Councillor Paterson; Provost Cameron; G McKinlay, Head of Schools, J Calder, Head of Service (Curriculum and Quality), J Colquhoun, Education Manager (Development), A Hall, Education Manager (Development), H Paterson, Head Teacher, Heriot Primary School, M A Renfrew, Head Teacher, Trinity High School, and M Thomas, Education Manager (Development) (all Children’s Services); and L Stewart, Senior HR Advisor (Finance & Resources).

K Fella, C Carson, Y Murray, D Tollan, J P Toener and J Welsh (all EIS); J Liston (SSTA); L Gibson (NASUWT); and S McCrossan (Adviser to Teachers’ Side).

E Currie, Senior Committee Services Officer and C MacDonald, Senior Committee Services Officer (both Finance & Resources).

In accordance with the terms of the local recognition and procedure agreement, which stated that the Chair of the Committee should alternate between the two sides comprising the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff, it was agreed that John Welsh would chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff.

DECIDED: That John Welsh chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff.

The Chair advised that this would be Mrs Renfrew’s last meeting of the Committee as she would be retiring. On behalf of the Committee he thanked Mrs Renfrew for her contribution to the work of the Committee and wished her well for the future.

L Mullin, Principal HR & OD Advisor (Finance & Resources); and A Howie (EIS).

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted a report by the Head of Schools relative to an amendment to the in-service day in May 2021.

The report intimated that a number of schools were used as polling places for elections and that, on these days, affected schools remained closed to pupils to ensure security of the site for election purposes.

The Scottish parliamentary election would take place on Thursday 6 May 2021 and, given the extensive period of school closure, it had been proposed that the in-service day scheduled for Tuesday 4 May 2021 be moved to Thursday 6 May 2021 to reduce further interruption to learning.

DECIDED: That the change of date of the in-service day from Tuesday 4 May to Thursday 6 May 2021 to coincide with the Scottish parliamentary election be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) relative to the recent announcement by the Scottish Government that a potential phased return to schools was scheduled to begin on 22 February 2021 subject to a decrease in community infection levels.

The report intimated that the teachers’ side had concerns around the implications of the new COVID variants and was seeking dialogue with the management side prior to the phased return date. Areas for consideration to be included were revised risk assessments; improved ventilation measures amidst increased risk form aerosol transmission; continuation of the practice of pupil bubbles; maintaining appropriate physical distancing to be re-emphasised; agreement around the protection of previously shielding, clinically vulnerable and pregnant staff, i.e. working from home; and employment of supply teachers to support  the phased return to schools.

The Head of Schools advised that management had been proactive in managing a difficult situation and that positive dialogue between both sides had been ongoing throughout the pandemic with regular meetings held to address issues of concern raised. Any change required was implemented as and when guidance was issued. 

The Head of Schools provided updates on all matters raised during discussion.

Both sides acknowledged the positive engagement which had been carried out and which was ongoing and that officers were as proactive as they could be in these situations.

DECIDED: That it be noted that dialogue and meetings between both sides would continue to address issues of concern raised.

There was submitted a report by the Head of Service (Curriculum and Quality) relative to national guidance published by the Scottish Government which outlined the key principles of remote learning and pupil entitlements for this period of lockdown.

The report intimated that Renfrewshire Council had developed local guidance from this national guidance with a group of Head Teachers involved in development to ensure it met their needs and the needs of learners. The document provided clarity on expectations, placing a clear focus on the autonomy of schools and teachers to plan appropriate learning to meet the needs of their pupils. The guidance had been updated following discussion with the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) and version 4 of the document had been issued to members prior to the meeting.

The report highlighted that due to the pace of change and the need to provide updated support to schools, each updated version of the guidance had been issued as an updated draft. The existing programme of JNC meetings did not allow for any of the drafts to be agreed until now. Further that the outstanding commitment of staff during this challenging period was commendable. The remote learning offer had evolved and strengthened as teachers had continued to respond to the needs of their pupils.

The Head of Service (Curriculum and Quality) and the Head of Schools provided updates on all matters raised during discussion.

DECIDED:  

(a) That the content of the remote learning guidance version 4 be agreed;

(b) That the pace of change and the requirement to change the agreed guidance at short notice be noted; and

(c) That the efforts of all practitioners in the delivery of remote learning during this challenging period be noted.