Agenda Document Pack - Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff - 01/09/2026
Renfrewshire Council · 1 September 2026
Back to Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff — 1 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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25/08/2026 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 01 September 2026 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 Christie, Head Teacher, Gryffe High School; D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Thistle Primary School; A Hall, Education Manager; Y Ward, Education Manager, (all 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, J Aitken, L Blackstock, M MacNeil, C Niven, Y Murray, (all EIS); S Jakoby (NASUWT); R Kane (SSTA); and A Bamford (EIS - Adviser to Teachers' Side). 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 MARK CONAGHAN Head of Corporate Governance Page 1 of 30
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25/08/2026 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 Minutes Minutes of previous AGM and Ordinary meetings, held on 9 June 2026, as agreed by the Joint Secretaries:- 5 - 12 2 Matters Arising Matters arising from the minutes of the previous meetings held on 9 June 2026. 3 School Holidays Session 2027/28 Report by Joint Secretaries. 13 - 14 4 Gaelic Medium Education Provision in Renfrewshire Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 15 - 16 5 Expansion of Renfrewshire Additional Support Needs (ASN) Provision Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side). 17 - 22 6 Learning Estate Update Presentation by the Joint Secretary (Management Side). 7 Absence Management Presentation by the Joint Secretary (Management Side). 8 Qualifications Scotland - Exam Success 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers' Side). 23 - 24 9 Curriculum Improvement Cycle Report by Joint Secretary (Teacher's Side). 25 - 26 Page 2 of 30
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25/08/2026 10 Scottish Government Consultation: Protecting Young People from Online Harm Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers' Side). 27 - 28 11 Scottish Government Guidance on Phone-free Learning Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers' Side). 29 - 30 12 Date of Next Meeting Members are asked to note that the next meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff will be held at 2.00 pm on 10 November 2026. Page 3 of 30
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Minute of Meeting Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 09 June 2026 14:00 AGM - Corporate Meeting Room 2, Renfrewshire House, Present Representing Renfrewshire Council Management Councillor Rodden (Joint Chair); E Henry, Head of Education, A Hall and Y Ward, both Education Managers, K Henry, Head Teacher, St Andrews Academy, D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Thistle Primary School (all Children’s Services); and K Clark, Strategic Lead Partner, R Barnes, Financial & Corporate Administrative Support Manager and S McCallum, Health & Safety Partner (substitute for S Fanning) (all Finance & Resources). Representing Renfrewshire Council Teaching Staff M Russell, Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side), D Tollan (Joint Chair), J Aitken, C Niven, Y Murray, M McGlynn, L Blackstock (substitute for T Millar), M MacNeil (observer) (all EIS); R Kane (SSTA); S Jakoby (NASUWT); and A Bamford (EIS - Adviser to Teachers' Side). In Attendance D Cunningham, Committee Services & Licensing Officer (Finance & Resources). Apologies Councillor Paterson; G McLaughlin and S Fanning. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements There were no declarations of interest or transparency statements intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting. Item 1 Page 5 of 30
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 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 Annual General Meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). DECIDED: That Councillor Rodden chair this Annual General Meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). 1 Membership of the Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers 2026/27 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to the membership of the Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff for session 2026/27. 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 2026/27 be noted; (b) That the proposed Joint Chairs and Joint Secretaries for each side be agreed. 2 Annual Report Session 2025/26 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to a summary of the work of the JNC during session 2025/26. The report outlined the membership of the Committee, the reports discussed, agreements reached during the period June 2025 to June 2026 and ongoing work. The Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) advised that A Bamford (EIS Adviser to the Teachers’ Side) and S Jakoby (NASUWT) should also have been included in the membership of the committee during this period. DECIDED: (a) That the report, appendices and verbal update be noted; and (b) That it be agreed that this report be circulated to all educational establishments. 3 Dates for Future Meetings 2026/27 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to the proposed future meeting dates for session 2026/27. DECIDED: That the schedule of meetings for the remainder of 2026 be noted and that the schedule of meetings for 2027 be agreed as – 2 February, 30 March, 8 June (AGM and Ordinary meeting), 7 September and 9 November 2027. Page 6 of 30
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Minute of Meeting Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 09 June 2026 14:10 Corportate Meeting Room 2, Renfrewshire House, Present Representing Renfrewshire Council Management Councillor Rodden (Joint Chair); E Henry, Head of Education, A Hall and Y Ward, both Education Managers, K Henry, Head Teacher, St Andrews Academy, D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Thistle Primary School (all Children’s Services); and K Clark, Strategic Lead Partner, R Barnes, Financial & Corporate Administrative Support Manager and S McCallum, Health & Safety Partner (substitute for S Fanning) (all Finance & Resources). Representing Renfrewshire Council Teaching Staff M Russell, Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side), D Tollan (Joint Chair), J Aitken, C Niven, Y Murray, L Blackstock, M MacNeil, M McGlynn (observer) (all EIS); R Kane (SSTA); S Jakoby (NASUWT); and A Bamford (EIS - Adviser to Teachers' Side). In Attendance P McDowall, Digital Learning Manager, L Baillie, Resources Support Manager (both items 4-5 only), J Lochans, Strategic Learning Estate Manager (item 12 only) (all Children’s Services); and D Cunningham, Committee Services & Licensing Officer (Finance & Resources). Apologies Councillor Paterson; G McLaughlin and S Fanning. Declarations of Interest and Transparency Statements There were no declarations of interest or transparency statements intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting. Item 1 Page 7 of 30
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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 D Tollan would chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). DECIDED: That D Tollan chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff (JNC). Order of Business In terms of standing order 16, the Chairperson intimated that he proposed to alter the order of business to facilitate the conduct of the meeting by considering item 5 before item 4 of the agenda, item 8 before item 7 of the agenda and item 12 before item 11 of the agenda. 1 Minute of Previous Meeting There was submitted the Minute of the meeting of this Committee held on 31 March 2026. DECIDED: That the Minute be approved. 2 Matters Arising In relation to item 9 of the Minute – Social Media Abuse, R Kane, SSTA delivered a verbal update relative to immediate response protocols which covered risk assessment, safeguarding, practical support, access to legal services, AI and preventative education. In relation to item 10 of the Minute – Learning Rep’ and Equality Rep’, the Teachers’ Side requested that a short-life working party be created which would include Learning Rep(s) and Equality Rep(s). A Hall, Education Manager advised she is taking this area of work forward with the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side). DECIDED: That the updates in respect of items 9 and 10 of the previous Minute be noted. 3 Action Log There was submitted the updated action log. A Hall, Education Manager, highlighted key points of the updated action log, and thanked N Fitzsimmons for her hard work on the job sizing project. The Teachers’ Side expressed concern that violence and aggression statistics had not been included in the agenda for this meeting as previously agreed. R Barnes, Financial & Corporate Administrative Support Manager, advised that these could be circulated to JNC members. The Head of Education advised members that a dashboard was in development which would highlight various datasets including violence and aggression and absence statistics. DECIDED: That the action log and additional verbal updates be noted. Page 8 of 30
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4 Proposed School Holidays Session 2027/28 There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the proposed school holiday days for session 2027/28, detailed at Appendix 1, as the best match to align with neighbouring authorities. DECIDED: (a) That the content of the report and appendix be noted; and (b) That it be agreed following consultation and review of responses that a board paper be drafted for the Education & Children’s Services Policy Board to set out the agreed pattern of school holidays for session 2027/28. 5 Multi-factor Authentication The Digital Learning Manager delivered a presentation relative to Multi-factor Authentication and was heard in response to queries thereon. DECIDED: That the content of the presentation and verbal updates be noted. 6 Staffing Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to the annual staffing exercise which was required to ensure establishments had the required resources in place. The proposals for session 2026/27 were outlined in the report. DECIDED: That the content of the report be noted. 7 Revision of Teachers' Absence Policy - Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) providing proposed steps for drafting revisions to the Teachers’ Absence Policy which was outdated with many of the terms and conditions now obsolete. The Strategic Lead Partner (People) would meet with the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) to outline a proposed approach to creating and producing a draft revised Policy for consideration at a future meeting of the JNC. DECIDED: That the intended action and proposed approach to the revision of the Teachers’ Absence Policy be noted. 8 Absence Cover Policy - Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) providing proposed steps for drafting revisions to JNC11, the Absence Cover Policy, which had last been reviewed in 2007. A Hall, Education Manager, would work with the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) to draft proposed revisions to relevant sections which would be presented to a sub group of JNC for consideration. Engagement with Finance Business Partners would be conducted as required. DECIDED: That the intended action and proposed approach to the revision of JNC11 relating to Absence Cover in Schools be noted. Page 9 of 30
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9 Teacher Booker - Update There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) relative to an issue previously raised by the Teachers’ Side that communication shared with supply teachers regarding notice periods was at variance with SNCT terms and conditions. A Hall, Education Manager, had investigated this and alterations had been made to circulated communication. DECIDED: That the resolution to the issue raised be noted. 10 School Inspection Progress (2024-2026) There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Management Side) providing details of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) inspections undertaken at 12 Renfrewshire schools over the last two academic sessions (2024/25 and 2025/26). The Head of Education expressed her thanks to all staff for their hard work which had resulted in the positive inspection findings and gradings. DECIDED: That the content of the report be noted. 11 ASN Provision There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) which outlined challenges relating to Additional Support Needs (ASN) provision experienced by Teachers. Concerns were expressed that ASN was under-resourced, did not adequately meet the real needs of learners/families and was one of the main areas underpinning teacher stress and workload complaints. The Head of Education responded that this was an area that she continued to review within the full estate budget and highlighted that two Renfrewshire ASN establishments had been provided with additional supports this year. The Head of Education advised that a working group would be established involving members of the Teachers’ Side to further review all ASN matters. DECIDED: That it be noted that a working group would be established to further review all ASN matters. 12 Learning Estate Update The Strategic Learning Estate Manager delivered a presentation relative to an update on the Learning Estate which included Paisley Grammar School, Park Mains High School and Thistle Primary School. DECIDED: That the presentation and verbal updates be noted. 13 Violence and Aggression Policy improvements needed There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) relative to the Renfrewshire Managing Violence and Aggression Policy in Educational Establishments and required updates. The Head of Education encouraged the continued reporting of all incidents and advised that a working group would be established to review the policy. DECIDED: That it be noted that a working group would be established to review the Renfrewshire Managing Violence and Aggression Policy. Page 10 of 30
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14 Date of Next Meeting DECIDED: That it be noted that the next meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff would be held at 2.00 pm on 1 September 2026. Valedictory The Chair and members expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing members for their valued contribution to the work of the JNC. Page 11 of 30
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Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1 September 2026 Report by Joint Secretaries School Holidays Session 2027/28 1. Background 1.1. Each year the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board is asked to determine a framework for school holiday arrangements for the session beginning in August of the following year. 1.2. On Thursday 20 August 2026, the Education and Children’s Services Policy Board was asked to approve the pattern of school holiday arrangements for the school session beginning August 2027. This paper was approved by members of the board. 1.3. Appendix 1 is the option that was presented to board and is the best match possible to those being considered by neighbouring councils given the varying holiday arrangements. 2. Recommendation 2.1. Members of the JNC are asked to: • note the contents of this report and the appendix attached; and • agree to the approved pattern of school holidays for session 2027/28. PUBLIC Item 3 Page 13 of 30
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1 September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side) Gaelic Medium Education Provision in Renfrewshire 1. Background 1.1. The Education (Scotland) Act 2016 places a duty on education authorities to promote and support Gaelic Medium Education (GME) and Gaelic Learner Education. Renfrewshire Council established Gaelic Medium Primary Education (GMPE) at West Primary School in August 2022. 1.2. Since its introduction, the provision has expanded annually. This session, the provision has enrolled the largest Primary 1 intake since it was established. 1.3. Current provision is managed by the Head Teacher of West Primary School. The Council continues to submit successful applications to the Scottish Government's Gaelic Specific Grant Fund and Capital Grant Fund to support development and expansion of the provision. This funding has also facilitated the creation of additional capacity within the central team to lead Gaelic developments. 1.4. Education Scotland's inspection of West Primary School in April 2023 recognised GME as a strength within the school and highlighted the positive impact of Gaelic language and culture on children's learning experiences. 1.5. The Council's Gaelic Language Plan 2024-2029 includes commitments to explore Gaelic Medium Early Learning and Childcare (GMELC) provision and future secondary pathways as part of the long-term ambition to establish a sustainable 3-18 Gaelic learner journey within Renfrewshire. This will also ensure the Council is prepared to meet the statutory duties arising from the Scottish Languages Act (2025). 2. Summary 2.1. Workforce Planning and Staffing Implications 2.1.1. Renfrewshire Council has adopted a phased approach to the development of Gaelic education, balancing parental demand with the long-term sustainability of provision. 2.1.2. As part of the short-term plan, a Gaelic-speaking Early Learning and Childcare Support Worker post has been introduced from August 2026 and when successfully recruited, children attending West Primary Nursery Class will have access to a Gaelic experience programme. Item 4 Page 15 of 30
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PUBLIC 2.1.3. Planning is underway for the establishment of a dedicated GMELC provision from August 2027. Hillview Early Learning and Childcare Centre has been identified as the preferred location for this development, subject to implementation planning, registration requirements and stakeholder engagement. 2.1.4. The development of the proposed GMELC provision will require the recruitment of Gaelic Medium Early Learning Practitioners. Workforce planning activity will therefore continue to focus on recruitment, retention and professional learning opportunities in a challenging national labour market for Gaelic-speaking practitioners. 2.1.5. Longer-term planning includes continued consideration of secondary provision and transition arrangements for pupils progressing from GMPE. To support and plan the development of effective transition, we have secured the services of a Renfrewshire secondary teacher (J-P Tonner) with GME experience who will work with us and engage with relevant bodies and neighbouring authorities to explore future secondary pathways with a view to providing effective progression in line with the Council’s Gaelic Language Plan 2024-2029 and thereby realise the ambition of establishing a sustainable 3-18 Gaelic learner journey. 2.1.6. Engagement with staff, parents, trade unions and national partners will continue as the Council develops its Gaelic education strategy and associated workforce plans. 2.2. Financial Context 2.2.1. External funding continues to support the expansion of GME. In recent years the Council has secured Gaelic Specific Grant funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and capital funding from the Scottish Government to enhance accommodation, resources and staffing support. 3. Recommendations 3.1. The Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers is asked to note the continued growth of GME provision in Renfrewshire and the workforce implications associated with this planned development. Page 16 of 30
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1 September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Management Side) Expansion of Renfrewshire Additional Support Needs (ASN) Provision Strategic Overview ASN in Renfrewshire Renfrewshire continues to experience a significant increase in the number of children and young people identified as requiring Additional Support Needs (ASN) provision. Currently, 45.6% of pupils across the authority are recorded as having an additional support need. Alongside increasing demand, the complexity of need has also grown. This has required the Education Service to continuously review and adapt its approaches to inclusion, intervention and specialist provision to ensure children and young people receive the right support, at the right time and in the right setting. Following the introduction of the refreshed GIRFEC framework, Renfrewshire has adopted a strategic and data-informed approach to planning and delivering ASN services. This includes strengthening early intervention, expanding targeted support pathways and developing more flexible models of provision. Our work in this area is increasingly being recognised through external scrutiny and national engagement, reflecting the quality and responsiveness of the support available across the authority. To ensure we can continue to meet rising demand while supporting inclusion within local communities, a phased programme of ASN expansion is proposed. Expansion of ASN Provision Short-Term Actions (2026-27) Expansion of FLS at Linwood High School. Flexible Learning Service (FLS) Pilot at Linwood High School Develop a pilot provision that offers young people access to mainstream learning opportunities while providing a dedicated and adaptable base for those requiring enhanced support. Previously this FLR provided support to senior phase learners. Item 5 Page 17 of 30
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PUBLIC This expansion allows children from S1 through to S6 to receive support in this provision. The pilot will: • Support successful transition from primary to secondary school. • Increase inclusion within mainstream settings. • Provide targeted interventions to sustain placements. • Inform future development of secondary ASN provision. • Have 2 primary teachers, 2 ASNA also an additional Key Worker Establish an Additional Primary Flexible Learning Space at Rashielea Primary School Create additional ASN capacity through the development of a Flexible Learning Space at Rashielea Primary School. The location offers: • High-quality outdoor learning opportunities. • Appropriate spaces to support sensory and regulation needs. • Reduced transport requirements for learners living in Renfrew and Erskine. The provision will be supported through: • Principal Teacher FLR • 1 Teacher • 1 Education, Leisure and Community Officer (ELCO) • 1 Additional Support Needs Assistant (ASNA) This support will enable targeted intervention for pupils requiring enhanced support to maintain engagement within mainstream education. Increase Staffing Capacity within West FLR Provide: • 1 Teacher • 1 ELCO This additional staffing will enable West FLR to expand its capacity and operate from a mainstream environment, supporting P1 learners requiring targeted intervention and helping sustain mainstream placements at an earlier stage. Page 18 of 30
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PUBLIC Expand Capacity at Mary Russell School and Riverbrae School Undertake targeted adaptations and reconfiguration of existing spaces within both schools to increase classroom capacity and respond to projected growth in demand. This approach will maximise existing assets while creating additional learning environments that meet the needs of children and young people with complex additional support needs. Medium-Term Actions (2027-29) Develop a Permanent expansion of FLR Model within a Secondary Subject to evaluation of the Linwood High School pilot, develop permanent expansion of Linwood FLR model which supports learners from BGE through to Senior Phase. The model would: • Provide structured access to mainstream learning at all stages • Offer a dedicated support base for learners requiring enhanced provision. • Increase inclusion and participation. • Support improved learner outcomes. Placements would continue to be agreed through the Education Support Resource Group (ESRG) process. Expand the Pathways to Success Programme Build on the success of the existing Skills Academy by expanding the Pathways to Success model. Investment would focus on: • Increasing capacity. • Expanding available learning space. • Enhancing supported vocational opportunities. • Developing a wider range of skills-based learning pathways. • Supporting positive destinations for young people who may not thrive within traditional mainstream models. Strategic Use of Temporary Learning Accommodation Review opportunities to repurpose or relocate existing teaching huts (modular units) that remain operational. Page 19 of 30
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PUBLIC These spaces could provide: • Flexible learning environments for senior phase learners. • Additional specialist teaching areas. • Increased capacity within existing school buildings for younger learners with more complex needs. Long-Term Actions (2029 onwards) Undertake a Comprehensive ASN Estate Review Complete a strategic review of ASN provision across Renfrewshire to understand: • Future demographic trends. • Emerging learner profiles. • Demand projections. • Capacity requirements. • Geographic distribution of need. The review will inform a long-term ASN strategy that ensures provision remains sustainable, equitable and responsive to future demand. Embed ASN Provision within the Learning Estate Strategy Ensure ASN planning is fully integrated within the wider Learning Estate Strategy. This will support: • Strategic investment decisions. • Better alignment between mainstream and specialist provision. • Improved use of resources. • Sustainable estate planning. • A coherent authority-wide approach to meeting additional support needs. Conclusion Renfrewshire's ASN population continues to grow in both scale and complexity. To ensure children and young people continue to receive high-quality support within inclusive and appropriate learning environments, a phased programme of expansion is required. The proposed short, medium and long-term actions will: Page 20 of 30
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PUBLIC • Increase capacity across the ASN sector. • Support earlier intervention. • Enhance inclusion within mainstream settings. • Reduce pressure on specialist provisions. • Improve learner pathways and outcomes. • Ensure future provision is strategically planned and sustainable. This programme will position Renfrewshire to meet increasing demand while maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education for all children and young people. Page 21 of 30
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1st September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Qualifications Scotland - Exam success 2026 1. Background The 2026 exam results were announced in August and overall, from figures provided by Qualifications Scotland, the national picture shows improvement on previous performance. Whilst the attainment gap is reported to be slightly reduced, it continues to be a mitigating factor in academic achievement. Those who experience Additional Support Needs performed less well than their peers nationally, highlighting the need for additional resources to support pupils with ASN. In Renfrewshire, the broad pass rate at National 5 was 78.5%, at Higher 75.4% and Advanced Higher 75.7%. 2. Recommendation That the members of JNC extend congratulations to all pupils on their successes and that pupils and staff are commended for their efforts in achieving a positive set of results. The results serve to highlight the continued need to focus on poverty-related attainment and on staffing as well as the provision of adequate ASN support to sustain success for all young people in Renfrewshire. Item 8 Page 23 of 30
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1st September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Curriculum Improvement Cycle 1. Background Education Scotland states that as part of the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC) co-design process, early draft samples from the new curriculum will be shared with councils to enable educators to have access to materials that can help them understand how curriculum improvement work is progressing. These materials were being developed to be distributed to schools for the start of the 2026-27 academic year with a full draft, technical Curriculum Framework to be shared in the early autumn. Education Scotland further states that subject to agreement with the SNCT, councils will decide on the exact dates for the additional in-service days, which are intended to be aligned to the existing autumn and spring holidays, based on local holiday timetables. The Teachers’ Side is keen to progress discussions around access to the exemplar materials as well as the ongoing consultation process, and also to engage in discussions around the proposed additional inservice days which need to be planned in advance as part of the calendar discussions. 2. Recommendation That further discussions be arranged to discuss engagement in CIC processes and how teachers will be facilitated to engage with materials. Furthermore, as part of calendar discussions, and subject to SNCT agreement, to meet to discuss when the two additional calendar dates will be arranged to enable all teachers to be involved in CIC, including part-time teachers. Item 9 Page 25 of 30
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1st September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Scottish Government Consultation: Protecting Young People from Online Harm 1. Background The Scottish Government launched a consultation on 19th August, 2026 to explore families’ experiences of smartphones, social media and going online. The purpose of the consultation is to gather information and inform this important public health campaign. A link to the surveys can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/news/protecting-young-people-from-online-harms/ There are two main parts to the paper: the first survey explores how children and young people use screens, apps and social media, as well as assessing the possible effects on their wellbeing and their confidence in staying safe on the internet; the second survey, directed at parents and carers, seeks to ascertain how confident they are in supporting their children’s screen use, and what resources they would find helpful. As well as the surveys the paper outlines the Scottish Governments attempts to influence UK social media policy and also has links to organisations that promote safety online and support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. This consultation closes on Wednesday 30th September. 2. Recommendation That Renfrewshire Council actively promotes the Scottish Government survey widely in its communications with staff and schools to encourage participation of as many young people, parents and carers as possible to inform this important public health campaign. Item 10 Page 27 of 30
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PUBLIC Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 1st September 2026 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Scottish Government Guidance on Phone-free Learning 1. Background New guidance, “phone-free learning before law change” was published on 30th June 2026. https://www.gov.scot/publications/guidance-mobile-phones-scotlands-schools- update-2026/ The document urges schools to ban phones during teaching time ‘as a minimum’ and intimates that there is “planned legislation to create phone-free learning environments”. Renfrewshire Council recently undertook a review of its policy around mobile phone use after the Teachers’ side raised concerns that mobile phone use was a growing concern for the wellbeing of staff and pupils alike. The new Cabinet Secretary for Education references some of the harms of mobile phones in the above document stating: mobile phones are causing distraction in the classroom and we must end this so our children and young people can reach their full educational potential. Beyond distraction, we know there is a spectrum of other harms associated with the online world from issues with sleep, mental health and loss of concentration through to exposure to harmful, violent or misogynistic content and, in extreme cases, incitement to self-harm, severe bullying and grooming A further Scottish Government consultation is planned to restrict the use of mobile ‘phones but the current advice from the Cabinet Secretary urges action: “encouraging Scotland’s education authorities, headteachers and schools to act now, following our refreshed guidance. [ https://www.gov.scot/publications/guidance- mobile-phones-scotlands-schools-update-2026/ ]… As a minimum, restrictions should apply during teaching and learning time, but schools should also consider implementing a whole school ban.” The updated guidance also encourages schools “to adopt a robust but measured response to the inappropriate use of mobile phones to minimise distraction, disruption and emotional harm.” Item 11 Page 29 of 30
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PUBLIC 2. Recommendation That Renfrewshire Council, in consultation with the Teachers’ side, reviews the Policy in all schools in respect of mobile devices with a view to implementing the current Scottish Government interim advice and guidance which replaces that issued in August 2024. That any consultations should give consideration of what “a robust but measured response to the inappropriate use of mobile phones” looks like. That all head teachers, after having consulted with their school communities, are supported in restricting the use of mobile phones by the Local Authority. Page 30 of 30