To inform the Committee of the progress being made, both locally and nationally, in implementing the National School Workforce Remodelling Programme.

The Committee were informed of progress, both locally and nationally, in implementing the National School Workforce Remodelling Programme.

The Head of School Effectiveness reported that the costs to schools of the programme had to be met from the budgets to schools under LMS arrangements.  Extracts from a statement by the previous Minister of State for School Standards on school funding in 2005/6 in relation to workforce reform were appended to the report at Appendix 1.  He also reported upon the use of the 100% grant to help the LEA develop capacity to support schools in remodelling their workforce; to enable training programmes and conferences and financially support schools through the programme.  A significant number of schools had now established a “School Challenge Team”, as expected by the NRT (National Remodelling Team), to look at how they may re-model to achieve the contractual changes by September 2005.   Six tranches of schools had been launched with a further tranche being launched on 18th March 2005.

The Committee noted that nationally a number of issues had arisen, particularly over the planning, preparation and assessment time (PPA) with the Trade Unions being involved in negotiations.  However, on the whole, there seemed to be a good degree of co-operation locally.

The Committee debated the subject and the following principal points were raised:

• In response to questions concerning invigilating at examinations, the Committee were informed that teachers should not routinely be required to invigilate at external examinations.  The Headteacher was responsible for employing, on a temporary basis, suitably experienced personnel to keep order during invigilation, as some local schools had started to do.  This did not preclude teachers from occasionally undertaking the duty.
• Headteachers may adjust the school timetable to make better use of teachers not involved in invigilating exams.
• In response to concerns over whether teachers would be on the premises during their PPA time the Committee were informed that the decision was up to the Headteacher.  While there were issues, particularly at small primary schools, over accommodation for teachers while on PPA time, the current expectation was that they would be on hand. 
• While schools received extra grant payment to help implement the PPA, including an increased budget from the Council, this was still thought to be insufficient to employ supply cover.
• While teachers were on PPA time pupils were expected to continue to receive quality curriculum teaching.  Concern was expressed that teaching assistants may be expected to assume the role of teacher while the teacher was on PPA time.  A suggestion was made that graduate teachers could be employed to gain experience while covering PPA time.
• The Committee greatly appreciated the time and effort school staff voluntarily put into providing after school clubs and activities.
• Concern was expressed that some pupils viewed study or activity time as a free period and had been seen outside school premises, an issue that should be closely monitored by the Truancy Team.
• It was suggested that, in view of the wide range of issues affected by the implementation of the Workload Agreement, a Members’ seminar be arranged on the subject.
• The Committee noted that schools were still developing the PPA and it was already evident that some schools were finding some innovative individual solutions.
• The Head of School Effectiveness reported that, while the subject raised a number of complex issues, training sessions had been held for Headteachers and Governors and he was cautiously optimistic that Herefordshire would meet the September 2005 implementation target.

RESOLVED: That subject to the concerns raised above the report on the Teachers’ Workload Agreement be noted and a Members’ seminar on the issue be arranged.