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FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2009, TEACHERS WILL BE ABLE TO RELY ON A CONTRACTUAL RIGHT TO PROVIDE COVER “ONLY RARELY” WHICH HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IN ORDER TO HELP TO REDUCE TEACHERS’ WORKLOAD

HEAD TEACHERS WILL BE CONSULTING TEACHERS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF COVER POLICIES TO ENSURE TEACHERS ARE ASKED TO COVER FOR COLLEAGUES ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.   

THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS PARTNERS HAVE ISSUED ADVICE TO HEADTEACHERS ON ESTABLISHING NEW POLICIES.  REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE VIGILANT THAT THE ADVICE IS NOT USED TO EXCUSE REDUCTIONS IN TEACHER ENTITLEMENTS.

YOU CAN HELP TO DEVELOP A FAIR POLICY THAT:

• provides that no teacher’s non-contact time will be cut;
• allows for pupils to be taught by a qualified teacher by engagement of supply or cover teachers;
• maintains current leave of absence provisions;
• does not expect support staff to work beyond their proper role;
• does not propose re-timetabling which would undermine the ‘rarely cover’ provisions.

THE NUT IS DETERMINED TO PROTECT TEACHERS’ RIGHTS TO ENSURE NO TEACHER IS DISADVANTAGED BY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WAMG GUIDANCE.

School Representatives should:

• inform the head teacher that they wish to engage in the process of establishing a school cover policy in order that teachers’ workload is reduced;
   
• call a school meeting to discuss the head teacher’s plans and members’ responses;
   
• check contractual entitlements to leave of absence (available from your Division Secretary) to ensure proposals do not undermine existing rights
   
• request a preliminary meeting with the head teacher to highlight the principles of a fair cover policy.

Keep your Division Secretary informed of progress and, in particular, any attempts to impose unacceptable arrangements, in order that further support can be provided.

Christine Blower (biography attached) has been elected as the new General Secretary of The National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union.

At the close of nominations on 1st of May 2009 Christine Blower was the only valid nominee for the position and accordingly is deemed to be elected with immediate effect unopposed.

Christine Blower said: “I am very proud to have received the support by way of nomination from so many members through their Associations.

“It's a genuine privilege to work on behalf of teachers in Europe's largest teachers' union. There is much to do on all the campaigns we have set out for the Union.

“I will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for members, children and the education service”