Dear Members,
We hope you are well. As we come to the end of this term, we wanted to provide you with an update. We appreciate how hard you have worked this term and we thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.
Locally the Union has continued to support members with issues, providing advice and guidance and engaging with employers including the Local Authority in Coventry. Nationally, the Union has been supporting members by issuing guidance and providing support via the AdviceLine. The NASUWT continues to engage nationally with Ministers and Government Officials on issues affecting our members.
Streptococcal and Scarlet Fever (Strep A) infections – Guidance for members
Streptococcal infections and Scarlet fever are caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Although Scarlet fever was once feared, it is easily treated with antibiotics, and the vast majority of GAS infections are mild. Many people carry the GAS bacteria without it causing illness. Around 20% of children are GAS carriers.
Sadly in very rare cases, the infection can invade deeper into the body. This is called invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) and can cause extremely serious illness and death. It has been confirmed that 18 children and 47 adults have died from this disease.
GAS infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches.
Annual cases of Scarlet fever have been rising since around 2014, and as the numbers of GAS infections increase, so do the number of iGAS infections, but iGAS infection still remain very rare.
Adults can get Strep A and while anyone can get Scarlet fever, it is more common in children than adults.
We advise our members who are clinically vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable to discuss any concerns with their medical professional, and any recommendations should be reported to their employer. An occupational health referral and/or individual risk assessment may also be required with further mitigations considered.
The NHS has guidance on symptoms of GAS and when to seek help. This can be found here.
The Department for Education (DfE) has also provided guidance on GAS which can be found here. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued guidance which can be found here. The Local Authority and Public Health in Coventry has also issued guidance to schools which can be found in the email.
Schools should ensure that parents are aware of the symptoms, and what to do if they suspect their children has a GAS infection. This should include a clear instruction that children should not attend the setting whilst ill. NHS guidance is that children with Scarlet fever can return 24 hours after starting antibiotics, or 48 hours after starting antibiotics with cases of Impetigo, which is also caused by GAS.
Schools should have in place an up-to-date risk assessment and ensure that infection control procedures are in place in line with the infectious disease policy and any local, regional or national advice from appropriate bodies such as Public Health, NHS, DfE and UKHSA. GAS is primarily spread through saliva and mucus (such as droplets from coughs and sneezes) and direct skin contact. Pupils should be encouraged to adopt good respiratory hygiene (Catch it – bin it – kill it) and regularly wash hands with soap and water, or hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available. All cuts, scrapes, bites and wounds should also be cleaned and covered.
The UKHSA also advises schools that they should carry out regular cleaning throughout the day, especially hand contact surfaces, with particular attention to hand touch surfaces that can be easily contaminated such as door handles, toilet flushes and taps and communal touch areas. These should ideally be cleaned using a disinfectant.
Schools should also ensure rooms are adequately ventilated whilst balancing thermal comfort.
These basic mitigations will also assist in relation to the risk of other infectious diseases such as flu, COVID-19 and norovirus.
We have shared this guidance in a letter to employers and the Local Authority in Coventry including updated guidance on Ventilation, EVAC+ Chair issues, WHO Guidance on Mental Health at Work, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations, HSE Inspections and Governance and Health and Safety. We also summarise this guidance for members and our Reps in our Health and Safety – Autumn Term 2022 Bulletin.
What schools should do
Schools are being asked to follow the usual outbreak management processes as set out by the UKHSA if an outbreak of Scarlet fever is identified. An ‘outbreak’ is defined as two or more probable or confirmed cases attending the same school, nursery or other childcare setting within ten days of each other.
Schools and nurseries should contact their local Health Protection Team if:
- they have one or more cases of chickenpox or flu in the class that has Scarlet fever at the same time. This is because infection with Scarlet fever and either chickenpox or flu at the same time can result in more serious illness;
- they are experiencing an outbreak of Scarlet fever in a setting or class that provides care or education to children who are clinically vulnerable;
- the outbreak continues for over two weeks, despite taking steps to control it; and
- any child or staff member is admitted to hospital with any GAS infection (or there is a death).
Schools where outbreaks occur are additionally advised to:
- make sure that all children and employees that are ill go home and do not return until they are well;
- tell parents and visitors about the cases of illness;
- remind employees to wash their hands throughout the day. Hand washing needs to be done after changing nappies and helping children use the toilet;
- make sure that all cuts, scrapes and wounds are cleaned and covered. This also applies to bites;
- carry out regular cleaning throughout the day, especially hand contact surfaces. Advice may also be given to increase cleaning of areas, with particular attention given to hand touch surfaces that can be easily contaminated such as door handles, toilet flushes and taps and communal touch areas. These should ideally be cleaned using a disinfectant;
- consider stopping messy play, removing soft toys that are hard to clean, not going on visits outside of your setting and not allowing children to share drinks; and
- once cases have stopped (no new cases or illness for ten days), do a full cleaning of buildings (including toys, carpets etc.).
If members have any concerns about the way their school is managing the Strep A/GAS situation, they should contact us.
Better Deal for Teachers/Pay Ballot
Thank you to all of you who have already voted in our pay ballot. If you haven’t voted and returned your ballot, we urge you to do so as soon as possible please taking into account any upcoming postal strikes.
Please complete the form in the email to let us know you have voted. Please also respond to the text/SMS message you may have received from the National Union (if we hold a valid mobile number for you) asking you to confirm you have received a ballot.
If you have not received your ballot, then please email ballot@mail.nasuwt.org.uk or reply to the SMS/text.
Please remember it’s not a vote, until it’s in the post. We really need all ballots returned (even if you are not in favour of taking industrial action) in order to achieve the 50% return threshold we are required to meet.
Even if we achieve the 40% threshold for industrial action, if we do not achieve the 50% return threshold, we will be unable to take any action. We are recommending members vote ‘YES’, YES’ in the ballot.
Please read this joint letter from the NASUWT, NEU, NAHT and the TUC, encouraging members belonging to our unions, to vote in the current industrial action ballots and to return their ballots ahead of the Christmas break. We have also been asking our Reps to hold school meetings (jointly where possible) before the break, display this poster on staffroom noticeboards and share this joint video with members.
If you have any concerns or further questions about the ballot, please consult the important FAQs we recently shared with you, national FAQs or contact us.
For the latest campaign and ballot updates follow our Twitter account @NASUWTCoventry and our Campaign site at www.nasuwtcoventry.org/bdft.
Teachers’ Pay 2022/23
Following our previous communications on Teachers’ pay for 2022/23, employers should now have finalised their pay policies following consultation with staff and Representatives and pay progression decisions following appraisal for this academic year. Further, the pay award for 2022/23 should have been actioned backdated to 1st September 2022. If you have any concerns about this, please raise them with your Rep or with us.
Local Association Meeting
Our next Coventry Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Tuesday 7th March 2023 starting at 4.00pm as a hybrid meeting. Please add this date to your diary – we hope that you can attend. All Coventry Local Association NASUWT members are welcome. We will share the final agenda and details on how to register for the meeting next term.
If you have any suggestions for topics, you would like to see discussed at the meeting then please get in touch.
Click here for dates and details of our local meetings taking place this academic year.
Annual Conference 2023
You will have received an email from our General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Roach on 1st August 2022 and a reminder email on Friday 2nd December 2022 about being a delegate at the Annual Conference in Glasgow which is being held from Friday 7th April to Monday 10th April 2023. Please follow the instructions in the email and complete the nomination form in the email if you would like to attend and return by Friday 6th January 2023.
Activist Awards
Recruitment and organising, including on health and safety, is essential to the future and continued strength of the NASUWT.
Each year the NASUWT aims to recognise the exceptional contribution made by our activists with awards for recruitment, organising and health and safety activity. The awards are judged, and prizes are awarded based on activity which has contributed to building the NASUWT. These awards recognise both individuals and the local association team.
Details of the awards and how to submit entries as well as information on previous award winners can be found on the NASUWT website here. Ava Verrier, a 2022 winner, explains how much being recognised meant to her.
If you would like to submit an entry for any of these awards, please complete the appropriate form by midday on Friday 20th January 2023.
We would like to encourage more members to become Workplace Representatives, Workplace Contacts, Health & Safety Reps and Union Learning Representatives. All Reps are entitled to reasonable time off to carry out their duties (an example of this can be a period a week off your timetable) and the NASUWT offers full training. Our Reps play an invaluable role in supporting members in workplaces and working with our employers. If you are interested in any of the roles, then please get in touch with us.
International Solidarity Award
The NASUWT recognises, that we are part of a global movement of trades unionists and other activists fighting for human rights, trade union and labour rights and access to education and each year we recognise the contribution of others to these campaigns through our International Solidarity Award.
Details of the award and how to submit entries as well as information on previous award winners can be found on the NASUWT website here.
If you would like to submit an entry for the International Solidarity Award, please complete the appropriate form here by midday on Friday 3rd February 2023.
Equalities
Black* Teachers Conference
Join colleagues for our virtual Black* Teachers Conference on Saturday 21st January 2023 from 9.00am until 3.00pm and take part in a dynamic and thought provoking online event which will empower members to improve their wellbeing, take control of their careers and thrive in and out of the classroom.
The Conference will cover a range of topics and sessions pertinent to the working lives of Black* teachers.
To register your interest, please visit the website here or email the Conferences and Events Team at: conferences.events@mail.nasuwt.org.uk. Further details will be sent in due course after registration.
This virtual Conference is free to NASUWT members.
‘The NASUWT uses the term Black in a political and inclusive sense to describe those who self-identify as African, Caribbean and Asian identities and those with a common and direct history of racism, racist oppression and diminished opportunities in today’s society. This Consultation Conference aims to enable members to engage with the key issues and challenges facing the Union, share experiences, meet other members and shape the future of the Union.
All our conferences and events are free to members, with refreshments and overnight accommodation provided for physical events. Travel expenses are also reimbursed where applicable.
Health and Safety
Winter weather guidance
Winter is here and that often means weather conditions that can affect your ability to travel to work and school closures.
Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities.
Please read our Health and Safety – Autumn Term 2022 Bulletin for further information on the latest Health, Safety and Wellbeing concerns for members and Representatives.
Financial planning support
We have partnered with Wesleyan Financial Services to provide a series of free-to-watch webinars designed specifically for teachers covering topics including making the most of your pension scheme benefits and estate planning.
Support for new teachers
Advice for NQTs and Early Career Teachers on dealing with trauma in pupils;
managing pupil behaviour; preparing for your second year in teaching; and much more at our New Teacher Development Day taking place on Saturday 14th January 2023 in Birmingham.
Book your place
The NASUWT will continue to work with employers at local, regional, and national level to represent and protect the interests of members. We will be away from the office over the festive break until we return in January, but we wanted to assure you that NASUWT is still operational through Headquarters and the Regional Centre throughout the holidays and the following information should help you:
- In order to ensure you continue to have the most up to date information, we would ask that look at the website in the first instance. If a general query relating to schools is not answered on the website, then please contact the Member Support Advice Team at advice@mail.nasuwt.org.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
- If you require urgent support, we would ask that you email rc-westmids@mail.nasuwt.org.uk with the necessary details.
- Criminal Support – Throughout the holiday period NASUWT members requiring urgent legal assistance because of a criminal allegation being made against them which is related to their teaching employment should contact Thompsons Solicitors on the following freephone number 0800 587 7530.
The Union will keep you informed of developments, and you are requested to please continue to monitor your emails and the NASUWT Coventry (www.nasuwtcoventry.org) and NASUWT websites (www.nasuwt.org.uk) for updates.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for help, advice, and support by emailing advice@mail.nasuwt.org.uk.
We wish you a safe, festive and restful Christmas break and a Happy New Year.
Season’s Greetings from the NASUWT and all the best for 2023.
Best wishes
NASUWT Coventry 