17 October 2023
Following further talks between representatives of the NAHT, States Employment Board, and senior
officers on behalf of the Minister for Children and Education, it is confirmed that a revised offer to
end the current dispute with school leaders will be put to the members of the NAHT later today.
The NAHT will put to members a backdated consolidated 7.9% pay offer from the States
Employment Board.
The union has received an acknowledgement from the SEB about the current
workload of school leaders, both in terms of their changing roles and demands and the additional
workload required to take forward the Education Reform Programme, a key part of the
Government’s plan for the future of education in the Island.
Additionally, the SEB has committed to a full review of terms and conditions of school leaders, and
for headteachers and deputies to provide additional support and co-production of the Education
Reform Programme (ERP).
The ERP will provide significant changes to special educational needs provision, improving support
to retain pupils with challenging behaviour within school settings, address the need to improve the
education estate, efficiencies in the operation of education services and the approach to school
standards and improvements.
In line with the commitment given to teachers’ unions earlier this year, the SEB will review the
workload and terms and conditions of headteachers and deputies by the end of October 2024.
Connétable Andy Jehan, Vice Chair of the States Employment Board said: “I am grateful for the
continued engagement and constructive talks we have had with the NAHT and school leaders over
the past few weeks. This has helped us find a way forward that works for all, and ensures critical
issues are not pushed down the road.
“The SEB wish to support the Minister and school leaders in achieving the vital reform to education
services, with the focus being on education standards and for the inclusion of children and young
people in education.”
Deputy Inna Gardiner, Minster for Education and Children said: “The role of school leaders has
changed significantly as we are going through major changes with our ambitious education reform
programme and vision for Community schools. Headteachers and their deputies are vital to the coproduction of the design and implementation of changes, and they provide significant expertise in
this area.
“This will be for the benefit of the children and young people of the Island.”
Carl Howarth, President of the NAHT said: “The focus of all school leaders is on providing high
quality education. The prolonged dispute, in which school leaders took strike action for the first
time, is something we did not do lightly.
“However, we also recognised the need for continued and constructive dialogue, and we are
pleased that through this we have reached a credible proposal which we can positively put to
members.
“The most significant change has been the recognition from the SEB about the time commitment,
demands and change in the role of school leaders over recent years – and the need for our
significant input into the Education Reform Programme. We are pleased to have secured a
commitment from the SEB to address these legacy issues within the next 12 months.”
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