The process of changing
one county and seven boroughs into two unitary authorities continues at a snail’s
pace. It is likely that the infrastructure will not be in place by April 1st
and many of the people who worked for the county or for the boroughs will not
know their eventual settled destination by April Fool’s Day.
Some of these people
will not have a guaranteed job because the only way to make substantial savings
is be employing fewer people. In schools there will be NO change. Each
school has its funding guarantee and there should be no redundancies because
of the change. However, there may be a few redundancies because of the continued
application of TLC.
Health
and Safety.
Cheshire has been commended for its action over its remedial action on legionella.
We asked questions about the level of asbestos in our schools and each school
should have a report which details the areas where there is asbestos and the
H&S rep at the school has the right to see this report.
The NUT, NASUWT and Unison have produced a home grown dvd about H&S in various
workplaces. If it comes into your school enjoy!
OCTOBER 2008
Ellesmere
Port Academies
Things took a new turn just
before the end of term and the sponsors of the new academies have been taking
time to respond to them. The latest news, in an e-mail from the TLC team in
July said:
"Given the letter received from the Whitby High School on 10 July, we are
currently exploring options with DCSF on how to take the Academy project forward
with COHS and EPSSPA. We understand the concerns of teachers, parents and staff,
particularly as this has happened prior to the summer break. We will be seeking
to continue the dialogue with the schools from early September and will be arranging
meetings with both schools and staff to facilitate this. These meetings will
include discussions surrounding all aspects of the Academy proposals, including
admissions arrangements for 2009 entry. These meetings will take place prior
to the start of any public consultation process. Issued From : Cheshire County
Council and PKF Date : Monday 21 July 2008. "
Make of it what you
will. It appears that a re-think is taking place. What is certain is yet more
uncertainty for the staff and pupils at the schools involved.
Does this mean the
end of the academies? Watch this space!
Cheshire
Countdown.
April 1st 2009. A fitting date for the split. How it will affect you is not
yet fully known but if you are in a school then there should be a seamless transfer
from CCC to East or West. The only difference you may notice is a new name on
your payslip!
Cheshire
TLC
This marches on to its conclusions. However, the split will mean that some decisions
taken by CCC may not be followed through by the successor councils.