Mr R Hedley

Dear Colleague,

On 5^th October, 2001, a meeting took place at County Hall between officers of my Personnel Section on behalf of the employer and the teacher unions. The purpose of this meeting was to identify local solutions and concerns held by both sides, in the context of the national joint guidance. Whilst the discussions were wide ranging, a few further points of guidance and clarification may be helpful. However, it is important to emphasise that such clarification does not alter the principles contained in the national guidelines.

• Paragraphs 13 and 14 of the joint guidance:

The issue of useful information on the current recruitment and retention situation by means of schools helping the LEA with information requested on the number of vacancies, applications, etc. was recognised. The trade unions acknowledged that the forthcoming planned provision of a Personnel Information Management System would develop this further.

The early appointment of NQTs (from 1^st July), was seen as a great success as a recruitment incentive and also to allow time for familiarisation. However, an issue was identified in the second year of teaching following the reduction of induction programmes. Headteachers were encouraged to release staff to enable them to attend other network support. It was felt that this would be most helpful if it took place within school session times rather than in twilight periods.

• Paragraphs 17 to 26 of the joint guidance:

The use of pay flexibilities and non-salary recruitment incentives are undoubtedly helpful, but there is a balance to be achieved in designing packages to attract new staff whilst at the same time continuing to make existing staff feel valued. This may, in part, explain the lack of use of recruitment and retention allowances by schools. An up-to-date pay policy adopted by the Governing Body was seen as essential in achieving equitable arrangements and avoidance of equal opportunities issues. We will be looking at the current LEA advice on pay policy and any amendments will be reflected in the Personnel Handbook available on the schools esinet.

In relation to paragraph 23 of the joint guidance, the LEA is looking at bidding for support under the DETR's Starter Home Initiative. However, at this time we cannot measure success or how many homes may be made available for teaching staff. Further information will be issued on this when it becomes available.

• Paragraphs 30 to 36 of the joint guidance:

As you will know, there have been improvements in the procurement and management of supply teachers in the county. Any feedback or suggestions for further improvement in this respect would be appreciated.

Paragraph 34 of the guidance specifically refers to the concept of "banked time". This concept is by no means new, but it is not one which has been widely used in teaching. It would not be appropriate to recommend a particular method and approach to record "banked time" and agreeing its use as practices will vary between schools. However, it does have the potential of being unnecessarily bureaucratic with all that implies; a simple, straightforward and transparent system, with a minimum amount of administration, should normally be sufficient. A key component in any system was seen to be that the arrangements were agreed with the local trade union representatives. If you intend to develop a system of "banking time" and feel that you need to discuss this with us, please do not hesitate to have a word with your Personnel Consultant who will also be available to advise on any presenting difficulties.

You may feel that the information contained in the NEOST/union guidance is a matter you would wish to raise or discuss with your staff and/or school based union representatives and this is an approach we would support given the background of consultation and dialogue which has led to the preparation of the joint guidance. It also needs to be recognised that there may be future occasions where it is not always possible to cover a vacant class or number of classes. In this situation, the closure of the school or sending pupils home early should not be seen as a course of action to be rejected at all costs. Although on the day of the meeting at County Hall, neither NAHT nor SHA were represented, the teacher unions recognised the strain caused by Headteachers endeavouring to manage serious cover difficulties.

I can also tell you that there were a number of suggestions for improvements from the teacher unions which the LEA could make directly and these will be looked at separately.

We will let you know if any further information is received from national sources on this subject. However, if in the meantime you have any questions related to this letter or the joint guidance, please speak with your Personnel Consultant.

Yours sincerely,

Bryan Slater

Director of Education