Oldham News May06

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

ATL OLDHAM BRANCH

Newsletter MAY 2006

Branch Secretary: Stuart Paulley 0161 620 4717 spaulley@oldham.atl.org.uk

Lesson observations

The ATL Conference covered the increasing tendency of headteachers to use school self-evaluation as an excuse to formally observe lessons far too frequently.

Oldham teacher unions worked with the LEA to draw up guidelines on this issue. The guidelines state: “This would normally be up to three routine observations per year (including the collection of evidence for school self evaluation)”.

Each headteacher has been sent a copy of the guidelines. Copies are also available from Stuart. Let him know if your lessons are being observed too often.

Initiatives and workload

Oldham ATL has raised the issue of effect of number of inititiatives on workload with the Local Authority. We were disappointed with the response, so the three teacher unions have sent a questionnaire to each of their school representatives asking whether there is a problem and what is being done about it in their schools. ATL is collating the replies.

If a school is identified a having a problem managing initiatives we will take up the issue with the school's management, link advisor and/or the Authority.

It is essential that we receive a response.

Contact Stuart Paulley if you need another questionnaire.

Work-life balance

The union/local authority working party will continue to meet and monitor workload issues. The working party recommends the Wigan work-life balance toolkit and each school has been provided with a copy. Make sure that your school considers the toolkit and ask your teacher governor to ensure that the toolkit is discussed by the governing body.

The Local Authority

Local Education Authority no longer exists. It is replaced by the Department for Children, Young People and Families. Ruth Baldwin is the new Director.

Being our rep courses

ATL runs courses to train school representatives so that they are more confident in dealing with issues. Members who have attended these courses have found them very useful and enjoyable.

The remaining dates and locations for this year are:

Carlisle Mon 3rd & Tues 4 th July

Newcastle Thurs 13th & Fri 14th July

Exeter Thurs 12th & Fri 13th Oct

Cardiff Fri 10th & Sat 11th Nov

Headteachers must release if you wish to attend a training course. Fuether details can be obtained from Abbie Jenkinson at ATL Headquarters (direct line 020 7782 1505, email ajenkinson@atl.org.uk)

Additional courses on offer are:

Effective Negotiating Skills, London Fri 19th & Sat 20th May

Tackling Discrimination, London Fri 30th June & Sat 1st July

Union Learning Representative

The Oldham Branch is still looking for a Union Learning Representative. The role is explained by this comment by Mary Bousted: “The union learning project will not just focus on work related training, it will also explore and identify training opportunities in non-work related learning to help teachers enjoy a proper work/life balance.”

If you are interested please contact either Stuart Paulley or Abbie Jenkinson. We will negotiate with the Local Authority for you to have facilities time to carry out this work.