Agenda Document Pack - Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff - 02/09/2025
Renfrewshire Council · 2 September 2025
Back to Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff — 2 September 2025 and its agenda
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26/08/2025 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 02 September 2025 14:00 Corporate Meeting Room 2, Renfrewshire House, Membership Representing Renfrewshire Council Management Councillor E Rodden; Councillor J Paterson; G McLaughlin, Head of Education and Joint Secretary; E Henry, Head of Education; K Henry, Head Teacher, St Andrews Academy; D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Wallace Primary School; A Hall, Education Manager (Development); Y Ward, Education Manager, (all Education and Childrens' Services); and K Clark, Strategic Lead Partner (People), S Fanning, Strategic Lead Partner (Health & Safety) (both Finance and Resources). Representing Renfrewshire Council Teaching Staff M Russell (Joint Secretary), D Tollan, T Millar, Y Murray, C Niven, J Aitken, M McGlynn (all EIS); R Kane(SSTA); L Gibson (NASUWT) and A Bamford (EIS - Adviser to Teachers' Side). MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance Page 1 of 32
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26/08/2025 Further Information A copy of the agenda and reports for this meeting will be available for inspection prior to the meeting at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley and online at http://renfrewshire.cmis.uk.com/renfrewshire/CouncilandBoards.aspx For further information, please email democratic-services@renfrewshire.gov.uk Page 2 of 32
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26/08/2025 Items of business Chairperson Consider the appointment of a Chairperson for this meeting. Apologies Apologies from members. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements Members are asked to declare an interest or make a transparency statement in any item(s) on the agenda and to provide a brief explanation of the nature of the interest or the transparency statement. 1 Minute of Previous Meetings Minutes of the AGM and ordinary meetings held on 10 June 2025. 5 - 12 2 Matters Arising Matters arising from the minutes of the AGM and ordinary meetings held on 10 June 2025. 3 Action Log - Proposed Approach Report by Joint Secretaries. 13 - 16 4 Session 2025-26: Staffing Update Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 17 - 18 5 Teacher Booker – Update Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 19 - 20 6 Violence and Aggression Update Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 21 - 22 7 SSPA: Scottish Teachers’ Pension Agency Circular 31 July 2025 Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 23 - 28 8 Learning Estate - Update Presentation by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 9 Part-time Teachers’ Calendar, Inset Days and NCCT Report by Joint Secretary (Teacher's Side). 29 - 32 Page 3 of 32
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26/08/2025 10 Date of Next Meeting Members are asked to note that the next meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff is scheduled to be held at 2.00pm on 11 November 2025. Page 4 of 32
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Minute of Meeting Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 10 June 2025 14:00 AGM - Corporate Meeting Room 2, Renfrewshire House, Present Representing Renfrewshire Council Management Councillor E Rodden; G McLaughlin and E Henry, both Heads of Education; and A Hall and Y Ward, both Education Managers (all Education and Children’s Services). Representing Renfrewshire Council Teaching Staff K Fella, J P Tonner, Y Murray, C Niven, J Aitken (all EIS); R Kane (SSTA); T Lawson (NASUWT); and D Thompson (EIS - Adviser to Teachers' Side). In Attendance L Baillie, Resources Support Manager (Education and Children's Services); and D Cunningham, Committee Services & Licensing Officer and J Barron, Committee Services Officer (both Finance & Resources). Apologies Councillor J Paterson, R Cree, Head of People and Organisational Development, K Clark, Strategic Lead Partner (People), K Henry, Head Teacher, St Andrews Academy, D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Wallace Primary School, M Russell and T Millar (both EIS) and L Gibson (NASUWT). Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting. Item 1 JNC020925 Page 5 of 32
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Chairperson 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 Mr J P Tonner chair the Annual General Meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). DECIDED: That Mr J P Tonner chair the Annual General Meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). 1 Membership of the Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers 2025/26 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to the Membership of the Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff for session 2025/26. The Chair welcomed the new members and thanked the outgoing members for their valuable contribution to the work of the JNC. DECIDED: (a) That the membership of the JNC for session 2025/26 be noted; (b) That the proposed Joint Chairs and Joint Secretaries for each side be agreed; and (c) That it be noted that the membership of the Management Side should have included D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Wallace Primary School in place of J Houston, Mossvale Primary School. 2 Annual Report Session 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to a summary of the work of the JNC during session 2024/25. The report outlined the membership of the Committee, the reports discussed, agreements reached during the period June 2024 to June 2025 and ongoing work. DECIDED: (a) That the report and appendices be noted; and (b) That it be agreed that this report be circulated to all educational establishments. 3 Dates for Future Meetings Session 2025/26 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to the future meeting dates for session 2025/26. DECIDED: That the schedule of meetings for the remainder of 2025 be noted and that the schedule of meetings for 2026 be agreed as 3 February, 31 March, 9 June (both AGM and ordinary meeting), 1 September and 10 November 2026. Page 6 of 32
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Minute of Meeting Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 10 June 2025 14:10 Corporate Meeting Room 2, Renfrewshire House, Present Representing Renfrewshire Council Management Councillor E Rodden; G McLaughlin and E Henry, both Heads of Education; A Hall and Y Ward, both Education Managers (all Education and Children’s Services); and R Cree, Head of People and Organisational Development (Finance and Resources). Representing Renfrewshire Council Teaching Staff K Fella, J P Tonner, Y Murray, C Niven, J Aitken (all EIS); R Kane (SSTA); T Lawson (NASUWT); and D Thompson (EIS - Adviser to Teachers' Side). Apologies Councillor J Paterson, K Clark, Strategic Lead Partner (People), K Henry, Head Teacher, St Andrews Academy, D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Wallace Primary School, M Russell and T Millar (both EIS) and L Gibson (NASUWT). Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements There were no declarations of interest or transparency statements intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting. In Attendance L Baillie, Resource Support Manager (Education and Children’s Services) (Items 1 to 5 only); D Cunningham, Committee Services & Licensing Officer and J Barron, Committee Services Officer (both Finance & Resources). Item 1 JNC020925 Page 7 of 32
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Chairperson 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 Councillor Rodden would chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). DECIDED: That Councillor Rodden chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). Welcome Councillor Rodden thanked Mr Tonner for his contribution as Joint Chair of the JNC and welcomed the new members to the Committee. 1 Minute of Previous Meeting There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 25 March 2025. DECIDED: That the Minute be approved. 2 Matters Arising Under reference to Item 4 of the Minute of the previous meeting held on 25 March 2025 – Teacher Booker Supply Booking System, it was advised that there had been issues with payments to supply teachers in respect of short and long-term pay rates. It was agreed that further information would be provided for this matter be investigated and a solution sought. It was also noted that the agenda for this meeting contained an error in the name of the Advisor to the EIS, this should have read D Thompson, not D Campbell. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted there had been issues with payments to supply teachers in respect of short and long-term pay rates and that further information be provided for this matter to be investigated and a solution sought; and (b) That it be noted that the agenda for this meeting contained an error in the name of the Advisor to the EIS, this should have read D Thompson, not D Campbell and that this would be corrected for future meetings. 3 Action Log The action log for the JNC was submitted. The Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) noted that this had not been updated and advised the Committee that the Log required to be discussed by the Joint Secretaries. Page 8 of 32
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DECIDED: That it be noted that the action log had not been updated by the Joint Secretaries and that this required discussion by the Joint Secretaries. Sederunt L Baillie left the meeting prior to the consideration of the following item of business. 4 School Holidays Session 2026/27 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the proposed calendar of holidays for Session 2026/27, as appended to the report and the Joint Secretary (Management Side) explained that the Council were working to re-align dates to those of other local authorities over the next three years. It was agreed that the calendar of holidays, detailed at Appendix 1, be presented to the next meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board on 21 August 2025 and that otherwise the content of the report and verbal updates be noted. DECIDED: (a) That the calendar of holidays, detailed at Appendix 1, be presented to the next meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board on 21 August 2025; and (b) That otherwise the content of the report and verbal updates be noted. 5 Staffing Exercise Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the annual staffing exercise undertaken to ensure sufficient staffing resource would be in place for the commencement of the new school session in August 2025. The current position in relation to the staffing exercise for the commencement of the August 2025 session and proposed fixed term recruitment process and allocation were noted. DECIDED: That the current position in relation to the staffing exercise for the commencement of the August 2025 school session and proposed fixed term recruitment process and allocation be noted. Sederunt R Cree entered the meeting during the consideration of the following item of business. 6 Council Mandatory Training Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the Council’s mandatory training modules which were required to be completed by all educational staff. The report requested that the Cyber Security, Introduction to Data Protection and Display Screen Equipment modules be prioritised and outlined the other Page 9 of 32
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modules which also required completion The Teachers’ Side expressed concern that the time required to complete this training would be additional to that set out in Working Time Agreements. It was agreed that both sides would work together to explore options to facilitate access to modules and completion for teaching staff but that modules such as Cyber Security and Data Protection remained a priority to protect the Council. DECIDED: (a) That it be agreed that both sides would work together to explore options to facilitate access to modules and completion for teaching staff, but that modules such as Cyber Security and Data Protection remained a priority to protect the Council; and (b) That otherwise the content of the report and verbal updates be noted. 7 Review of Job Sizing Processes: Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the job sizing process related to promoted teaching posts in Renfrewshire, the revised draft document with revisions was appended to the report. It was advised that this work was in preparation for primary schools in August 2026 and secondary schools by August 2027. It was noted that this document was not yet finalised and that it was intended both sides would further engage to agree a revised process and job sizing document which would be brought to a future meeting of the JNC. DECIDED: That it be noted that it was intended both sides would further engage to agree a revised process and job sizing document which would be brought to a future meeting of the JNC. 8 Removal of Teacher Exchange Scheme There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the removal of the Teacher Exchange Scheme. The report recommended approval that the scheme be withdrawn due to lack of interest amongst eligible teaching staff. DECIDED: That the withdrawal of the Teacher Exchange Scheme be approved. 9 Flexible Working - Amended Guidance There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the Council’s Flexible Working Policy and inconsistencies with the application of the Policy. The report advised that guidance would be prepared over the summer period to assist Head Teachers and Heads of Centres to manage flexible working requests. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted that guidance would be prepared over the summer period to assist Head Teachers and Heads of Centres to manage flexible working requests. (b) That it be noted that requests from 14 August 2025 could be made on a temporary basis for a maximum of 12 months with no requirement for exceptional circumstances Page 10 of 32
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and would be considered in line with the needs of the service and operational viability. The temporary arrangement would not be extended beyond 12 months and a decision should be made as to whether the employee would revert to their substantive hours/work pattern or request to make the amended hours/work pattern a permanent arrangement, subject to the needs of the service and operational viability. (c) That it be noted that any requests already submitted for commencement in August 2025 could be reconsidered as temporary should employees wish to amend a permanent request and would be considered in line with the needs of the service and operational viability. 10 Gaelic Medium Education Provision in Renfrewshire There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the establishment of a strategic planning group to consider plans to further develop Gaelic Medium Education (GME) in Renfrewshire which was required due to the increasing demand by parents. The report outlined the short, medium and long-term plans and financial implications thereof and staffing/training issues were discussed. DECIDED: That the content of the report and verbal updates be noted. 11 Learning Estate The Joint Secretary (Management Side) delivered a presentation relative to work being undertaken across the learning estate; this included updates on Paisley Grammar School, the Park Mains School extension and Thistle Primary School (Dargavel) and outlined business case framework stages and projected timelines for these projects in addition to other school estate updates. DECIDED: That the content of the presentation and verbal updates be noted. 12 Teachers in Early Years Settings There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) relative to the removal of GTCS-registered teachers from Renfrewshire nurseries following a remodel of the staffing provision within Early Years settings. The Teachers’ Side expressed concern as to the impact of this decision and requested that their objection to the removal of GTCS-registered teachers from Renfrewshire nurseries be noted. The Joint Secretary (Management Side) noted the objection from the Teachers’ Side and reiterated the work being undertaken to better utilise resources by maximising the skills of staff across the estate with the creation of the Early Intervention Team and that this removal of GTCS-registered teachers had been the result of an operational decision following extensive feedback. DECIDED: That the objection of the Teachers’ Side to the removal of GTCS-registered teachers from Renfrewshire nurseries be noted. Page 11 of 32
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13 Preliminary/Practice Exam Diet There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) relative to preliminary/practice exams (prelims) and the emerging practice of “second” prelims being delivered across schools which did not appear in the agreed school calendar. Y Ward, Education Manager, advised that some schools were now delivering an assessment blocks model rather than practice exams and that it should be one assessment method in use only, not additional practice exams. The Education Manager advised that the assessment blocks model was being discussed with the SQA. DECIDED: That the report and verbal updates be noted. 14 Abuse of Staff There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) relative to the abuse of staff delivering extra-curricular activities. E Henry, Head of Education, requested that she be provided with further information by the Teachers’ Side relative to the incidents referred to, this was agreed. In addition, it was agreed that any abuse of teaching staff would not be tolerated. DECIDED: (a) That the report and verbal updates be noted; and (b) That E Henry be provided with further information relative to the incidents referred to; and (c) That it be agreed that the abuse of teaching staff would not be tolerated. Valedictory Councillor Rodden thanked K Fella, JP Tonner and the other outgoing members, on behalf of the Committee, for their valuable contribution to the work of the JNC. 15 Date of Next Meeting DECIDED: That it be noted that the next meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff was scheduled to be held at 2.00pm on 2 September 2025. Page 12 of 32
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Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 02 September 2025 Report by: Joint Secretaries Action Log – Proposed Approach 1. Summary 1.1. An Action log was introduced as an additional element to standard JNC documentation with the intention of it being a means of ensuring agreed actions are efficiently progressed by relevant parties. To date this objective has not always been achieved. A stated position by which this will be resolved and best practice established to ensure transparency and that actions are overtaken is proposed by the Joint Secretaries. 2. Background 2.1. An Action Log was introduced as an additional element to standard JNC documentation with the intention of it being a means of ensuring agreed actions are efficiently progressed by relevant parties. 2.2 Since the introduction it has not always been possible for the Joint Secretaries to update the Action Log as intended. 2.2 This has resulted in items with an associated agreed action being retained on the Action Log though even when overtaken or obsolete. 2.3 it is proposed that review and consideration of the Action Log would be the starting point of pre JNC meetings and that Amilia Hall, Education Manager, would undertake to update it, as per Joint Secretaries direction, and ensure it is submitted with other relevant papers to Committee Services in a timely manner as required. 3. Recommendation 3.1 Members are asked to note and agree this proposed approach to completion of the Action Log. Item 3 JNC020925 Page 13 of 32
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Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers – Action Log Date of JNC Meeting Report Action to be taken Officer responsible Due date Status (To be actioned and agreed by the two Joint Secretaries at the Pre JNC meeting and updated for inclusion at the next JNC meeting) c/ff 11 June 2024 Item Standard Circular access Investigate how Standard Circulars can be accessed by Joint Secretaries AH/PMcD As soon as possible A solution has been found but is dependent upon timing of migration to the new Council website – AH to advise in due course c/ff 3 September 2024 Item Absence Management / Supporting Attendance (Teachers) Policy Updating of the policy on Absence Management/ Supporting Attendance AH/LS (in the first instance) November 2025 On going c/ff 12 November 2024 Item Managing And Reporting Violence & Aggression Policy Launch That it be noted that the Violence and Aggression Policy be part of the In -Service programme for session 2025-26 EH 20 October 2025 c/ff 25 March 2025 Item Violence and Aggression incident data That violence and aggression incident data be provided to the JNC at every second meeting. EH 02 September 2025 Item 3 JNC020925 Page 15 of 32
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Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 02 September 2025 Report by: Joint Secretary (Management Side) Session 2025-26: Staffing Update 1. Summary 1.1. An annual staffing exercise takes place each year in preparation for the following session to ensure that our establishments have the teaching capacity and resource required for effective delivery. This annual exercise includes scoping, mapping and matching of a range of different categories of teaching staff. The staffing exercise for session 2025-26 is obviously well underway and almost concluded. For session 2025-26 the current the allocation of various elements of staffing is noted below. 2. Background 2.1. Newly qualified teachers (NQTs): 67 NQTs have joined us and been allocated to our schools for session 2025-26 comprising 40 Primary and 27 secondary NQTs. In the case of secondary particularly this is well below the number we bid for (48), and also below the number we were initially allocated in the case of both sectors (Primary 46, secondary 34) 2.2. Surplus: due to changes in school roll figures 2 non-promoted primary teachers were declared surplus and in line with implementation of our surplus policy were reallocated to establishments of their choice from the options given. It should be noted that but for the additional allocation of 1fte to identified Target schools (see below) the number of primary teachers declare surplus in their current schools would have been much higher. 2.3. Permanent supply: 53 (52.6fte) teachers with this contractual status who were appointed in 2022 were matched to school in April 2025. Those appointed as permanent supply teachers in 2023 have all been temporarily allocated to longer term placements in schools from the start of session in August. 2.4. Teachers with entitlement to permanency under the terms of the JNC20 Policy - Scheme for the Appointment of Temporary Teachers to Permanent Posts: 11 (9.6fte) secondary JNC20 teachers have been matched to school on a permanent basis from August 2025. 6 (5.2fte have been allocated on a temporary basis from the star of session. Suitable vacancies temporary or permanent have still to be identified for 4 remaining secondary JNC20 successful applicants and they are being prioritised for temporary supply in line with the JNC20 Policy. Item 4 JNC020925 Page 17 of 32
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2.5. Secondary staffing adverts: over 65 vacancies in our secondary schools of either a permanent or temporary nature were advertised in preparation for the start of session August 2025. 2.6. Proposed 1.0 fte fixed term 1 year allocation for an additional 20 identified Primary target schools, 2 ASN schools and 11 secondary schools: a recruitment process for primary temporary staff is currently underway to support the above additional. The purpose and rationale behind identification of ‘target schools’ is to support effective delivery, attainment and achievement, and help to close the poverty related achievement gap In addition to providing valuable additional resource for the coming session, this will obviously stand us in good stead in preparation for the likely introduction of ‘21 hours’ (90 minutes additional non class contact time provided to teaching staff) should the anticipated introduction in the Primary sector in August 2026, go ahead. 2.7. Census planning: the annual Census data collection is planned for Wednesday 10 September 2025. Planning and monitoring is underway to ensure we maintain our teacher number of 1753 across all sectors as per Census 2023, as required. 2.8. External secondments: we are pleased to record that in addition to our 3 head teacher colleagues who have been seconded by Education Scotland for a period of 1 year, two secondary teachers (based in Gryffe High School and Johnstone High School), and two primary teachers (from Bridge of Weir Primary School & ELCC and Newmains Primary School), have been successful in their application for secondment opportunities with the Centre for Teaching Excellence. 3. Recommendation 3.1. Members are asked to note the contents of this report. Page 18 of 32
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Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 02 September 2025 Report by: Joint Secretary (Management Side) Teacher Booker – Update 1. Summary 1.1. In order to support and improve the efficiency of allocation of temporary supply cover to our schools, a new online supply booking system, Teacher Booker, was introduced from April 2025 onwards. While information related to the operation of the system has on the whole been very positive, the Teachers’ side had highlighted an issue in relation to the appropriate remuneration of supply teachers doing long term supply ( any duration in excess of 2 days) within the same school), whereby what was occurring was at variance with current SNCT terms and conditions. Management have taken steps to have this resolved and anyone suffering financial detriment 1from April onwards to be reimbursed. 2. Background 2.1. Teacher Booker was introduced as a means of allowing schools to effectively source required temporary cover and for supply teacher to have sight of and gain deployment. 2.2 As an allocation for each specific cover need is treated as a separate allocation – even if within the same school – in some instances this resulted in supply teachers who undertook more than 2 consecutive days within the same establishment not having this re cognised a long-term cover and so no subject to a financial uplift. 2.2 Management has undertaken to resolve this position and have any individual financially disadvantaged reimbursed. 2.3 Relevant colleagues in other services have been asked to liaise with Teacher Booker to ensure that going forward all allocations and deployments within the same establishment will be treated as long term cover and supply teachers paid accordingly. 2.4 Additionally, a review of payments from April onwards will be carried out to identify those supply teachers impacted with a view to having them reimbursed for the difference in hours. Item 5 JNC020925 Page 19 of 32
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3. Recommendation 3.1 Members are asked to note this intention and resolution of the issue raised. Page 20 of 32
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1 Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 02 September 2025 Violence and Aggression Update 1. Summary This report provides the board with data on violent incidents in schools for the period 1 April -30 June 2025 2. Recommendations 2.1 This report is for information only and to note that this is a retrospective record of reported incidents. 3. Background 3.1 During the reporting period 1st April – 30thJune 2025 there were 193 violent incidents reported to teachers. Of these incidents, 3 were reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR as an over 7-day workplace injury, whereby the injured person (IP) was unable to attend the workplace for more than 7 days. • IP was assaulted by a young person - bruising and damage to ribs. • IP was struck on the head with a golf club - head injury. • IP was shaken by a young person - resulting in whiplash. (Late reported) Of the 193 incidents reported, 95 were recorded as non-injury events being incident related, the most significant injury type reported was bruising to the injured person. 3.2 The work continues on the Children’s Services (CS) service guidance for managing and reporting distressed and dysregulated behaviour document. 3.3 The Corporate Health & Safety (H&S) team hold weekly meetings with the CS H&S Coordinator. These meetings primarily focus on incident reviews and trend analysis, incorporating data on staff numbers and incident volumes. The outputs from these discussions should be regularly shared and reviewed at the CS Senior Leadership Team (SLT) meetings to ensure strategic oversight and informed decision-making. 3.4 Ongoing work is being undertaken to enhance the reporting outputs related to violence and aggression (V&A) within BW. Item 6 JNC020925 Page 21 of 32
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2 3.5 The Corporate H&S team continues to actively participate in a national health and safety working group. This group is focused on developing strategies to address violent incidents in schools, contributing to a broader effort to improve safety and wellbeing across the education sector. Authors: Gareth Richards / Steven Fanning Page 22 of 32
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Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 02 September 2025 Report by: Joint Secretary (Management Side) SSPA: Scottish Teachers’ Pension Agency Circular 31 July 2025 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of the attached circular is to notify employers and members of changes to the normal minimum pension age from 6 April 2028 1.2 The following key information is included therein: - • The UK Government has announced that the earliest age members can take their pension from will increase from age 55 to 57 with effect from 6 April 2028. • Members will be protected from these changes if they joined the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme (STPS) before 4 November 2021 • This increase does not apply to members who take their pension early due to ill health 2. Recommendation 2.1. Members are asked to note the contents of the attached circular. Item 7 JNC020925 Page 23 of 32
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STPS Circular Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme 2025/08 Who should read: • Members • Chief Executives • Directors of Education and Finance • HR Managers • Payroll Managers • Teachers’ Unions and Representatives Action: Employers to inform scheme members Subject: Increase to the normal minimum pension age from 6 April 2028 Date: 31 July 2025 Background The normal minimum pension age (NMPA) is the earliest age from which most people can access their workplace or personal pensions. Registered pension schemes, such as the STPS must not normally pay any benefits to members until they reach the NMPA, except on ill health grounds. The NMPA is set by the Finance Act 2004 and was introduced in 2006. In short: • before 5 April 2010, schemes could allow members to retire from age 50 • from 6 April 2010, the NMPA increased to 55 • from 6 April 2028, the NMPA will increase to 57 The NMPA is different from the state pension age, but the changes to NMPA align with changes to the state pension age, which is due to increase to age 67 in 2028. The state pension age is the normal pension age for members of the 2015 scheme, which is the age benefits can be taken without reduction. The purpose of this circular is to notify employers and members of changes to the normal minimum pension age from 6 April 2028. Key information in this circular: • The UK Government has announced that the earliest age members can take their pension from will increase from age 55 to 57 with effect from 6 April 2028. • Members will be protected from these changes if they joined the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme (STPS) before 4 November 2021 • This increase does not apply to members who take their pension early due to ill health. Page 24 of 32
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STPS Circular Increase in the normal minimum pension age to 57 From 6 April 2028, the NMPA will increase from age 55 to 57. The majority of existing members of the scheme will be protected from this change and will retain a protected pension age (PPA) of age 55. Protected Pension Age (PPA) The Finance Act 2004 provides transitional protection to certain members through a PPA, which protects them from the changes to the NMPA being introduced from 6 April 2028 and allows them to retain their current NMPA of age 55. Members will qualify for a PPA if they were a member of a scheme before 4 November 2021, with a right to claim their scheme benefits before age 57. In the STPS, this includes persons who, immediately before 4 November 2021, were active, pensioner, deferred or pension credit members of the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (STSS) or the STPS 2015 Scheme. They will qualify for a PPA of age 55 in that section or scheme. The PPA will apply to pension benefits built up before 2028 and also benefits accrued after 2028. Members who do not have such a right (broadly anyone who joined after 4 November 2021), will retain the current NMPA (age 55) until April 2028, from which point their NMPA will increase to age 57. The increased NMPA of age 57 will apply to benefits accrued before and after 2028. Where members transfer, or have transferred, their pension to a new scheme, which they joined for the first time on or after 4 November 2021, the transferred-in benefits will be ring-fenced and will retain a PPA (age 55 or earlier) but benefits subsequently accrued in the new scheme will have an applicable NMPA of 57. Further information An initial list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found in Annex A and a flowchart is available in Annex B. There are a number of specific scenarios and issues which require further consideration before the NMPA changes are implemented in April 2028. We will continue to update the SPPA website and provide further information as soon as it becomes available. Please contact SPPAPolicy@gov.scot if you have any enquiries about this circular. SPPA Policy 31 July 2025 Page 25 of 32
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STPS Circular Annex A Frequently Asked Questions Q1. Who made the decision to increase the NMPA? A1. In 2014, following the consultation on ‘Freedom and Choice in Pensions’, the UK Government announced it would increase the NMPA to age 57 in 2028 to coincide with the rise of state pension age to 67. This applies to most UK private and public sector pension schemes. While the Scottish Government has executively devolved responsibility for public service pension schemes, including the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme, it must comply with UK Government primary legislation, such the Finance Act 2004 which provides for the NMPA. Q2. Does the increase in the NMPA apply to all Public Service Pension Schemes? A2. No. The increase in NMPA from age 55 to 57 does not apply to members of public service schemes for Firefighters, Police and the Armed Forces. It does, however, apply to all members of the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Q3. Does this change apply to AVC Schemes? A3. Yes. The NMPA for accessing Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), including those with Prudential, will increase from 55 to 57 on 6 April 2028. This change applies unless you have a PPA or are retiring due to ill health. Q4. Do the changes apply to additional pension? A4. Yes. The NMPA for accessing any additional pension you may purchase will increase, in the same way as for your main scheme benefits, from 55 to 57 on 6 April 2028. This change applies unless you have a PPA or are retiring due to ill health. Q5. What is the impact of this change on members affected by the 2015 Remedy? A5. If you are eligible for Remedy and have a PPA, you will retain this right for any service rolled back into the final salary Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (known as the legacy scheme). Page 26 of 32
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STPS Circular Q6. I have deferred benefits in the scheme. Will I be affected by the change to NMPA? A6. If you joined the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme before 4 November 2021 and have subsequently left or opted out and deferred your benefits, you will have a PPA of age 55 and will not be affected by the change to NMPA. If you joined the scheme on or after 4 November 2021, your minimum pension age for claiming your benefits, including deferred benefits, will rise to 57 from 6 April 2028. Q7. What is the significance of the 4 November 2021 date? A7. This is the date the UK Government published a policy paper announcing details of the implementation of the increase in NMPA and a proposed framework of protection pension ages. They also published the Finance Bill 2021-22 on 4 November 2021 which introduced the changes in legislation. Q8. I am due to receive a credit pension through a Pension Sharing Order. Will I be affected by the changes? A8. If you are due to receive a credit pension through a Pension Sharing Order which was implemented before 4 November 2021, your pension will not be affected by the changes to NMPA and you will benefit from a PPA of age 55. Q9. What happens if I opt out of the scheme? A9. If you were a member of the scheme on or before 3 November 2021 and had a PPA you will be able to retain this PPA if you opt out of the scheme and return at a later date. If you joined the scheme on or after 4 November 2021 and do not have a PPA, any benefits accrued in the scheme before, or after, any breaks in service will be payable from age 57 after 6 April 2028. Page 27 of 32
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STPS Circular Yes Yes No Yes No No Annex B Will I have a Protected Pension Age and be eligible to claim my pension benefits before age 57, after the changes to Normal Minimum Pension Age are introduced from 6 April 2028? After 6 April 2028, the earliest you will be able to claim your STPS pension benefits from will be age 57 Were you a member of the scheme being transferred from before 4 November 2021? Were you a member of the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme (STPS) before 4 November 2021 After 6 April 2028, the earliest you will be able to claim all your benefits in the Teachers’ scheme (including transferred in benefits) will be age 57 from 6 April 2028 Have you transferred service in from another registered pension scheme? The transferred benefits will be ‘ring fenced’ and you can claim these from the protected pension age in your previous scheme (e.g. age 55). The earliest you will be able to claim benefits accrued in the STPS pension scheme will be age 57 from 6 April 2028. The earliest you will be able to claim your STPS pension benefits will remain age 55. Page 28 of 32
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Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 2nd September 2025 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Part-time Teachers’ Calendar, Inset Days and NCCT 1. Background Concerns have been expressed to the EIS Secretaries around erroneous calendar templates that were used in some schools to calculate part-time teachers’ pro rata contractual obligation. This resulted in several teachers being wrongly asked to pay back additional days. The templates that were being used to calculate the figures were incorrect and so the number of days being claimed back was inflated. The Teachers’ side wishes to ensure that this error isn’t replicated in other schools and expects that the templates used will be correct henceforth. The Joint Secretary has advised education managers of the error and has been assured that the template is now amended and that the time owed by teachers will be corrected. Inset Days The matter of inset days is also perennially problematic for part time teachers where their working patterns do not align with the pattern of inset days which can change annually. The approaches currently being adopted around this matter is not consistent across the Local Authority with some managers insisting that additional pupil days should replace inservice days that are not able to be worked because they are outwith the teachers’ normal working pattern or by denying inservice because it exceeds a teachers’ pointage even if the inservice days fall on a normal working day. Where a teacher is part-time then they are required to work a percentage of the 195 days, this includes 5 in-service days and many part time teachers want to attend in- service for their professional development. HR advises that there may be situations where additional payment for inservice days or time off in lieu may be agreed to ensure that part time teachers receive their entitlement to inservice days. No teacher however should be compelled to attend on a day that is outside their normal pattern and, if there is a deficit, a payback of salary should be an option, by agreement. In-service days are dedicated to professional development, training and organisational matters and so, by definition, are non-pupil contact days and so it is not appropriate that teachers are directed to take their weekly NCCT, dedicated to preparation and correction, during an in-service day. Item 9 JNC020925 Page 29 of 32
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The helpful Guidance below was shared with the Teachers’ Side and it clarifies expectations and processes that all schools should be following: GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS Part-Time Teachers – Leave and In-Service Arrangements 1.0 Introduction 1.1 The Part Time Workers Regulations (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 make it unlawful to treat part-time workers less favourably than their full-time counterparts. This means that part-time teachers are entitled to the same entitlements on a pro-rata basis, as a full-time teacher and should therefore receive a proportion of those entitlements based on their contracted hours of work. 1.2 Teachers employed on a part-time basis also have a pro-rata entitlement to the agreed number of In-Service days in each school year. 2.0 Need for adjustments 2.1 A full-time teacher is paid the annual salary for their scale point. In the school session the full-time teacher has a working year of 195 days. A part-time teacher will receive the pro-rata proportion of the annual salary and therefore should actually work the same proportion of 195 days. (See column 1 on table) 2.2 The placement of Public Holidays and Occasional days within the overall scheme of school holidays, when set against the working pattern of individual part-time teachers, can result in some teachers working more or less than their contractual requirement. 2.3 In-Service days are set each year and this, when considered against the working pattern of individual part-time teachers, can result in some teachers not receiving their pro-rata entitlement to In-Service. 3.0 Implementation Guidance 3.1 To ensure that each part-time teacher is working the correct number of days in the school session and receiving their pro-rata entitlement to In-Service, Head Teachers should use the following tables for calculating entitlement. The attached ready reckoner may be used as a tool for calculating entitlement. 3.2 Prior to the new school session or on commencement of employment of a teacher part way through the year a calculation should be made to establish the pro-rata proportion of 195 working days that the part-time teacher is required to work. The following tables should be used for this purpose. Page 30 of 32
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Primary/Secondary FTE Days employed (*includes In-Service entitlement) In Service entitlement (included in the total number of days employed) 1.0 195 5 0.8 156 4 0.6 117 3 0.5 97.5 2.5 0.4 78 2 0.2 39 1 3.3 The number of potential working days should be identified for the whole school session for each individual (this will vary depending on working pattern). This should include attendance during the session at In-Service days. 3.4 Depending on the working pattern of the part-time teacher an adjustment may be required for those with fixed patterns of work to enable the part-time teacher to receive their entitlement to In-Service and ensure that their contractual commitment is met. 3.5 Where the working pattern is such that a part-time teacher would be unable to undertake their entitlement to In-Service then other arrangements should be made in consultation with the Head Teacher to enable the teacher to attend the relevant number of In-Service days. This could be done by adjusting the days worked in that week or by claiming the day attended at the In-Service day. The timings of such adjustments will be subject to the exigencies of the service. 2. Recommendations - That the calendar templates used to calculate teachers’ obligations is corrected and that teachers are advised accordingly. - That part time teachers are not disadvantaged in respect of inservice days - That managers are advised to refrain from allocating NCCT during inset days. - That the Guidance for Schools is circulated and implemented consistently by all schools Page 31 of 32
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