Search News and Blogs tagged schools

Special Education Needs

In July 2017, the Department published four research reports relating to SEND. Three of these come from the DfE-funded ‘What Works’ project, which looked at SEN support for pupils in mainstream schools and colleges.  The fourth looks at the wellbeing of secondary school pupils with SEN. The reports can be downloaded at the links below: […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Multi-Academy Trust Schools Slammed by MP’s

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a damning report on the issue of Multi-Academy Trust schools (MATs). The report – produced by a cross section of MPs – is highly critical of the MATs model, particularly in regard to the ‘unjustifiably high salaries’ of many senior staff. More than 100 trustees currently earn salaries […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

School Support Staff Seminar a roaring success

On 24 April, well over a hundred UNISON activists from across Britain came together in Brighton for a terrific day that not even the persistent drizzle could spoil. The Schools Support Staff Seminar is a mixture of workshops and talks, with this year’s special guest being Angela Rayner, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Education: […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Parents fighting to save a Surrey primary school have been thrown a lifeline

Surrey County Council (SCC) has announced a “pause” in the process to shut Ripley CofE Primary School, which until this time last year had 144 pupils. The move comes after concern that officials failed to follow correct procedures during the process. UNISON South East has been working extensively to support affected members at the school, […]

Article, News on the UNISON South East site.

South East Schools Struggling to Cope with ‘devastating’ Special Education Needs Cuts

A new investigation by the Observer has laid bare the growing crisis with special education needs funding – and Hampshire County Council faces the largest overspend in the country; more than £10.5million. Read the full story here: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/nov/10/councils-face-crisis-special-needs-education-funding

Article on the UNISON South East site.

UNISON and Thinking Schools Academy Trust:  Working Together for Wellbeing

UNISON South East was delighted last month to organise two inspirational CPD day’s for over 250 people at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT). With separate days at Portsmouth and Medway, this was a fantastic opportunity to bring together school support staff from across the trust’s 14 different schools. UNISON organisers delivered interactive, wellbeing-focused workshops […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Covid-19 deep-clean advice for members working in schools

UNISON has been made aware that some schools have been closed as a precaution due to potential risk of exposure to Covid-19, commonly known as Coronavirus. In some instances school cleaners were subsequently instructed to do a deep-clean of the schools. UNISON branches and regions have rightly intervened to stop our members being put at […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

“If what we’re doing means one NHS worker can save one life then it’s worth it”

The latest #OurHeroes story from the frontline of the Covid-19 outbreak comes from Elaine Betteridge at Rosewood free school in Southampton

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Education unions’ agree statement on the safe reopening of schools

Ministers should step back from 1 June target and put safety first

Article on the UNISON South East site.

UNISON’s 5 tests for government before school pupil numbers increase

The decision to increase pupil numbers on 1 June is premature and could put lives in danger, says UNISON

Article on the UNISON South East site.

The vital glue that holds communities together

I hope this email finds you safe and well ahead of the last bank holiday of Spring. I know that many of you will be working throughout, but for those that are able to take some time off, I hope you manage to have an enjoyable and well-deserved break (with appropriate social distancing obviously!)   I’m […]

Regional Secretary’s Blog on the UNISON South East site.

Government should listen to scientists and pull back from 1 June start date

Independent scientists report says waiting just two weeks would halve the risks

Article on the UNISON South East site.

South East counters national trend as number of Covid-19 related deaths increases

Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing that more Covid-19 related deaths are now being recorded in the South East’s care homes than in hospitals, and that the total number of recorded deaths in the region has risen week-on-week, UNISON South East regional secretary Steve Torrance said: “These latest ONS figures […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Support staff losing sleep and suffering anxiety ahead of return to school in England

UNISON head of education Jon Richards says delay needed so schools have time to complete risk assessments

Article on the UNISON South East site.

The vanguard of the fight against racism

UNISON has always actively challenged racism, and will always do so, wherever it raises its vile head

Article on the UNISON South East site.