual Report.
23. $ Not for Sale: Education is for People no Profit. Conference organised by the Promoting Comprehensive Education network (PCEN) Saturday 8th Dec, University of London, Malet Street, WC1. 10.30-3.45. Secretary hopes to attend, supported by Bury St Edmunds Association. (Topics include PFI, Advertising in schools, Private running of LEAs and schools. Same topic as January Div Secs' briefing and Lowestoft public meeting.)

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    Section B: Regional
24. Elspeth Jones was elected as regional delegate to the TUC Women’s Conference.
25. Sam Makinde of Stevenage was nominated for Regoinal delegate to the Black Workers' Conference.
26. $ Regional Meeting of Div Secs & Exec Members 21/11/01. Requesting action on equal opportunities for Transgendered Teachers (information forwarded to Kathy More, Equal Oportunities, availability of Burgunday Book at school level, and Casework Training: next session to be in Newmarket area. Do we have anyone who could benefit from the training and help out with casework in the Division? It was also agreed that Regional Office would circulate a copy of all Regional Advisory Committee reports to each Division. Amanda Warren's (Primary) report had been tabled by ABD direct to Regional Office.

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    Section C:Division / County: Division Secretary, Martin Goold, to report, including items from the preceding Executive Committee meeting.
27. $ Autumn Briefing 2002 sent to Reps just before previous Division Council. Now hopefully circulated to all membters. Secretary will assist in cases of difficulty.
28. $ *** SCC Discussion Paper: Services to Children, Young People and Families in Suffolk. Discussion document, response required by 30th November! Proposal is:

    To set up multi-agency teams to improve delivery of services to children, etc.
    Core team members:	Staff from school
    	Social Worker
    	School Nurse
    	Educational Psychologists
    	Advisory Teacher (Learning Suppport)
    	Connexions Personal Advisser (Secondary)
    	Early Years and Childcare Representative
    	Health Visitor
    Who will deliver "core objectives" by	contributing to training
    	curriculum development
    	monitoring the outcomes for children
    	support for school staff's work with families, and
    	the provision of information

29. $ Malicious damage to members' cars: Discussions continued on 5th November. Simon Davis (Insurance and Risk Manager for SCC) was present. He confirmed that the County Council did indeed make ex gratia payments but said that this did not normally include cars parked in SCC car parks. Both he and AA agreed that there could be a special case for teachers, when malicious damage was down to pupils. The previous advice from the LEA that "we never make ex gratia payments" was threrefore false. Of course, Simon Davis had never seen the Burgundy Book, so the Union provided him with the relevant wording! Now awaiting some announcement to schools.
30. $ Up-dating the Grievance, Capability, Disciplinary and Harassment Procedures. November 5th. We had submitted our comments and proposed amendments in August (or in October 2000 for the harassment procedures). No work had been done on the first three procedures and we proceeded to go through, paragraph by paragraph. Secretary suggested that some work was done on our responses by the LEA and they could bring back a new set of proposals. LEA had produced some "Guidance" for their own officers (Sept 2001) on handling harassment complaints. Secretary has sent in observations on that guidance, which still not address the issues of delays in responding to claims of harassment and has not removed uncertainty over an appeals process.
31. *** PRUs: There being no negative responses to the proposal for a collective grievance claiming SEN payments for all teachers in PRUs, secretary contacted County Secretaries of the NASUWT, ATL and PAT to seek cooperation on a joint submission. All have so far agreed to pursue a joint approach on the basis of the NUT's proposal.
32. *** The LEA has circulated its usual letter to schools (LMS DOcument 54/01 12th November) inviting applications from Governing Bodies to nominate those who wish to retire early on the grounds of efficiency w.e.f. August 31st 2002. The deadline for applications is December 17th. 2001.
33. *** Advisory Teachers: Lin Homer acknowledged our complaint by return of post (how refreshing!). The response from the LEA was to complain to Regional Office about the Division Secretary's actions. The LEA has now withdrawn its proposal to pay Advisory Teachers on Soulbury and have made an improved offer: the Advanced Skills Teacher scale once again, but much improved (points 8 to 12, currently £31434 – £33597). A meeting of NUT Advisory Teacher members on 27th November accepted the offer, following an undertaking that the new rate would be paid in December pay slips without prejudice to further discussion on the date of back-dating. LEA offer would make the offer payable from September 2001: our claim is for the assimilation arrangements for September 2000. The grievance lodged on September 13th has now been withdrawn.
34. $ Schoolsafe: The pilot has started but there is some confusion over how many days training will be offered to all teachers, eventually.
35. Secretary met the Western Area Educational Psychologists team on 28th Nov. to discuss the SEN Audit and allied topics. Noted change of role as audit approach comes in, from providers of statements, to providers of support strategies and advice. Connections with item 28 above.
36. Pupil Behaviour: incidents and concerns reported.
37. *** Secretary has written to John Bangs reporting Derek Merrill's information that Suffolk's EMTAG grant for 2002-2003 is the same as this years, in fact a substantial cut. This is despite a Government promise to increase EMTAG monies by 15% over 3 years. Samidha Garg replied: HQ shares our concern and are seeking to make representations with Government. Secretary has also contacted LEA for discussions on funding, provision, staffing and a review of method of devolution of EM(T)AG monies.
38. $ Secretary has written to LEA requesting urgent consultation on EMTAG funding and activity for 2002-2003, re:

    - maintenance of current levels of funding, provision and staffing; - review of method of devolution of EMTAG grant; - ensuring adequate central reserve (the principle of retention of 15% / £150,000 to provide central services); - consideration of the LEA’s draft response to DfES consultation on the formula for funding allocation to LEAs; - steps taken by the LEA to provide guidance to schools on integrating EMTA strategies within development planning, and - advising on, and monitoring of, the use of EMTAG monies at school level (as it is specifically earmarked funding and cannot be vired).

39. *** Teacher Representative Elections. LEA's nomination materials sent to Gary Gascoyne. Andrew and Judith contacted. There will be a contest in Secondary and Primary. No nomination made for Special. Secretary will explain. Andy and Gary to be asked to provide electoral address for circulation.
40. We had 289 NQTs 'registered' from Sept 2001. This probably equates to about 250 FTE. The larger figure includes part-timers who complete their induction over 2 years if they are 0.5 and similar proportions for other pro rata part-timer contracts. There are 50 GRTPs (Graduate and Registered Teacher Programme) mostly GTPs (Graduate Teacher Programme). There are also 40 OTTs (Overseas Trained Teachers) - the new (as in April 2002) Open University flexible PGCE may be just what many of these are looking for to gain QTS whilst they are in this country.
41. *** Teacher Representatives' Report:

    REPORT FROM THE PRIMARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES

    Teacher Recruitment: The Panel noted that a complete survey of all schools was undertaken at the end of September. This indicated that there were 20 vacant posts (i.e. those covered on a supply basis only) and 97 post where a temporary appointment had been made because there were no suitable candidates for a permanent appointment. Together these represent about 1.8% of the teaching force in schools. Early Years Development and Childcare: Sue Thomas and Viki Muller gave an oral presentation on the Suffolk strategy and planning for 2002/03.

    Schools Achieving Success - The Education White Paper: Members discussed at length aspects of the White Paper of particular significance for education in Suffolk and for the County Council’s role as LEA. Members were concerned about the impact on the smaller high schools in rural areas of the Governments promotion of specialist schools. Mr. Thornton was keen to promote the inclusive specialism of these schools in Suffolk. The issue of faith schools promoted considerable discussion with Members supporting the view that schools should work to embrace integration, multiculturalism, diversity and tolerance. We both made a number of contributions in order to give a teachers perspective of some of the Government’s proposals. The purpose of the discussion was to inform the Suffolk response to both the LGA and the DfES.

    Roll forward of the Education Development Plan: The Authority is in the last year of its first EDP and there is a need to consider how to take forward the process of consulting on and building the next EDP. Members approved a proposal to hold a seminar of stakeholders early in November.

    Gifted and talented learners in Suffolk schools: Members agreed to convene a Policy Development Panel on provision for Gifted and Talented learners. This will explore the issues associated with this including whole school approaches to identification, learner strategies, differentiation, support for teachers, acceleration and early transfer, and guidance for parents.

    If you would like any further information on any of the issues raised in this meeting, please do not hesitate to contact either of us. Alan Draper (Middle School Teacher Rep) at Pakefield Middle School (01502 565986) or Andrew Guite (Primary School Teacher Rep) at Gorseland Primary School (01473 623790).

42. SCC Papers received

43. E01/132	2001/02 Budget Monitoring to 30 Sept
    E01/134	Scheme for resource management
    E01/135	Human Resource Performance Plan Mid Year review
    E01/136	Diversity & Inclusion Policy and Action Plan
    E01/139	Forward Plan for the Executive Committee

44. Secretary has "live" casework at: Advisory Service, Beacon Hill, Beccles MS, Castle Manor US, Clare MS, Claydon P, County Music S, Educational Psychologists, Exning P, Grove P (Lowestoft), Halesworth MS, Heathside, Holywells HS, Sir J Leman High, Kirkley MS, Mendlesham, Sebert Wood, Somerleyton, Somersham, Snape,Soulbury Staff, St Benet's, Stowupland High School, Thurston CC.
45. $ 166.5 facilities days used by 14th November.
46. Secretary has taken contributed to Governor Training on personnel issues at SSPDC (14/11/01) and Worlingham MS 20(/11/1)
47. Press interest in League Tables, new supply teacher "agency", teacher supply, Education Bill.
48. Secretary has sent the "get well" card (signed at previous meeting) and flowers to Tricia Andrews..
49. *** Courses and Conferences: Jenny Leeke attended the Post-16 Seminar on 6th November. Report available at meeting.
50. Student Recruitment: Information sought from training school.
51. *** Health & Safety. Secretary has informed HQ of change of H&S Adviser to John Osborne who reports he is still awaiting 'minutes' of the last meeting with DJET to circulate. The LEA intends to make various members of the Education team responsible for aspects of H&S, asking them to take positive action to include it as an item in meetings etc. In addition he will include it as a regular item when he meets with the CDO. We are pressing for a list of names and responsibilities. The new incident report forms will be in place, along with the necessary publicity and encouragement from Heads to complete them, by the end of this year. John is suggesting a straw poll of schools to see what was actually happening on the ground floor early next year. Also received, a copy of the HSE document outlining changes to advice on H&S inspections in schools. In essence it shows that if schools are not carrying our their H&S responsibilities properly, the LEA can withdraw funds from the school to use to conduct its own inspections and carry out remedial work.

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    Section D: Local Associations
52. Lowestoft: Secretary spoke at a Waveney TUC public meeting on privatisation of public services on Friday 9th November, Lowestoft Library at which Bob Blizzard, MP was the main speaker. Bob responded to the Div Secs' contributions re. further privatisation in Education heralded in the White Paper by saying that there was no proposal from Government for "wholesale" privatisation of LEAs or LEA services. Secretary intends to take up issues in correspondence with Bob Blizzard.
53. $ The Secretary has received a letter from Ipswich Association Secretary (Membership) objecting to receiving a circular message from the Division, asking for NQT statistics on behalf of the Regional Office.
54. $ SE Suffolk: Letter received from Michael Sharman concerning Division's decision to ask Local Associations to fund a divisional delegate to the Black Teachers' Conference for a second year running. EC to consider response.
55. Waveney & Yoxford: Secretary attended the NQT + Reps' meeting at The Swan Hotel, Halesworth, on 7th November. No NQTs but a very lively discussion with Reps and other members which went on past 10:30pm. Advance copies of the Autumn Briefing circulated..
56. Parliamentary Lobby: Secretary reminded Associations that the Division leaves lobbying of the County's 7 MPs to Local Associations to organise. Bury St Edmunds Association has 2 consituencies within its boundaries with no other Association likely to be able to assist. EC might wish to reconsider our approach to lobbies. Secretary has informed the LEA of our intention to use the facilities fund for supply cover for the lobby. Ahmed Khiat attending for Ipswich.

Part 2: Decision Making

Agenda Item 4: Arising from National Matters Confirmation / Amendment of EC recommendations from EC meeting:

4a) Discussion on GTC fee and NUT advice

4b) Action on Privatisation briefing and conference

Agenda Item 5: Regional and Local Matters

5a) Review of Standing Orders - for AGM 2002.

5b) Appointment of Division representation for Conference 2002 (Bournemouth)

5c) Action on SCC Discussion Document: Services to children, etc.

Note for information: Expenditure on affiliations, financial support, etc. Accumulative Summary for information only

Date of next meeting: January 24th 2002 Stowmarket or Ipswich

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