Heads HR Update
We have had a number of COVID-19 related questions however the most frequent at present is about pregnant women returning to school, in particular, those in their 3rd Trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant). In addition, we have provided an update on the changes to TP&CD 2020.
So, what is the main advice for pregnant women?
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, with input from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association, Public Health England and Public Health Scotland issued updated guidance on 24th August 2020 which is as follows:
There is no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus but pregnant women have been included in the list of people at moderate risk (clinically vulnerable) as a precaution. The government guidance for the clinically vulnerable remains in place and you should ensure you continue to follow the latest government guidance.
Pregnant women should follow the latest government guidance on staying alert and safe (social distancing) and avoid anyone who has symptoms suggestive of coronavirus. If the are in the third trimester (more than 28 weeks’ pregnant) they should be particularly attentive to social distancing.
Key advice for pregnant women during the pandemic:
- Follow the guidance on staying alert and safe (social distancing) and staying safe outside the home including appropriate use of face coverings for the general public and clinically vulnerable people, including pregnant women (this guidance covers England only – if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should follow the specific advice in those parts of the UK)
- Keep mobile and hydrated to reduce the risk of blood clots in pregnancy
- Stay active with regular exercise, a healthy balanced diet, and folic acid and vitamin D supplementation to help support a healthy pregnancy
- Attend all of your pregnancy scans and antenatal appointments unless you are advised not to
- Contact your maternity team if you have concerns about the wellbeing of yourself or your unborn baby.
The link to the guidance is below and may be useful if you have any questions/queries as it provides further advice for pregnant women with medical conditions which led to them being advised to Shield:
Schools are reminded that they should undertake a risk assessment for all pregnant women, in accordance with the Managing Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW)
Can and/or should employees wear a face mask at school?
From 1 September 2020 new advice will apply to the use of face coverings by staff and pupils in some schools, and to learners in further education. This guidance is for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England. There is separate guidance for early years and childcare providers and schools with children in year 6 and below.
On the basis of current evidence, in light of the mitigating measures education settings are taking, and the negative impact on communication, face coverings will not generally be necessary in the classroom even where social distancing is not possible. There is greater use of the system of controls for minimising risk, including through keeping in small and consistent groups or bubbles, and greater scope for physical distancing by staff within classrooms. Face coverings can have a negative impact on learning and teaching and so their use in the classroom should be avoided.
Nationwide, the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary in education settings generally because a system of control, applicable to all education environments, provides additional mitigating measures. Schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed, if they believe that it is right in their particular circumstances.
This is guidance, not mandatory activity, and any legal exemptions that apply to the wearing of face coverings in shops and on public transport also apply to this new advice.
This is the current government advice…as ever more guidance is due of the next few days.
Teachers Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) 2020 – Changes
As I’m sure you’re already be aware from 1st September 2020 the following uplifts need to be made in your school which are governed by the Document. The uplift will apply to all maintained schools and to academies who employ teachers under the STPCD. Academies who do not employ teachers under the STPCD can make their own pay decisions, if they wish.
- The minimum of the main pay range will be raised by 5.5%
- The maximum of the main pay range and the minima and maxima of all other pay ranges and allowances will be increased by 2.75%, including the:
- Upper pay range
- Leadership pay range
- Leading practitioner pay range
- Unqualified teacher pay range and allowance
- TLR payments
- SEN allowance
The government have not published the STPCD 2020 version which will confirm all the above details and the exact figures. Therefore, when we have more clarity about the pay points we will provide a further update and also discuss with each school separately about how they wish to apply the changes in their school. The actions are:
- Where a teacher is currently being paid below the new minimum of their pay or allowance range, you must uplift their salary
- For all other teachers, you must decide how to take account of the pay uplifts in accordance with your pay policy.
The STRB also recommended advisory pay points on the Main Pay Range and Upper Pay Range which the government also accepted. The pay points will be included in the STPCD 2020. However, the joint union advice sets out suggested pay points for 2019/20 with the uplifts taken into account.
