Nutshells #65 Jan 07

N

m al n io at

em

rs be

p hi

d ar w a

w

er n in

20

06

The 65th edition for ALL Plymouth Teachers January 2007

A GOOD LOCAL SCHOOL FOR EVERY CHILD

99% SAY YES to the NUT Guidelines following our nationwide ballot. Nearly 90% said they would be willing to take action in their school if the NUT Guidelines on reducing workload, attending meetings, PPA time, performance management, planning, classroom observations etc, were ignored. SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Where workload issues are problematic in your school you should be thinking and talking about what changes are needed to reduce the impact on your working day. For example, there are teachers who write lesson plans for non-teachers to cover PPA time— this is an immediate workload issue and importantly, not a contractual obligation! Perhaps you have more than one meeting a week or insufficient PPA time. Priorities will vary school to school, but you now have the opportunity to take practical steps to make the changes that you know will help to address your work/life balance. Your ballot allows NUT members to seize this opportunity, and be legally protected. NUT HQ will issue advice, but it’s often better to get involved in discussions with others facing

the same struggle to reduce workload. Only the NUT is protecting its members with a practical solution that the so-called “workforce agreement” was supposed to sort out. ENSURE THAT YOUR SCHOOL IS REPRESENTED AT THE GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD AS USUAL AT THE CHINA HOUSE ON SUTTON HARBOUR— THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY—1715 FOR 1730 [FOR ABOUT AN HOUR]. REPS SHOULD TRY TO BRING ANOTHER NUT MEMBER WITH THEM TO GET FIRSTHAND ADVICE. EVEN IF YOUR REP IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, SEND ANOTHER MEMBER. CONTACT THE SECRETARY SO WE CAN ORDER ENOUGH FOOD FOR THE FREE BUFFET! [email protected]

Reps have received a comprehensive paperback covering the Guidelines and every member has received a shorter version All headteachers have received the same information together with a covering letter from Steve Sinnott. Only NUT members will be protected by the decisions you make in your school about the reductions you wish to see, although you should expect other colleagues to welcome the reductions your action secures for them! Ask them to join us!

Endorsed by classroom teachers everywhere Call the Joining Hotline 0845 300 1669

Sooty tells Education Secretary Alan Johnson MP about an absent colleague

YOUR

A member asks, “ I have now gone p/t so my TLR has been reduced pro rata. Should my job description also be reduced?” Answer: Yes! Or paid in full if your duties and responsibilities remain the same

NUT

especially for you Established in 1870, the NUT provides the teaching profession in England and Wales with a union uniquely John Stinchcombe joined the NUT in September 1946—over open only to qualified teachers. 60 years ago! A century ago it was the only union to call for equal Can anyone beat that in Plymouth? pay for women. New & Young Teacher W/E The NUT is not affiliated to any political party, is Under 35 or new to teaching? independent of government and can speak freely. We offer unrivalled experienced local support and Contact Regional Office for details of legal advice when you need it. this excellent Friday/Saturday course The NUT’s first-rate legal service has taken on the in February. Completely free and held Government in the courts and won, in addition to in Launceston. First come first... winning many millions of pounds in compensation. The NUT offers its members high quality training and NUT REPS—Book professional development. yourself on the Membership includes a free COUNTDOWN discount next Rep’s course card and no ‘two-for-one’ special offers. It’s not just the largest teacher union in Europe, it’s at Stoke Rochford— also the second largest head teacher union and the one 7th to 9th Feb 2007 campaigning strongly for sustained and principled Completely Free! professional unity.

This isn’t just any teacher trade union, this is The National Union of Teachers

The NUT—does exactly what it says on the tin!

A member asks, “What will an NUT course cost my school?” The only cost to your school is arranging cover for you to attend. NUT school and college representatives, including health and safety representatives, have a statutory entitlement to time off with pay, during working hours, for training related to their role.