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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

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School leaders' statement

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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