This advice applies to all primary schools, special schools, SEND and early years settings in England. Search for: Search. We are also concerned at the potential increased risk to school staff whose roles mean social distancing will be extremely difficult, (if not impossible) for example those supporting pupils with medical needs, or carrying out one-to-ones or group work. UNISON will continue to push the government for the evidence behind their decisions and to make sure that the limited opening of schools is still safe for staff and pupils. Ensure only those fully trained and equipped with the relevant protective equipment are involved in any deep clean. Rather, pupils should carry out a pre-prepared exercise under supervision. The overwhelming majority of school members, including in academies, are covered by protections under the NJC ‘Green Book’ terms and conditions. Please contact your local UNISON branch to discuss your concerns. Your school should review, update and consult you on its risk assessment as new restrictions are announced. Get help by: UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY. The union was formed in 1993 when three public sector trade unions, the National and Local Government Officers Association (NALGO), the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) and the Confederation of Health Service Employees (COHSE) merged. This includes ensuring that safe ratios are met, and/or specific training undertaken, for any interventions or care for pupils with complex needs where specific training or specific ratios are required.”. He states that any mixing is a risk and that there is no basis for treating early years differently from schools. UNISON believes that all early years settings will need to review their risk assessments as a result of the increased transmissibility of the new variant of COVID-19 and the increased risk to staff. Join UNISON and get essential cover wherever you work. Please ensure your school has a copy. This will include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and appropriate cleaning solutions along with instructions. Educational provision is maintained for children during this time away from the classroom e.g. This is so financial barriers are removed to enable outsourced staff to self-isolate in cases of local COVID outbreaks. If your mental health has been affected, or if you just want to talk to someone, there are lots of options. It is important that face coverings are used in addition to other protective measures and that wearing them does not lead to the relaxation of social distancing and regular hand washing, etc. The DfE has provided guidance on using the app in schools. If you have issues with your employer, please urgently raise them with your rep or local branch for advice and assistance. For this to work, groups need to be as consistent and as small as possible. On 5 Jan, both England and Scotland went into lockdown. January_Higher_Education_Advice. A full list of FAQs for school support staff and early years staff in England is provided below. All you need to get your campaign started. © Copyright 2021 Privacy policy In the worst-case scenario, there are legal rights to unpaid leave in some cases. In order to maintain PPA time, many schools operated an adjusted timetable, for example closing classrooms to pupils for a day or afternoon a week, using that time for staff to take PPA and for the school to be deep cleaned. If you are not sure who you should contact for help, or where to find the information that you need, this section of the website will help you find it. January 2021. UNISON believes that working from home will also be the safest option for other employees with underlying vulnerabilities or who live with people who are clinically vulnerable. We will continue to place pressure on the Government and employers to ensure this. If you have issues with your employer, please urgently raise them with your UNISON rep or local branch for advice and assistance. search for companies. If you are clinically extremely vulnerable you should work from home or stay at home on full pay where you cannot work from home. This decision will help to bring the coronavirus pandemic under control and ensure the safety of staff, pupils and our communities. For cleaning staff, a risk assessment and training should be conducted and appropriate personal protective (PPE) equipment provided by the employer before any deep cleaning is carried out. UNISON helps its members resolve problems or issues related to work and home. With a home co-investment from Unison, you get cash today in exchange for a share in the appreciation or depreciation of your home. A key sentence in the DfE guidance is: ‘…discuss and agree any proposed changes in role or responsibility with the member of staff.’ Schools should not impose new roles or duties on staff. UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY. COVID: schools and early years advice. The Local Government Association (LGA) has advised employers to follow the same guidance they circulated during the March lockdown for clinically vulnerable staff. A.R.I.A. Early years staff must have the same rights and protections as other education staff. If staff meet the qualifying criteria then they can still be placed on furlough. This would not be fair on staff or pupils. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. Agency staff will, alongside other school-employed staff, play a vital role and UNISON is arguing that you should be kept on full pay during this period. UNISON continues to urge employers to take real action to support staff with their mental health. If you receive a notification from your employer that says you hours will be cut or you are in danger of losing your job, contact your local branch straight away for advice. UNISON is calling on the government to provide this evidence and further review guidance and increase support for the early years sector. UNISON RESEARCH. One of the main issues across all schools that are still open is the government’s new and wider definition of ‘vulnerable children’ which means in some schools we are seeing larger numbers of pupils attending school than in the first lockdown in March. UNISON is working with others to apply maximum pressure on the government to change the system. The arrangements adopted by schools for minimising contact and maintaining social distancing are vital for staff and student safety. 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