It’s been an interesting
time settling into the job and beginning to visit colleagues in the
work place. Thank you to all those whom I have seen for the warm welcome
that you have extended to me. The grassroots feedback that I have received
on these visits has proved very useful in elucidating areas of the workforce
remodelling that still require attention.
Additionally,
starting in January the LA will be rolling out its training programmes
for senior and, then, middle managers to meet the implementation of
the new Performance Management Schedule that comes into effect in September
2007. ATL will be monitoring the roll out and will be providing advice
and consultation as the need arises both to the LA and to members. It
is vital that every member is aware of the changes that come into effect
and the provisions that must be made available to assist all participating
staff in meeting agreed objectives.
During the Autumn
term several issues have come to the fore.
Head
teachers or their delegated assistants have not always been returning
the H&S forms that fill out in school in cases of injury or assault
(including verbal) to the LA and have been claiming that the matter
has been dealt with at school level! The LA has reminded all Head teachers
of their duty to comply with this instruction. You will always receive
a written acknowledgement from the LA when they receive the H&S
forms. Please inform me immediately if this does not happen. These forms
should be readily available from the Head teacher/delegated person.
Please ensure you complete them as soon as possible after the incident.
This is essential should you have any potential claim or should any
counter claim be made.
Teacher’s
PPA time is sacrosanct!PPA time
is guaranteed by statute. Members must know on a fixed timetabled basis
when their PPA time is to take place. Any movement of this time must
be an exceptional event. PPA time and good practice seems to be well
bedded down in the secondary sector. Sadly, this is not the case in
the primary sector. Teachers are not required to plan, set or mark work
that is done whilst they undertake PPA! Please report any such instances
to me immediately as the Head teachers concerned are breaking mandatory
provisions of the Statutory Teachers Pay and Conditions.
Every
teacher (full or part time) should have received their Salary Assessment
Statement by now. This statement is important as it gives you a clear
breakdown of your position on the salary scale as well as TLR description
and any safeguarded sums and their expiry date. If you have not received
this documentation by now please contact me.
A
big plea on what for most is a very sensitive and personal issue. Don’t
suffer in silence! If you suspect that you are being subjected to bullying
or harassment by any one in your work place please contact me immediately.
It doesn’t matter how many years you have been teaching. Bullies
have their own agenda and often target the more expensive members of
staff, I wonder why? Again ATL will help but it’s up to you to
make the first move.
Finally,
I am still awaiting some email contact addresses from school reps. Please
mail me this information as soon as possible. Thanks.