Executive Report: February 2010

The executive met on 25th February 2010.

The President welcomed Kevin Courtney in his new role as elected Deputy General Secretary of the union. As a result, the executive had to fill a number of officer posts left vacant by Kevin needing to leave his executive seat.

The treasurer Ian Murch introduced the financial accounts: and balance sheet for 2009. These will be discussed and proposed formally at a closed session of Annual Conference in Liverpool. All colleagues who are delegates to conference will receive these in advance.

Christine added her congratulations to Kevin, and noted that he had hit the ground running, having started well before his official start date of Monday 22nd. Kevin will also have responsibility for chairing the Campaigns committee.

Christine commented on the rising unemployment figures, and noted that she had attended the UCU lobby at the House of Commons on this issue. Many of our colleagues in the FE sector are facing sweeping job cuts,: it is unlikely that there will be a single post-16 institution that is not affected by the cuts. Christine expressed our solidarity with our sister union. UCU’s President will be attending our Annual Conference.

The TUC is now putting out a significant call for the Robin Hood Tax on financial market transactions. She welcomed this new emphasis on the need for progressive taxation. She urged all members to sign the petition to George Osborne and Alistair Darling to pledge not to make public spending cuts following the election.

Christine noted with some horror the speech by Gordon Brown in Hackney this week. Christine noted the new proposals to allow parents to “initiate change in the leadership of schools.” If there is a significant number (not defined !) of parents are dissatisfied with a school’s leadership, the authority will have to ballot parents on whether to bring in one of the “newly accredited education providers” Christine rather compared this to Heads and teachers being put in the stocks ! Gordon Brown claims that this is not a framework for “casual complaints”: that is exactly what it looks like !

The aspirations for "excellence in education" and "world class schools" is one with which we would all agree, but Christine felt that the trajectory of his announcements put those aspirations at risk.

Christine highlighted the ongoing OfSTED campaign, and encouraged Divisions to invite her, or Kevin, or John Bangs to visit schools, particularly when we have successes, for instance in challenging notices to improve. We have the horror stories- let’s start challenging OfSTED and sharing our successes.

Christine highlighted the work that we are doing on a range of issues such as Licence to Teach, misuse of APP, OfSTED etc, and reminded us that these campaigns are the backbone of the wider Workload campaigns. She told us of a school she visited where the staff and head teachers had decided that APP was not appropriate for their school and that their own systems were perfectly adequate. The school has not suffered as a result: we need to hear more of these stories where schools are challenging the assumptions that the mountain of initiatives are compulsory or necessary !

Christine commended the international work of the Union, and especially the One Goal campaign run by the Global Campaign for Education- using the World Cup to publicise the Millennium Development Goals and pressurise Western Governments into meeting their obligations !

In reporting on the Action Committee's report, Jerry Glazier congratulated NUT members at Park College, Eastbourne, where we had been in dispute to defend our members terms and conditions. After a long day of negotiation by a national deputation, an agreement has been reached in this long-running but solidly supported dispute.

As expected- the decision over the SATS campaign was the major item in the second half of the meeting, and this is reported in detail in a separate item.

EEPD: OfSTED Update and Learning Walks

John Bangs, the national Assistant Secretary for EEPD reported on the continuing evidence being provided by members about issues (horror stories !) about the new OfSTED framework. Most evidence has been confidentially submitted, although we do now have schools prepared to publicly stand up against grossly unfair inspections.

There have been assurances from HMCI, but there is some question about what control OfSTED really has over some of its inspections. A lot seems to hinge on the judgement and the personal skills of the individual Lead Inspectors: some schools have reported that the inspections have been carried out very well, and others have been totally unfair, and lead inspectors ha ve been unwilling to listen to and diiscuss issues in the school (and, in many cases been unpleasant and rude !)

John reported that, especially now there are assurances from HMCI (for instance, over whether or not Limiting Judgements are being used correctly- eg a school reported in The Times as failing on "Safeguarding" procedures, because the inspectors were offered coffee on arrival before their identity had been confirmed) Schools should feel empowered to appeal, and appeal vigorously where they feel judgements have been unfair.

John also spoke about the increase of Network Learning Walks and other forms of no-notice observation often under the guise of OfSTED preparation. It was agreed that this is against the protocols that we expect in schools, and that the union needs to consider issuing additional, robust guidance for school reps.

There is also guidance from National College of School Leadership about learning walks, and emphasised that they should not be used to make judgements on individual teacehers.

We continue to encourage members to tell us their OfSTED horror stories, and you are encouraged to visit the campaign pages on the NUT website.

EEPD: GTC Code of Conduct

The committee discussed an amendment to the Conference motion to Annual Conference to reflect the evidence that there is already widespread abuse of the GTC Code of Conduct.
The GTC has already made clear that the code is for serious cases, and not intended to be part of school or LA disciplinary procedures, and certainly not used as a basis for Competency procedures. It important that the union continues to campaign against the misuse of Code of Counduct by schools. The amendment was agreed and will proceed to Annual Conference.

Also of relevence is the Union's continuing concerns about referrals to the GTC on the issue of alleged competency.

Commenting on today's research report by the National Centre for Social Research on patterns of referral to the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) on grounds of incompetence, Christine Blower said:-

"Whilst there are heads who seek successfully to protect their staff from
unreasonable expectations from Government and its related agencies, there are
those who simply pass on the unreasonable pressure they suffer from Ofsted and
local authorities on to their staff.

"The fact is the number of teachers on capability procedures is small. It is a tribute to both teachers and school leaders that they have managed to keep their heads throughout the plethora of initiatives and unprecedented levels of pressure over the last few years.

"What the report should have looked at is why a teacher may be deemed to be
incompetent in one school, but if he or she had taught in another would have
flourished. It is not good enough, therefore, simply to look at procedures but
at why some potentially effective teachers are being driven from the
profession.

"It is very important that the GTCE consider the background to referrals as well as evidence which may be presented by employers."

O+M Committee: Young Teachers Conference 2010

All members under the age of 35 are encouraged to attend the annual Young Teachers’ Conference at Stoke Rochford from 21st-23rd May.

The conference aims to:

• Encourage young members to become active in the union and its campaigns at school, association, regional/Wales and national levels;
• Support young members who are already active in the Union;
• Encourage young teachers to get involved campaigns and lead campaigns specifically related to young teachers; and
• Address issues young teachers raise in their local areas
• There will be a range of key note speakers, topical workshops and task group sessions

Members should apply through their local association, who should agree to pay the conference fee, which will include your accommodation, food and travel.

General Election Strategy Committee

The special committee to consider strategy for the forthcoming General Election met on 24th February.

The union is party-politically independent, and always have been. We do not financially support or endorse any party or candidates. However, the union believes that it important that members weigh up the issues- particularly on education policy, and cast their vote. You can compare the latest policy pledges from the three major parties side-by-side by clicking here (Word document)

Since Annual Conference 2008, the NUT has had a dedicated political fund which members can choose whether to pay into. The fund exists solely to encourage members and the wider public not to cast their votes for racist and fascist political parties such as the BNP, which stand opposed to all the values that we hold as an inclusive education trade union.

The latest edition of The Teacher magazine was dedicated to encouraging members to cast their votes against the BNP and other fascist parties. The union will also be making materials available to local Divisions and Associations to use locally to oppose the far-right. Local Associations are reminded that they should only use materials from HQ that are provided via the political fund. The Union is also working actively with organisations such as Searchlight, Unite against Fascism and Love Music, Hate Racism.

Away from our specific campaigns against the BNP, the union is seeking to promote its education policies to all parties standing in the election. Tory Education spokesman Michael Gove and Lib Dem David Laws have already spoken to, and had discussions with the National Executive, and Schools Minister Vernon Coaker will do the same on behalf of the Labour Party shortly. All confirmed candidates for the major parties have also been contacted regarding the NUT/UCU policy pledges for education, and their responses will be published by the union during the campaign.

You can read the Union's Charter for Education and Charter for Teachers, as well as other material for the general election, including suggested questions to ask your local candidates, by clicking here.

Stop SATS: NUT and NAHT to ballot

The NUT and NAHT have voted to ballot for industrial action with a view to boycotting Key Stage 2 SATs for 2010.




We are saddened that the Government has failed to respond positively, despite both organisations having put forward clear and positive alternatives to the SATs regime this year.

This action would be to frustrate the administration of SATs – it would categorically not be strike action. Children will attend school during SATs week (beginning May 10/11th), but instead of undergoing the tests they will have a normal week.

We are determined that in 2010, these test results will not be used:-

• To construct meaningless league tables of school results;
• By inspectors to pre-judge schools based on proxy data provided by the SATs;
• To humiliate and demean the work of colleagues working in our toughest communities;
• To force teachers to spend endless hours rehearsing past papers.

We give parents an absolute guarantee that their child’s progress at the end of the primary phase will be accurately reported by schools taking part in the action. These outcomes will also be communicated to Year 7 teachers in a timely and accurate manner that does not depend on the uncertainty of waiting to receive SAT results.

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the NUT said:

“The lack of positive response from government is disappointing. We want to avoid industrial action and call upon the Government, even at this late stage, to enter into meaningful talks.”

Mick Brookes, General Secretary of the NAHT said:

“We have put forward a viable and professional alternative which would have improved the assessment process and ensured that no child leaves the primary phase with incorrect grades. The current system has resulted in thousands of children moving to the next phase of their education with misleading information about their ability. It has also led, quite unjustifiably, to schools and their communities being labelled as ‘failing’ with the consequence of damaging recruitment of Head Teachers and worsening their working environment.”

Executive Report: January 2010

The full executive met on January 21st

There was a full and detailed discussion about the progress of the SATS campaign. Because discussions are ongoing with the NAHT about the conduct of the joint campaign, it was agreed not to issue any further report of the discussions until the NAHT executive had met. I will post the details of the discussion on this site once this has happened.

I was pleased to once again be nominated by the executive for the LGBT Advisory Committee of the TUC, to which I was first elected last year.

General Secretary, Christine Blower reported to the Executive.

Christine praised the ongoing campaign against the new style OfSTED inspections, and the many members who have sent in their “horror stories”. Recent correspondence with HMCI Christine Gilbert showed some promise, particulary regarding the reining in of the “20-day window” inspections. You can add your own contributions to the NUT campaign by clicking here.

Christine also noted that the Licence to Teach postcard campaign continued to receive responses- the NUT will continue lobbying ! She reported some success stories where local divisions have seen some agreements reached with Local Authorities regarding limiting the scope and workload implications of APP- noting that there were concerns amongst many members that an end to the SATs would lead to a ratcheting up of APP pressures.

The union has donated £5,000 to the Education International campaign for relief in Haiti- with a particular focus on rebuilding the education and schools system which has been devastated by the recent earthquake. Many local associations and divisions have also contributed to either the EI campaign or the TUC fund.

Christine observed that, in the run-up to the General Election, the major parties remain silent on the issue of teachers’ pay and pensions: Christine is speaking at a UCU lobby next week. The NUT has recently given detailed evidence to the School Teachers Pay and Review Body specifically on the issue of SEN allowances and leadership posts.

It was noted that while the Conservative Shadow Secretary for Children, Schools and Families- Michael Gove MP, and the Liberal Democrat Spokesman David Laws MP have both come to address the Executive about their Parties’ plans for education after the election, we still had not received a response from the Secretary of State Ed Balls on behalf of the Labour Party. We would be happy to host his deputy- the schools minister Vernon Coaker (an NUT member !)

EEPD Committee: NUT repsonse to Sure Start Children's Centres

The committee received the response to the government's consultation on the entitlement for free education for 3 and 4 year olds. In particular, the union remains committed to protecting the need for holders of Qualified Teachers to take charge of learning for this group of children- and all of our children !

You can read the full response here !

EEPD Committee: "Opening Locked Doors"

The committee received the recently published report Opening Locked Doors which focuses on educational achievement amongst working class boys- the follow up to the earlier NUT document Born to be Great. This is a subject which the NUT has done considerable reseacrh on, in conjuntion with other organisations such as the National College for School Leadership, and was a main topic of President Bill Greenshields' address to NUT Conference 2008. The report was due to be launched at the House of Commons on 18th January, shortly after the Executive meeting, to be addressed by former deputy Labour leadership candidate, Jon Cruddas- the MP for Dagenham..

You can read the report in full by clicking here.

O+M Committee: Training

The committee received a report on the current training programme for reps, activists and members. Courses running this term include:-

• School Representatives (at Stoke Rochford Hall, also run in the South East region)
• Health and Safety Representatives
• Reps in Academies
• Teachers as Governors
• Moving into Management
• International Development: it's Union work !
• Stress and Wellbeing- a whole school approach

All NUT training courses are free to members, and the union will also pay accommodation, food and travel costs. For many of the courses (especially workplace rep courses) you are entitled to paid time off- your regional office can help if your school is reluctant to let you attend.

You can view the full range of upcoming NUT training courses by clicking here.

O+M Committee: Membership

The committee discussed the current recruitment and membership offers-including the very successful #1 membership offer for newly qualified teachers. You can view the current membership offers by clicking here.

O+M Committee: Affinities

Your NUT membership opens up a wide range of discount offers which we have been able to negotiate as Europe's largest teachers union. Current offers include Countdown, teachers software and insurance from Aviva. Other offers are currently being negotiated. You can view the range of offers available by visiting our website, by clicking here.

O+M Committee: Young Teachers at the TUC

The executive approved two ‘statements’ to be put forward by the NUT for the TUC Young Workers Conference. The conference does not debate formal policy resolutions, but does have the opportunities to debate statements of policy. The NUT will be represented by delegates who were chosen at our own Young Members conference.

The two statements are:

MONEY AND DEBT FOR YOUNG WORKERS:

Highly skilled and dedicated young workers are crucial for the future of the country. Far too many young workers are burdened with financial worries making it difficult to make ends meet on a daily basis, and undermining their careers, hopes and dreams.

The recession means large scale unemployment among those completing their education. Young people are forced into jobs in low-pay, low-skill sectors, as competition for graduate opportunities and apprenticeships becomes far greater.

The credit crunch compounds the difficulties facing young workers. Far too many cannot afford the cost of either buying or renting their own homes. Increases in transport and other costs often have a disproportionately greater impact on young workers than other workers. Graduates suffer the burden of student loans which also discourage younger students from entering higher education or studying away from home.

Protecting young workers against debt and securing acceptable living standards for them, is an essential part of an economic policy to support consumption and demand. Organising young workers is essential to help the trade union movement achieve this aim.

KEY WORKER HOUSING

Attempts by Government to make housing more affordable for key workers in the public sector are welcome, but existing measures remain a case of too little, too late.

Many key workers struggle to afford housing , whether to buy or to rent. Very few young workers are able to own their own home, either sharing rented accommodation or continuing to live with parents. Most young teachers, for example, do not think they will be able to buy a home in the foreseeable future.

Even though many already have to live some distance from their workplace, most expect o have to move further away to find an area in which they can afford to buy a home. A large number also expect to have to leave their chosen profession due to inadequate salary.
Measures must be taken to ensure that key workers are able to afford good quality housing. Increasing the supply and variety of affordable homes must be accompanied by the more fundamental solution of offering appropriate levels of pay.