Agenda Document Pack - Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff - 11/02/2025
Renfrewshire Council · 11 February 2025
Back to Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff — 11 February 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
05/02/2025 Notice of Meeting and Agenda Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 11 February 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; E Henry, Head of Education; S Bell, Education Manager (Whole Family Wellbeing); 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 K Fella/M Russell (Joint Secretary), JP Tonner, T Millar, Y Murray, D Tollan, B Kelly and C Niven (all EIS); R Kane(SSTA); L Gibson (NASUWT) and D Campbell (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 36
Page 2
05/02/2025 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 Meeting Minute of previous meeting held on 12 November 2024. 4 - 10 2 Matters Arising Matters arising from the minute of the previous meeting held on 12 November 2024. 3 Action Log 11 - 23 4 Mobile Phone Guidance for Schools Report by Head of Education. 24 - 28 5 Seesaw Report by Head of Education. 29 - 29 6 Printing Procedures/Facilities Report by Head of Education. 30 - 30 7 Flexible Working Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers' Side). 31 - 34 8 Education for Peace Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers' Side). 35 - 35 9 Riverbrae Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers' Side). 36 - 36 Page 2 of 36
Page 3
05/02/2025 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 2.00 pm on 25 March 2025. Page 3 of 36
Page 4
Minute of Meeting Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff Date Time Venue Tuesday, 12 November 2024 14:00 Corporate Meeting Room 2, Renfrewshire House, Present Representing Renfrewshire Council Management Councillor Rodden; E Henry, Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing); G McLaughlin, Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) , A Hall, Education Manager (Development), D Rigmand, Head Teacher, Y Ward and S Bell (both Education Managers) (all Education & Children’s Services); and K Clark, Strategic Lead Partner (People); and Steven Fanning, Strategic Lead Partner (Health & Safety) (both Finance and Resources). Representing Renfrewshire Council Teaching Staff K Fella, (Joint Secretary), M Russell, Y Murray, J P Tonner, C Niven and D Baxter (all EIS); R Kane (SSTA); and A Dollan (NASUWT). In Attendance J Barron, Committee Services Officer (Finance & Resources). Item 1 Page 4 of 36
Page 5
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 J P Tonner would chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff. DECIDED: That J P Toner chair this meeting of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff. Apologies Councillor Paterson; K Henry; D Tollan (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. Order of Business The Chair proposed that in order to facilitate the business of the meeting the following item, which the Chair had accepted as a late report - Appointments of JNC be considered before Item 2 Minute of Previous Meeting. 1 Appointments to JNC There was a verbal report by the Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing) which advised that Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) would replace Emma Henry, Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing) as Joint Secretary of the Renfrewshire Council Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff, and that Emma Henry would take up the position of Vice- Secretary. It was also advised that David Rigmand would replace Jane Houston, representing Head Teachers. It was noted that Susan Bell and Yvonne Ward were both appointed to the JNC as representatives on the management side. DECIDED: (a)That the new appointments be agreed; and (b)That the verbal report be noted. Page 5 of 36
Page 6
2 Minute of Previous Meeting Under reference to Item 6 – Absence Management/Supporting Attendance (Teachers) Policy, of the Minute of the previous meeting held on 3 September 2024, the Teachers’ Side requested that the minute be changed to record “relative to the updating” rather than “relative to the updated” and this be recorded in the minute. The Clerk confirmed that this would be amended. DECIDED: That the Minute be approved subject to the above amendment. 2 Matters Arising Under reference to Item 3 of the Minute of the previous meeting held on 3 September 2024 - Matters Arising, in relation to the Council’s policy on mobile phone use in Schools, the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) advised that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025. Under reference to Item 3 of the Minute of the previous meeting held on 3 September 2024 - Matters Arising, in relation to Seesaw and implications of digital platforms, the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) advised that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025. Under reference to Item 9 of the Minute of the previous meeting held on 3 September 2024 - Printing Procedures and Printing Facilities, the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) advised that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025. Y Ward, Education Manager, advised that a meeting with ICT and SVQ Co-ordinators would be held on 21 November 2024 to attempt to solve issues which might affect students during exams in relation to pin numbers on printers. DECIDED: (a) That updates on progress of the policy on mobile phones be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025; (b) That updates of progress with regard to Seesaw and implications of digital platforms be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025; and (c)That updates of progress with regard to Printing Procedures and Printing Facilities be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025. 4 Action Log The action log for the JNC was submitted. DECIDED: That the action log be noted. Page 6 of 36
Page 7
5 Joint Inspection of Services for Children at Risk of Harm in Renfrewshire There was submitted a report by The Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing) relative to the Joint Inspection of Services for Children at Risk of Harm in Renfrewshire. DECIDED: That the report be noted. 6 Education Standards & Quality Report September 2024 & Education Improvement Plan 2024/25 There was submitted a report by the Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing) relative to the Education Standards and Quality Report September 2024 and Education Improvement Plan 2024/25. The Joint Secretary (Teacher’s side) requested that the Unions be involved as part of the working group working towards finalisation of the improvement plan for 2024/25. The Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing) advised that the policy would be shared with the Unions for their comments when the document had been progressed further. DECIDED: (a) That the Improvement Plan be shared with the Union for comment when the document had been progressed further; and (b) That the report be noted. 7 Budget Underspends in Primary and Children & Families and Early Learning & Childcare Service There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretaries relative to budget underspends in Primary Schools and Early Learning Services. DECIDED: (a) That efforts would be made to recruit any current shortfall in school and Early Learning and Childcare staff. (b) That further reports be submitted to the JNC regarding underspends; and (c) That the report be noted. Page 7 of 36
Page 8
8 Managing and Reporting Violence and Aggression Launch There was submitted a report by the Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) relative to the Managing and Reporting Violence and Aggression Policy Launch. The Head of Education (Attainment, Inclusion and Wellbeing) advised that a training module on managing and reporting violence was being prepared and should be ready by Christmas 2024. Support staff would be trained in February 2025 on the policy, that there may not be capacity for this Policy and to be included in the programme for the in-service day in February 2025, as other training may already be arranged and paid for on those days, it was intended that the policy be included as part of the programme for the in-service days in August 2025. The Joint Secretary (Teacher’s side) advised he was disappointed by this outcome and hoped that the launch and training on this policy would have been sooner. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted that the Violence and Aggression Policy be part of the programme for the in-service day in August 2025. (b) That the report be noted. 9 Addition to SNCT Handbook- Family Leave There was submitted a report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) in relation to an addition to the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) Handbook regarding family leave. The report advised that the SNCT agreed changes in June 2024 to the Family Leave section of the SNCT Handbook. The changes reflected the new Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024, which came into effect on 6 April 2024. DECIDED: (a) That it be agreed that the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s Side) would consult with the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) regarding the updating of the policy on Family Leave; (b) That the report be noted. 10 Maximum Class Sizes There was submitted a report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) regarding maximum class sizes. It was advised that there have been a few occasions in some establishments of classes exceeding the legal maximum outside of the ‘Excepted Pupils’ criteria of SNCT at Part 2 - Appendix 2.9. It was agreed that classes continue to stay within the limits as set in the SNCT Appendix 2.9. Page 8 of 36
Page 9
DECIDED: (a) That class sizes continue to stay within the limits as set in SNCT at Part 2 - Appendix 2.9’ and (b) That the report be noted. 11 Addition to SNCT Handbook- Principal Teachers and Management Time There was submitted a report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) regarding changes to the SNCT terms and conditions as outlined in the report. DECIDED: (a) That it be agreed that the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s Side) would consult with the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) regarding the updating of the policy on Principal Teachers and Management Time; and (b) That the report be noted. 12 Occupational Health Reports There was submitted a report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) regarding occupational health reports not being provided to teachers who had used the service, as the reports were sent directly to their Head Teacher and in some instances there was a failure by the Head Teacher to pass on the occupational health report when they had been requested to do so by the relevant teacher. The Strategic Lead Partner (Health & Safety) advised that People Asset Management (PAM), the external agent acting for the Local Authority in matters of Occupational Health, had a system which generated a report which was sent directly to the Head Teacher, rather than to the Teacher themselves. DECIDED: (a) That it be noted that system used by PAM to produce occupational health reports sent reports directly to Head Teachers; (b) That headteachers were reminded to provide Occupational Health reports to staff as a matter of course; and (c) That the report by noted. 13 Date of Next Meeting It was noted that the date of the next meeting of the Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee was scheduled to be held at 2.00pm on 11 February 2025. Page 9 of 36
Page 10
Page 10 of 36
Page 11
Joint Negotiating Committee For Teachers – Action Log Item 3 Date of JNC Meeting Report Action to be taken Officer responsible Due date (default date is the date of the next meeting unless either the report or the Joint Secretaries suggests an alternative date) Status (this section requires to be completed by the two Joint Secretaries to be included as an update at the next meeting) 6 February 2024 Item 3 Matters Arising (a) Set up working group to discuss JNC/15 Grievance Procedures (c) Standard Circular access work (d) Safeguarding triggers in SEEMIS (e) Let’s be Heard Covid Enquiry update (a) E Henry - Interim Head of Education (c) J Colquhoun -Education Manager (Development) (d) E Henry - Interim Head of Education (e) M Thomas - Education Manager (Development) 26 March 2024 26 March 2024 26 March 2024 26 March 2024 Groups to be allocated November 2024 Emma to find out how Kenny can access SC as changes to admin on website Actioned Actioned Item 3 Page 11 of 36
Page 12
6 February 2024 Item 4 Violence and Aggression Update (a) Provide examples of BW glitches (b) Update on national H&S working group (a) Teachers’ Side (b) Principal HR&OD Adviser Ongoing Ongoing Actioned Stevie to action 6 February 2024 Item 6 Mobile Phone Use (a) Staff advised that policy would be reviewed (b) Working group to be set up to facilitate review of policy (c) Mobile phone policy reissued to schools with caveat that phones can only be used as directed by staff G Lyons - Interim Head of Education Ongoing GM HoE to overtake this 26 March 2024 Item 3 Matters Arising (a) Notify Principal HR&OD Adviser of any BW issues with reporting incidents (c) Review of Mobile Phone Use in Schools Policy (e) Discuss time for Trade Union meetings not being provided Teachers’ Side GL – Interim Manager of Education and Teachers’ Side EH – Interim Head of Education and Teachers’ Side 14 May 2024 14 May 2024 14 May 2024 Actioned Ongoing Actioned Page 12 of 36
Page 13
14 May 2024 Item 7 Violence and Agression (b) Professional Learning to be shared with HTs (c) HTs to be requested to remind teaching staff of the reporting arrangements in place in their schools (d) Meeting with Teachers Side to discuss BW incident recording EH EH SF and Teachers Side 11 June 2024 11 June 2024 11 June 2024 Actioned 14 May 2024 Item 8 Removal of Teacher Exchange Scheme That the scheme continue and it be promoted more widely within schools and revisited next session. EH and Teachers Side Ongoing Actioned 14 May 2024 Item 10 Flexible Working Flexible Working Policy information to be issued to all HTs EH 11 June 2024 Actioned 14 May 2024 Item 11 In Service Days/Public Hoildays and P/T Contracts Meeting to be held between both sides to discuss Both Sides 11 June 2024 Ongoing 14 May 2024 Item 12 Payroll and Salary Overpayments (a) Working Group to be established to discuss concerns raised; Both Sides 11 June 2024 Actioned Page 13 of 36
Page 14
(b) that payroll directional videos be provided to teachers; (C) Ipads provided to schools to enable access to BW to be located and put back into use within the Council estate. Management Side Both Sides 11 June 2024 11 June 2024 11 June 2024 Item 3 Matters Arising (a) Reissue the Council’s policy on mobile phone use in schools to all HTs (b) Arrange meeting to further discuss mobile phone use in schools with Teachers’ Side (c) Raise BW issues (d) Professional Learning Information to be available at October In-Service day GL GL Teachers’ Side EH 3 September 2024 3 September 2024 3 September 2024 3 September 2024 As above 11 June 2024 Item 4 Annual Report (a) Investigate how Standard Circulars could be made available to staff (b) Annual Report 2023/24 to be circulated to all educational establishments. EH EH 3 September 2024 3 September 2024 Actioned Page 14 of 36
Page 15
11 June 2024 Item 8 School Holidays Start date amended to 12 August 2025 in line with other neighbouring authorities and discussion to be continued on the remaining school days for 2025/26. Both Sides 3 September 2024 Actioned 11 June 2024 Item 9 NQT Induction Days The provision of a separate TU information session outwith the NQT induction day would be discussed J Colquhoun and Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) As soon as possible. Ongoing 11 June 2024 Item 10 REPS Discuss the provision of REPS and involve Head of REPS if required Joint Secretaries 3 September 2024 Actioned 11 June 2024 Item 11 Seesaw and Digital Platforms Review digital platform use across the school estate, particularly Seesaw GL with Teachers Side Ongoing GM HoE to overtake this 3 September 2024 Item 3 Matters Arising That the operational update on the Violence and Aggression Policy be issued to Head Teachers and Trade Unions That further information be provided in relation to the ASN provision/funding; EM EM Actioned Public domain Page 15 of 36
Page 16
That the policy on mobile phones be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 12 November 2024; That the Action Log be updated by the Head of Education and Joint Secretary (Teacher’s side) at their pre-meeting and passed timeously to the Clerk for inclusion on the agenda; and That updates of progress with regard to Seesaw and implication of digital platforms be submitted to future meetings of the JNC. GL EM/KF GL GM HoE to overtake this Actioned GM HoE to overtake this 3 September 2024 Item 4 Action Log That updates be forwarded to the Clerk after the pre-meeting between Head of Education and the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s side) . EH/KF Actioned Page 16 of 36
Page 17
3 September 2024 Item 5 Appointment of Staff That it be agreed that the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s Side) would consult with the Head of Education regarding the review of the Standard Circular 16 in relation to appointment of staff. EH/KF ongoing 3 September 2024 Item 6 Absence Management / Supporting Attendance (Teachers) Policy That it be agreed that the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s Side) would consult with the Head of Education regarding the updating of the policy on Absence Management/Supporting Attendance. EH/KF ongoing 3 September 2024 Item 7 Job Sizing Review That Headteachers be reminded of the two points in the year when a review could be triggered; and EH Actioned 3 September 2024 Item 8 Printing Procedures and Printing Facilities That it be agreed that issues with the location of printers should be discussed with Headteachers; GL GM HoE to overtake this Page 17 of 36
Page 18
3 September 2024 Item 9 Changes to Digital Infrastructure That the Interim Head of Education investigate the process for logging calls with the ICT Helpdesk. GL GM HoE to overtake this 3 September 2024 Item 10 Dual Presentation and Unit Catch-up That Teachers, in discussion with learners and parents, should decide, as early as possible, the correct level of study for the pupil; That pupils should only be presented for one level of study per qualification eg National 4 or National 5, except in exceptional circumstances; That finalising of unit assessments and reassessments in the month of May should accommodate learners who had already completed some units or parts of units at a particular level and required only limited EH Noted Page 18 of 36
Page 19
time to complete the outstanding assessments to achieve a qualification; and 12 November 2024 Item 3 Matters Arising (a) That updates on progress of the policy on mobile phones be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025; (b) That updates of progress with regard to Seesaw and implications of digital platforms be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025; and (c)That updates of progress with regard to Printing Procedures and Printing Facilities Be submitted to the next meeting of the JNC scheduled to be held on 11 February 2025. GMcL GMcL GMcL 11 February 2025 Page 19 of 36
Page 20
12 November 2024 Item 4 Action Log Note the report. 12 November 2024 Item 5 Joint Inspection Of Services For Children At Risk Of Harm In Renfrewshire Note the report. 12 November 2024 Item 6 Education Standards & Quality Report September 2024 & Education Improvement Plan 2024/25 a) That the Improvement Plan be shared with the Union for comment when the document had been progressed further; and (b) That the report be noted. EH 11 February 2025 12 November 2024 Item 7 Budget Underspends In Primary And Children & Families And Early Learning & Childcare Service (a) That efforts would be made to recruit any current shortfall in school and Early Learning and Childcare staff. Page 20 of 36
Page 21
(b) That further reports be submitted to the JNC regarding underspends; and (c) That the report be noted. GMcL 11 February 2025 12 November 2024 Item 8 Managing And Reporting Violence And Aggression Launch (a) That it be noted that the Violence and Aggression Policy be part of the programme for the in-service day in August 2025. (b) That the report be noted. 12 November 2024 Item 9 Addition To Snct Handbook- Family Leave (a) That it be agreed that the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s Side) would consult with the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) regarding the updating of the policy on Family Leave; (b) That the report be noted. GMcL 11 February 2025 Page 21 of 36
Page 22
12 November 2024 Item 10 Maximum Class Sizes (a) That class sizes continue to stay within the limits as set in SNCT at Part 2 - Appendix 2.9’ and (b) That the report be noted. 12 November 2024 Item 11 Addition To Snct Handbook- Principal Teachers And Management Time (a) That it be agreed that the Joint Secretary (Teacher’s Side) would consult with the Head of Education (Strategy and Improvement) regarding the updating of the policy on Principal Teachers and Management Time; and (b) That the report be noted. GMcL 11 February 2025 12 November 2024 Item 12 Occupational Health Reports (a) That it be noted that system used by PAM to produce occupational health reports sent reports directly to Head Teachers; (b) That headteachers were reminded to EH Page 22 of 36
Page 23
provide Occupational Health reports to staff as a matter of course; and (c) That the report by noted. Page 23 of 36
Page 24
Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 11 February 2025 Report by Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education Mobile Phone Guidance for Schools 1. Background 1.1. Following the publication of the Scottish Government’s Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools in August 2024, Renfrewshire Council set up a working party to review this guidance and provide schools with a local policy, with a view to this being implemented in schools by August 2025. 1.2. The short-life working group was comprised of the following staff members: 1.2.1. Paul Marshall, Head Teacher 1.2.2. Lisa Chalmers, Head Teacher 1.2.3. Kenny Fella, Joint EIS Local Secretary 1.2.4. John Paul Tonner 1.2.5. Alexis Davren 1.2.6. Tracey Lawson 1.2.7. Raymond Kane, SSTA 1.2.8. Tracey Millar 1.2.9. Aisling Dolan 1.2.10. Linda Gibson, NASUWT Secretary (Renfrewshire) 1.3. A draft guidance document was written by Pam McDowall and shared with all members of the working group prior to the first meeting. 1.4. The group met three times. 1.5. After each meeting, an updated draft was produced in line with the group’s thoughts, with the final draft (attached) being produced for DMT approval prior to being shared with JNCT and Board. 2. Recommendation 2.1 The JNCT approve this guidance with a view to a soft launch in Term 4 this session and full implementation across all schools from August 2025. Item 4 Page 24 of 36
Page 25
Renfrewshire Council Children’s Services Guidance on the use of mobile phones for schools (Version 4) Vision ‘To enable all schools and local authorities to develop an ethos of citizenship that leads to respectful and responsible use of mobile technology. This will encourage schools to positively embrace mobile technology to enhance learning now and, in the future, whilst helping them protect staff, children and young people from the possible disruptive and harmful consequences of misuse.’ Scottish Government “Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools” – Update 2024 Context Mobile technology is an integral part of the lives of children and young people across Scotland, with many bringing their own mobile phone devices into school. When used responsibly, mobile devices such as phones and tablets can be powerful tools to enhance learning and teaching, communication and social experience but it should also be recognised the significant challenges and impact these can have on children and young people. These devices may remove barriers to learning for some pupils. They can bring a sense of security to parents as their children enjoy more independent activities, such as walking to and from school unsupervised. Such devices can also be powerful tools when utilised by teachers to enhance learning and teaching. There is a clear commitment to recognising, respecting and promoting children’s rights in Scotland through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and any local decisions relating to the use of mobile devices in school should be made acting in the best interests of the child and taking their views into consideration. Purpose The purpose of this guidance is to provide schools in Renfrewshire Council with advice on how to develop a local school policy that encourages safe and responsible use of personal mobile technology in school, and beyond, whilst encouraging schools to adopt a robust but measured response to their inappropriate use. This may include restrictions and limitations on the use of mobile phones in schools. These policies should also be designed to protect children and young people and staff from harassment and abuse which can arise from the misuse of such technology. They should include the move towards the promotion of positive relationships and behaviour in a digital context and the important role of educators in preparing children and young people to become “digital citizens”. Guiding Principles • Balance: We recognise the potential benefits and risks of personal mobile technology use. Our approach aims to strike a balance that supports learning and teaching, whilst minimising disruption and harm. • Respect for Rights: We uphold the rights of the child, including their right to express their views and participate in decisions that affect them. We respect the rights of staff and pupils to have a safe and conducive learning environment and recognise that these rights are interconnected. Consideration must be given to how they impact each other. • Whole School Community Involvement: We will develop local policies in partnership with the whole school community engendering a sense of engagement, shared ownership and commitment. • Consistency: Children and young people need to understand that unacceptable behaviour remains unacceptable whether it occurs in an online environment, the playground, the classroom or anywhere else. Expectations for responsible conduct remain consistent, regardless of the context, and any breach of expectations in relation to mobile technology should be treated in accordance with the school’s behaviour policies. It is expected that staff will respond consistently to any irresponsible use of mobile technology and Page 25 of 36
Page 26
will explain to children why certain behaviours are unacceptable, and what the potential impact of such behaviours might be. In line with this, policies on mobile phone technology must be rooted within existing positive relationships and behaviour policies, which will already set out how incidents will be dealt with. • Features of a respectful and responsible use of mobile technology policy would fall within three broad categories: o digital rights and responsibilities (what individuals can and cannot do) o digital etiquette (standards of conduct when using mobile phones) o safe and secure use • Further reading: o https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/125554/1/Smartphone_policies_in_schools_Rahali_et_al_2024_002_.pdf o https://edexec.co.uk/unesco-urges-global-ban-on-smartphones-in-classrooms-to-enhance-learning- and-protect-children/ Digital Rights and Responsibilities (what individuals can and cannot do) • Unacceptable Behaviour: Unacceptable behaviour, whether online or offline, is not tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, bullying, harassment and the sharing of inappropriate content. • Consequences: Pupils who misuse their phone will be subject to the school’s own positive relationships and behaviour polices, which already set out how incidents will be dealt with, including agreed consequences and sanctions. Consistency is key to the successful implementation. • Reporting: Incidents of misuse should be reported by pupils to a teacher or member of staff and there should be clear protocols outlining the support available in school for staff and pupils who are the subject of harassment using mobile phones. Digital Etiquette (standards of conduct when using mobile phones) • Permitted Use: Mobile phones may be used in class for educational purposes when explicitly permitted by the class teacher. On arrival in class, phones should be stored in an agreed point in the classroom. There should be an emphasis on the need for safe and responsible use of mobile phone technology by children and young people and staff outwith formal leaning and teaching purposes. Phones may be used at interval and lunch within the social areas. • General restrictions: At all other times during the school day, mobile phones must be switched off and out of sight (e.g. in school bags). This includes movement between classes/toilets and inside toilet areas. • Exams: Mobile phones are prohibited during exams and assessments. Digital solutions can be used for alternative assessment arrangements, but mobile phones should not be considered for this. Further information on SQA arrangements can be found here: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/107507.html • Privacy: There is a need to respect privacy and the camera and filming functions on mobile phones must not be used without prior consent of subjects (children and young people or staff) being filmed or photographed, including the uploading of these on social networking or other websites. Camera and filming should not be used in a classroom setting unless clearly detailed by the class teacher. The use of phones is prohibited at all times in PE areas and in changing/toilet areas. Safe and Secure Use (precautions that can be taken to ensure digital safety) • Curriculum Support: We will incorporate lessons on safe and responsible mobile technology use into our curriculum. In addition, work is ongoing in schools in developing responsible and global citizens, recognising and respecting children’s rights, creating an anti-bullying culture and raising awareness of digital and online safety through Health and Wellbeing. • Parental Involvement: We encourage parents and carers to discuss safe mobile phone use with their children. Guidance on this will be shared regularly, including new national and local guidance. Implementation and Enforcement • Clear Communication: Headteachers should ensure the contents of this policy and guidance on how it will be applied in their own school are clearly communicated to all staff, pupils, parents and carers, including through consultation and two-way engagement with Parent Councils (where available) and the wider school community. Support from Headquarters is available if needed. Page 26 of 36
Page 27
• Consistent Enforcement: All staff will consistently enforce this policy, explaining the reasons behind the rules and the potential consequences of non-compliance. • Review: This policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure it effectiveness and relevance. Emergency Contacts In the case of emergency, pupils should contact a member of staff who will facilitate communication with parents or carer. Parents who need to make urgent contact with their child should contact the school office. Any unwell pupils or required absences should follow the school procedures and protocols. Exceptions Exceptions to this policy may be made for pupils with specific needs, such as young carers or those with medical conditions. The parameters of any exceptional arrangement will be agreed on by all relevant stakeholders and managed on a case-by-case basis. Legal Aspects We will adhere to all relevant legislation regarding mobile phone use, including laws related to data protection and online safety. Legislation relevant to aspects of online safety, including the safe and responsible use of mobile phones, can be found in appendix C5 of the Scottish version of the online safety policy tool for schools, 360 Degree Safe Scotland. The 360 Degree Safe Scotland self-review tool is free to use and is intended to help schools review their online safety policy and practice. Regardless of specific legal aspects, staff, children and young people need to feel safe and protected. The school’s polices on promoting positive relationships and behaviour and anti-bullying will provide a framework which should underpin responses to cases where mobile phones have been, or are perceived to have been, misused. Policies should make clear that there are consequences for misusing mobile technologies. In cases of extreme misuse where criminal events have been recorded using a mobile device, this immediately becomes a police matter and the school should place the device in the hands of the police without trying to access the contents. School staff cannot access content on a pupil’s mobile phone without the pupil’s consent, or the consent of their parent or carer where the pupil does not have capacity to consent. Taking photographs, videos or audio recordings of an individual without their permission may be regarded as a breach of that person’s rights, and may, in some instances, be regarded as an offence by the police. Should images of recordings be uploaded onto social networks without permission from the data subject, the individual should be asked to remove this as part of the normal behaviour policy of the school. Appendix One: Hints and Tips The following are a range of hints and tips for consideration as you are creating your own local context policy. These have been collated from other schools who shared what they have done to make it work in their context. This policy sits within the wider relationships policy for your school and should link to your core values. Consistency is key. • Each class could be given a box to store the mobile phones on arrival in the classroom. • Staff should not handle the mobile phones – the pupil puts their mobile phone in the box and retrieves it so they remain responsible for the device. This needs to be agreed with staff and should be woven into the wider relationships policy. • Agree with staff, pupils and parents the procedure should a pupil refuse to put the mobile phone in the box to ensure this is dealt with the same way in every class. • Regular reminders are given to pupils through assemblies to ensure all are clear about the procedures. This is linked to the positive behaviour policy and not just about mobile phones. A flowchart outlining this may be useful for schools. Page 27 of 36
Page 28
• Spot checks where a pupil claims not to have a mobile phone are useful and could be followed up by a phone call to the parent. • Challenging situations will arise with pupils refusing to comply – be aware of this and make sure that a consistent approach to dealing with this is in place and agreed with pupils, staff and parents. • Fire evacuation procedures must be agreed in advance – the priority is to evacuate pupils, not the mobile phones. Airpods and wearables should not be used in class as pupils cannot hear the fire alarm. • Consider when to implement the policy. Some secondary schools initially implemented with S1 – S3 during exam leave to make it easier to manage. They got pupils to create video clips around what had been agreed – for pupils and parents – and promoted these widely. • Schools may find it helpful to provide parents with reference to useful literature that will help them understand the need for this policy: o TED talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpjSEY3pe7U o Get Safe Online ▪ https://www.getsafeonline.org/personal/article-category/safeguarding-children/ o Health and Wellbeing resources ▪ https://sway.cloud.microsoft/8m9tr0cQVAE5mKOC?ref=Link ▪ https://sway.cloud.microsoft/SpUNDeYyeo8YblbH?ref=Link&loc=mysways o SQA ▪ https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/107507.html Further Links • https://www.gov.scot/publications/mobile-phone-guidance-scotlands-schools/ • https://www.ades.scot/Content/UserGenerated/file/RRlearningbeyondboundaries1.pdf • https://www.ades.scot/Content/UserGenerated/file/InsightsfromYoungPeopleandTeachersinScotland_Learni ngBeyondBoundaries_TheStaffCollegeandADES_final301024.pdf • https://www.channel4.com/programmes/swiped-the-school-that-banned-smartphones Page 28 of 36
Page 29
Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 11 February 2025 Report by Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education Seesaw 1. Background 1.1. This app is approved for use in our schools if using the paid for version only and establishments must request the data to be stored in the UK. 1.2. Some schools are currently trialling Just2Easy as an alternative to Seesaw – this is currently available through Glow as part of a free trial. This has similar features to Seesaw and is a way of sharing learning with parents. 2. Recommendation 2.1 The JNC is asked to note this update. Item 5 Page 29 of 36
Page 30
Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: 11 February 2025 Report by Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education Printing Procedures/Facilities 1. Background 1.1. The printer allocation was agreed by CMT. Each school has their allocation and it was at the discretion of the SMT which location they would be situated in. 1.2. Discussions have taken place around whether now is the time to reconsider the locations in which they were originally agreed. In Secondary schools, ESMs now have access to the dashboard which highlights amount of printing, location, etc. which will help them make an informed decision around location. 1.3. Procedures for exam printing, if required, have been agreed at SQA coordinators meeting – this includes moving printers and providing generic printer codes for users to print on the day. 2. Recommendation 2.1 The JNC is asked to note this update. Item 6 Page 30 of 36
Page 31
Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating for Teachers On: 11th February 2025 Flexible Working Policy Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Background The Council updated its Flexible Working Policy in line with the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 which came into force on April 6, 2024, giving employees the right to request flexible working from their first day of employment and the right to make two requests per year. The Council’s corporate policy was passed, without consultation with the teaching unions and is now being applied to all employees, including teachers and employees governed by SNCT terms and conditions, despite the varying remits and demands across the Service. Notwithstanding the lack of consultation, there are elements in the new proposals which are welcomed by the trade unions, however, subsequent to its introduction, many questions have been raised about the policy by a growing number of teachers, many of whom are discontent at the response to their applications for temporary periods of flexible working for reasons of childcare where it had been previous custom and practice to allow temporary applications. Childcare is referenced as a legitimate reason for granting flexible working in The Employment Act 2002, which amends The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Par 8A of which, relates to Flexible working). Section 80F states that: the …purpose in applying for the change is to enable him to care for someone who, at the time of application, is a child in respect of whom he satisfies such conditions as to relationship as the Secretary of State may specify by regulations. Then Item 7 Page 31 of 36
Page 32
(3) An application under this section must be made before the fourteenth day before the day on which the child concerned reaches the age of six or, if disabled, eighteen. The Renfrewshire Flexible Working Policy also states: 6. Principles of Flexible Working 6.1 … You can request flexible working for any reason. Reasons are not limited to caring and/or family responsibilities. The imperative to be flexible on the grounds of childcare are therefore acknowledged in legislation and in the Council’s own policy. But too often marrying policy with practice is proving problematic. The teaching unions are concerned that the enactment of the policy sometimes runs contrary to the above stated principles because some school managers, who claim to be acting on the directions of HR, are insisting that childcare is not a legitimate reason for requesting flexibility. This instruction and dogmatic approach have given rise to a number of concerns and frustrations. Said concerns are particularly voiced by women seeking to alter their working patterns to delay the transition back to full time work following a period of maternity leave; many hope to take reduced hours in the first year or two of their child’s life and then resume their full-time contractual commitment. The Flexible Working policy suggests that this is permitted. The policy states at par 6.7: If you require temporary or short-term support with family responsibilities or personal commitments, your manager will discuss and consider informal, alternative forms of flexibility with you. This may include if applicable . . . temporary, short-term changes to your hours of work, days, start/finish times and hybrid working. Despite this clause many requests continue to be rejected and women are being told that temporary arrangements can only be agreed in exceptional circumstances. It is worrying that many female employees’ requests for temporary reduced hours are being met with near-blanket refusals or citing too many other temporary employees as a reason for rejection. Similarly, requests for flexible arrangements for short periods (of up to 12 months) are being refused, met with an insistence that all applications need to be day 1 permanent contractual variations leaving many teachers with the dilemma of whether to reduce their long-term income prospects or to care for their families in the short term. Not all women can afford to give up full-time work altogether and it is unfair that they should need to make this choice. Page 32 of 36
Page 33
The implications for staff morale and staff retention cannot be overstated. The practice is also adding unnecessary stress and a financial detriment, to one section of the predominantly female teaching workforce, and fails to uphold the principles that the Council claims to protect. Indeed, in the introduction to the Flexible Working policy it states: 1.1 We are working to be the most supportive, caring and inclusive employer we can be, providing you with a workplace where you feel safe, valued and listened to, a place where you will have a good experience each day and feel supported to achieve your own goals… Furthermore, the Council’s Fair Work First statement was endorsed by the EIS on the understanding that further discussions would take place around three issues: flexible working; zero hours contracts; supply teachers’ contracts. The teaching unions have had only limited discussions to date around the three areas to allow us to present difficulties in implementing the flexible working arrangements. Many teachers are seeking a temporary reduction of full-time work for short periods of up to twelve months due to childcare commitments and the legislation acknowledges that childcare is a fundamental reason for making a request, yet women are being told that childcare is not an exceptional enough reason to grant a request. This is at odds with the legal reasons for flexibility and with the Council’s own principles and policy. The Council’s claim to be a family-friendly employer is not the experience of many young female teachers. It is of concern that one group- predominantly women with childcare responsibilities- is being denied the option of flexibility, for a temporary period. It has also come to the attention of the teaching unions that not all applications within the Authority are being processed in line with the policy which states that applications should be made via Businessworld. This is meant to be the hub for applications yet teachers are being asked to submit the old-format digital forms directly to schools as the forms have not been migrated to Businessworld. This means that there is no real objective oversight over applications -if that is what the Council is attempting to do on Businessworld. Neither can equity and consistency be guaranteed. The need for separate systems for different parts of the workforce and specific other different arrangements for teachers may indicate the need for a specific policy applicable to teaching staff rather than the corporate policy currently in place and the teaching unions would be keen to engage in discussions around this. Finally, one union rep, who is representative of the general consensus, writes on behalf of her own members: … multiple members believe that the policy does not offer any support for young working mothers. The new implementation of the policy is having a detrimental impact, Page 33 of 36
Page 34
by forcing them to make a choice at a time that is already emotional and full of change. We are supposed to be a caring profession and think of other parents but this policy is falling short because it fails to acknowledge that teachers can be parents too. Those who have benefitted in the past from a year of flexibility were able to manage childcare, spend time with their own children in those crucial early years and feel far more supported in their workplace. It feels like a step backwards and against the spirit of the legislation and flies in the face of any sort of work/life balance or wellbeing of staff- particularly women. I understand that childcare isn't the only reason for applying for flexible working but if a return from Maternity isn't seen as exceptional then it limits supporting women, unless they can prove there are other exceptional or extenuating circumstances. Any kind of return to work after an extended absence that is as life altering as the birth of a child is absolutely "exceptional" for that individual person! Action • The trade unions are seeking agreement that where childcare is given as a reason for a flexible working request that the request is looked upon favourably, without the need to prove exceptional circumstances. • The trade unions are seeking head teacher discretion to allow a flexible temporary period - to be agreed at establishment level - before any teacher is required to make a permanent reduction to their normal hours. This could be for up to twelve months, or longer if circumstances allow it. • The trade unions wish to explore a specific policy for flexible working in schools that includes temporary arrangements and a reference to childcare as acceptable reasons for granting applications. Page 34 of 36
Page 35
Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating for Teachers On: 11th February 2025 Education for Peace Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Background The EIS has recently launched a policy document, ‘Education for Peace’ which is concerned with the relationship between education and society. Education for peace is important as it aims to create a more peaceful world by empowering learners to gain the knowledge, skills and values they need to contribute towards peace in their lives, communities and across communities. The principles of ‘Education for Peace’ align with the four capacities at the centre of a Curriculum for Excellence – Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens and Effective Contributors. They also align with Section 1.1 Professional Values of the GTCS Standards for Registration where teachers are charged with demonstrating ‘a commitment to engaging learners in real world issues to enhance learning experiences and outcomes, and to encourage learning our way to a better future.’ Action The Teachers’ Side commends the document ‘Education For Peace’ and is seeking a commitment from Renfrewshire Council to support teachers in their endeavours to provide children and young people with the necessary critical thinking skills to equip them to be advocates for social justice throughout their lives. Item 8 Page 35 of 36
Page 36
Agenda Item .......... Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers To: Renfrewshire Joint Negotiating Committee for Teachers On: Feb 11th 2025 Report by Joint Secretary (Teachers’ Side) Riverbrae 1. Background A paper was recently put to the JNC as a reminder of the legal requirements in relation to class sizes. That paper was tabled because there had been isolated reports of some breaches of the SNCT maxima in some schools. The teaching unions have since become aware that several classes in the secondary section of Riverbrae are above the legal maximum of ten. This has contractual, workload and Health and Safety implications. It should further be noted that the maximum class size in ASN sector is predicated on the nature of needs of pupils and that a class of ten is only appropriate in some cases with adequate classroom assistant support where a ratio of 1:2.5 is in place. It is not appropriate that all classes will have ten learners. 2. Recommendation There needs to be an urgent and immediate review of the nature of need, levels of support being offered and an investigation into how the numbers in classes have been allowed to exceed the legal limit. The Teachers’ Side has advised Education Managers of this breach and now expect that there will be immediate action taken to remedy the situation and that classes will be appropriately staffed in line with SNCT class size maximum and in line with the recorded needs of learners. Item 9 Page 36 of 36