Executive Report
December 2005.
Education & Equal Opportunities.
White Paper – Union Response.
The NUT’s opposition to many of the Government’s proposals in the White Paper was explained by the General Secretary in a meeting with the House of Commons Select Committee on Education. The issue of admissions is a key area of concern and one where the NUT’s submission is exactly in line with the "alternative white paper" drawn up by a number of Labour backbenchers – the operation of individual school admissions criteria (as proposed for self-governing schools) would lead to chaos at a local level.
The alternative white paper is not as firm as the Union would wish in its opposition to the proposals for Trust schools, but it does say that the proposal that LEAs would not be allowed to open any new community schools should be modified.
Public Sector Duty to Promote Gender Equality.
Following the introduction of statutory duties on the public sector to promote race equality as well as disability equality, the Government is now proposing to introduce a similar duty regarding gender equality, however the DTI consultation document says that it would not apply to schools. The GS has written to the Secretary of State querying the logic of this and pointing out the link between promoting equality and tackling bullying.
"The NUT believes that one of the outcomes of personalised learning should be a guaranteed entitlement for all pupils to a range of experiences and activities which are not restricted by gender or limited by stereotypes about masculinity and femininity. Such stereotypes not only restrict boys and girls in their ability and achievements but also encourage the abuse and belittling of those who do not fit nearly into either categories of masculinity or femininity."
The Equal Opportunities Commission has been grateful to the union for its support on this issue and it now seems that the new specific duties will apply to schools.
Key Stage 2 Assessment.
Following a statement agreed by all six teaching unions calling for an independent review of KS 2 Assessment which was sent to the Secretary of State, a reply has been received from Jacqui Smith, Minister for Schools, which rejects the call for a review and insists that "national curriculum tests will remain at the heart of an effective public accountability system for primary schools". The Minister referred to "a poll of parents by the TES [which] showed that parents in deprived areas placed particular value on the information in the achievement and attainment tables. In the same poll nearly 7 out of 10 parents were in favour of tests for 11 year olds."
Organisation & Administration.
Generic e-mail system.
The problems with this were discussed yet again. A new specification is being drawn up and the intention is that the generic e-mail system will work within "Hearth" (when that is eventually rolled out nationwide.)
Conference Venue.
It was agreed that Manchester International Conference Centre will be the venue for 2008 and St.David’s Hall, Cardiff for 2009 (despite reservations regarding the hall.)
Full Executive.
General Secretary’s Report.
The GS recognised that this has been a particularly busy term, especially for Division Secretaries, with all the work arising from re-structuring proposals in schools, but it is nevertheless very important that time is found to organise lobbying of MPs at a local level on contentious issues in the White Paper. He emphasised that this can be very effective with wavering MPs and at the very least prevents others from being able to say: "Well, not a single one of my constituents has contacted me to express any concern whatsoever about any of the proposals" and interpreting this as support for them.
STRB.
In its evidence to the STRB, the Rewards and Incentives Group (RIG) proposed that a list of a teacher’s professional duties should be drawn up and the Secretary of State should use her reserve powers to incorporate this into the Pay and Conditions Document. In its report the STRB has recommended that further thought needs to be given as to whether such a list is desirable or not. In her response to the STRB report, the Secretary of State says on this point that she intends "to discuss how this can be taken forward with partners" – i.e. with RIG!
Pensions.
Representatives of public sector workers are now embarking on scheme specific negotiations with regard to changes to pension schemes. [In discussion with Barry Fawcett I ascertained that one of the things the NUT will be arguing for is a change to the way the final salary on which the pension is based is calculated, from the best year in the last 3 years worked to the average salary over the best 3 years in the last 10 (referred to as dynamisation.) However, it is by no means certain that this will be agreed and negotiations on changes to the scheme will not be concluded until after Easter anyway.]
Stoke Rochford.
The centre is up and running for courses with the restaurant and bar having been refurbished. Progress on the rebuilding of the main part of the mansion is still awaiting the outcome of negotiations with insurance companies, English Heritage and numerous other bodies.
Veronica Peppiatt
Labels: NUT policy
