16th March 2020
In response to all of the recent communications from the Education Minister, Ms Michelle McIlveen and Mr Mark Browne, Permanent Secretary, Department of Education, INTO has been, is and will be engaging in meetings, negotiations and lobbying with the Department of Education, all employing authorities, politicians and Stormont Ministers to represent the views and concerns of our members.
The INTO’s latest advice and guidance on COVID-19 can be found below.
Please also access our Frequently Asked Questions page which is being updated regularly.
As this is a very fast moving situation. Please regularly check our website for updates.
If your school closes due to COVID-19 please contact INTO Northern Office on 028 9038 1455 or infoni@into.ie to notify us and advise of any issues.
DE Request to Teachers on Career Break
25 January 2022
The DE have written to schools in their letter dated 24 January 2022 (pdf) to help school principals and Boards of Governors deal with requests from teachers, currently on career break, who wish to temporarily return to the classroom to support teaching colleagues and help ease the staffing pressures on schools at the present time. This letter encloses the correspondence issued to career break teachers along with a short set of FAQs designed to address the specific queries in relation to how any periods worked will impact on their terms and conditions.
Suspension of PRSD for 2021/22 Academic Year
14 January 2022
In the circumstances presented by the ongoing pandemic and recognising the adverse impact it continues to have, it has been confirmed that PRSD for the academic year 2021/22 will be discounted (as it was in 2020/21).
Further details can be found in the TNC letter to schools dated 14 January 2022 (pdf).
Sickness Absence: Temporary Changes to Self-Certification
6 January 2022
The Change
From 17 December 2021 modified regulations increase the period that an employee is not required to provide medical information in respect of any spell of incapacity for work from 7 to 28 days.
The Impact
During the interim period:
- The GP fit note (Statement of Fitness for Work certificate) will not be required, expected, or provided for a period of absence less than 28 days.
- The relevant Self Certification form (provided at the link below) should be used to reflect any sickness absence less than 28 days.
The measure is intended to free up GP capacity to support the COVID-19 vaccine booster programme.
The Interim Duration: From 17 December 2021 – 26 January 2022 (incl.)
This took affect for any absence commencing from the 17 December 2021 or later up to and including the 26 January 2022. The new regulations also apply to spells of sickness which commenced prior to the regulations coming into force but which have not lasted more than seven days on that date e.g., 11 December 2021 (as the requirement to provide medical evidence will not have arisen at that point).
From 27 January 2022:
Any absence beyond 27 January 2022 will revert to the normal procedure requirements e.g., any continuous absence of more than 7 calendar days will again require a Statement of Fitness for Work certificate.
In response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant the regulations only apply for a short time to provide the necessary support to medical professionals.
The updated CCU67a form can be found below:
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/self-certificate-form-ccu67a
Updated EA Risk Assessment Templates
4 January 2022
The EA updated their Risk Assessment Templates on 4 January 2022. The latest versions can be accessed here:
For Schools:
Generic Guidance on the Completion of School Risk Assessments (pdf)
Ventilation Risk Assessment (docx)
Nursery Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
Primary Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
Post-Primary Schools and EOTAS COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
Special Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
For Individuals:
Updated guidance and new individual risk assessment templates can be viewed on the DE WEBSITE
DE Letter to School Principals
31 December 2021
Permanent Secretary, Dr Mark Browne, has written to school principals prior to the start of the new school term in a letter dated 31 December 2021 (pdf).
School Ventilation Update
14 December 2021
The EA have written to schools in a letter to Principals (pdf) enclosing EA Guidance on Ventilation in Schools During COVID (pdf).
Updated Advice to Members
2 December 2021
DE Guidance and PHA advice continues to inform all health and safety steps a school must be following. These are:
- Ensure all mitigations are in place. Where mitigations outlined in the DE guidance have lapsed now is the time to reinstate and strengthen them. Social distancing, ventilation, regular cleaning and hand sanitisers are the key elements of these mitigations.
- Indoor events which are unavoidable (business critical) must be fully risk assessed and mitigations put in place to ensure the safety of all present. INTO reminds school leadership teams that nativity plays, parent teacher meetings, open days/nights can be accommodated online.
- Risk assessments are legally required to be done in consultation with Health and Safety Reps or a representative chosen by staff. Coordinated sharing with everyone who may be affected by the risk is required. You have the right to input and to see a risk assessment if it impacts on you.
- Changes, including the scaling back of mitigations, can only be made through the review of risk assessments or when new guidance from DE or the PHA has been issued. Otherwise, the existing mitigations must remain in place.
- Broader safety considerations are critical to any decision making concerning continuing educational provision. Schools facing staff shortages which impact safe staffing levels must actively consider remote learning.
- Schools must comply with the Workload Agreement TNC 2011/8 regarding cover.
TNC 2011/8 Appendix 1 (6.1):
“In dealing with short term absences Principals will make decisions regarding the cover of absent colleagues based on:
- the extent to which continuity of learning can be maintained.
- the length of time the pupils would be working without a qualified teacher.
- the particular needs of the class concerned.
- the skills and experience of the teacher concerned.
Such arrangements will include:
- Compositing of classes providing this is for a short period and does not exceed Departmental guidance on class size.
- Employment of a teacher from the Northern Ireland Substitute Teacher Register (NISTR).
- Utilisation of Classroom Assistants or other non-teaching staff, in a supervisory capacity, in emergency situations or exceptional circumstances only, where the absence is unexpected and for a short period of time.
- Use of teaching staff from within the school to cover classes.”
INTO advise, in relation to cover by Classroom Assistants or other non-teaching staff, “a short period of time” must not be in excess of an hour.
If members have any concerns, they should contact their local area representative. https://www.into.ie/ni/about/our-people/committees/northern-committee/
Updated DE/EA Risk Assessment Templates
22 September 2021
These Risk Assessment Templates have been superceded by those published on 4 January 2022 and can be viewed above.
Education Restart Coronavirus Guidance Note
15 September 2021
The DE Education Restart and COVID Response Team has issued a COVID Guidance Note (pdf) in relation to contact tracing in schools.
DE Circular: 2021/22: Curriculum Delivery – Practical Work in Post-Primary Schools
9 September 2021
DE Circular 2021/22 (pdf) aims to provide advice and assistance to post-primary schools, as they deliver practical work within the curriculum during the 2021/22 academic year. Its contents supersede DE Circular 2021/14 from May 2021.
Correspondence from the Chief Medical Officer enclosing Updated Advice from the Public Health Authority
9 September 2021
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sr Michael McBride has written to parents, pupils and the school community in his letter of 9 September 2021 (pdf) in relation to the revised arrangements for the identification of close contacts in schools.
NB: Update from DE: Please note in Prof McBride’s letter, under the paragraph Return of Schools in NI on page 3, it should read:
‘Since schools returned for the 2021/22 school year the high community prevalence of COVID has led to large numbers of COVID cases being reported to schools, with very large numbers of children being identified as school close contacts. This has caused disruption in schools and large numbers of children missing school.’
Updated PHA Guidance (pdf) for schools and a warn and inform letter (pdf) that schools may issue at their discretion if they become aware of a positive case in a cohort of pupils were included.
Updated: Education Restart Absence, Pay & Staffing Guidance Relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
9 September 2021
DE have updated their Education Restart publication: Absence, Pay & Staffing Guidance Relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Principals, managers and staff (pdf).
INTO Bulletin 1: Prioritise Safe Schools
8 September 2021
COVID-19 continues to impact on schools. Since the reopening of schools cases have increased dramatically. Now is not the time to relax safety procedures.
DE Education Restart Guidance for School and Educational Settings in NI (August 2021) has seen a relaxation of safety guidance.
INTO advises all members to resist the introduction of practices that relax mitigating identified risks.
For further guidance please read INTO: BULLETIN 1: Prioritise Safe Schools (pdf)
Current DE/EA Risk Assessment Templates
1 September 2021
The links below will direct you to the current DE and EA Risk Assessment Templates and guidance on supporting staff to return to schools:
For Schools:
Nursery Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Primary Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Post-Primary Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Special Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
For Individuals:
Updated guidance and new individual risk assessment templates can be viewed on the DE WEBSITE
EA Revised COVID Guidance for all Schools
25 August 2021
The EA has issued updated COVID guidance for all schools (pdf)
Operational Guidance on Managing Positive COVID-19 Notifications in the School Setting (pdf)
Guidance Flowchart for Close Contacts of a COVID Case in a School Setting (pdf)
COVID-19 Guidance for Educational Settings – Letters from the Minister
18 August 2021
11 August 2021
TNC Letter of Agreement re: Exceptional Circumstances Due to COVID-19
23 June 2021
Management and Teachers’ Sides of the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (“TNC”) recognise that responses to the COVID-19 situation have the potential to impact on the conditions of service for teachers and school leaders. Both sides remain committed to ensuring this is achieved by agreeing that any temporary changes made to ensure the continuity of education is not to the detriment of teachers’ terms and conditions of service. Details are available in their letter of agreement dated 23 June 2021 (pdf).
DE Restart Team: Coronavirus Guidance Note to all Educational Settings
21 June 2021
The DE Restart and COVID Response Team have issued further Coronavirus guidance to all educational settings (pdf) following a number of queries received by the Department.
Updated Arrangements for PRSD and Pay Progression 2020/21
11 June 2021
In consideration of the extraordinary and exceptional circumstances presented by the public health crisis and recognising its adverse impact on this issue, PRSD for the academic year 2020/21 will be discounted (similar to PRSD 2019/20 as advised last year) as detailed in the TNC Letter to Schools: 11 June 2021 (pdf)
DE Guidance on School Development Planning for 2021-22
8 June 2021
The Department of Education has provided Guidance to Boards of Governors and Schools on School Development Planning for 2021/22 (PDF), in the context of the ongoing disruption to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DE Correspondence to Schools re: Statutory Assessment, Pupil Reporting Arrangements and Attendance of Years 12-14
24 March 2021
The Department of Education have written to schools in their letter of 24 March 2019 (pdf) to provide clarification on the above issues prior to the conclusion of the Spring Term.
Updated: Education Restart Absence, Pay & Staffing Guidance Relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
2 March 2021
DE have updated their Education Restart publication: Absence, Pay & Staffing Guidance Relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Principals, managers and staff (pdf).
Updated: DE/EA Risk Assessment Templates
24 February 2021
The DE and EA have updated their Risk Assessment Templates and guidance on supporting staff to return to schools:
For Schools:
Nursery Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Primary Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Post-Primary Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Special Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
EOTAS Centre COVID-19 Risk Assessment (docx)
Office Based Staff COVID-19 Risk Assessment (doc)
For Individuals:
Updated guidance and new individual risk assessment templates can be viewed on the DE WEBSITE
Income Support Scheme for Substitute Teachers
22 January 2021
Today, the Department of Education have launched an income support scheme for substitute teachers.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide financial support to substitute teachers who have lost the opportunity to work in schools during the current 6-week period of school closures.
The scheme will be open for applications between 22 January and 29 January 2021, to support the expectation that eligible substitute teachers will receive payments in March 2021.
PLEASE NOTE: The closing date for applications is: 5.00pm Friday 29 January 2021.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the DE Website.
INTO Advice and Guidance to all Members on Attendance at School During the COVID-19 Pandemic
13 January 2021
In response to a large volume of communications from members relating to concerns around safe attendance at work and their own childcare arrangements during this unprecedented period INTO offers the following guidance and advice:
INTO Advice and Guidance to all Members on Attendance at School During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Docx)
INTO Advice on Working From Home: Getting The Balance and Making It Sustainable
12 January 2021
INTO know that all our members want to do the right thing by their schools and pupils in these very difficult circumstances. DE and the employing authorities should ensure that teachers and school leaders’ wellbeing is prioritised along with the children they teach. To assist members in these challenging times, INTO have updated our guidance (originally published October 2020):
INTO Advice on Working From Home: Getting The Balance and Making It Sustainable (Docx)
Addendum to Education Restart Guidance for Schools & Educational Settings
8 January 2021
Further to the recent statements from the Education Minister Peter Weir MLA and NI Executive, the Education Restart Programme have issued correspondence which provides additional information on a number of issues:
ADDENDUM – Guidance for Schools & Educational Settings in Northern Ireland (pdf)
Updated Guidance for Remote Learning
5 January 2021
Updated guidance has been issued to schools:
EA Guidance: Readiness for Continuity of Learning at Home (pdf)
The above DE circular updates and refreshes the Department’s circulars 2020/05 and 2020/06 from June 2020 on remote learning and curriculum planning (Remote Learning Circular June 2020 and Curriculum Planning 2020/21).
In addition, the Education Authority has developed a website through C2k MySchool, to host resources and to provide a gateway to access a range of online Teacher Professional Learning sessions and webinars:
(Supporting Learning – Teacher Professional Learning)
INTO Frequently Asked Questions Updated
4 January 2021
To access the latest INTO FAQ document, CLICK HERE.
Education Restart: Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings in NI Updated
09 December 2020
TNC Management Side have written to schools in a letter dated 9 December 2020 (PDF) re: the updated New School Day/Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings in Northern Ireland.
08 December 2020
The Education Restart Programme have written to schools in a letter dated 8 December 2020 (PDF) to advise that the New School Day/Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings in Northern Ireland has been updated.
Full details are available on the DE Website.
They have also produced a Flowchart for the Management of a COVID-19 Positive Case in a School Setting (PDF).
Working Through COVID in Schools: Update
3 November 2020
Guidance for members is available in: INTO Bulletin 4: Working Through COVID in Schools (pdf)
Return to School in November 2020
30 October 2020
As pupils, teachers, school leaders and staff return to school from the Hallowe’en break, many will feel that the concerns that were evident prior to the extended closure remain unaddressed. Staff must be assured by and have confidence in the information and guidance that is being issued to them by the managing authorities and the Department of Education, if pupils are to receive the type of education they are entitled to and everyone is to be safe in schools.
Read INTO’s full statement issued on 30 October 2020
Revised Plan is Crucial for Schools to Remain Open
30 October 2020
As school leaders and teachers prepare for their return after the Halloween break they have increased concerns about the sustainability of their schools to operate safely. Their concerns have been met with silence from both the Minister and the PHA.
Read INTO’s full statement issued on 30 October 2020.
INTO Advice for Members – School Closure
15 October 2020
Following the announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive concerning a four-week lockdown, schools have received a communication from the office of the Education Minister.
While clarifying a number of issues, INTO is concerned that parts of the Minister’s letter may have caused confusion for school leaders.
Guidance for members is available in INTO Bulletin 3: School Closure (PDF)
INTO Advice on Working From Home: Getting the Balance and Making it Sustainable
14 October 2020
INTO know that all our members want to do the right thing by their schools and pupils in these very difficult circumstances. DE and the employing authorities should ensure that teachers and school leaders’ wellbeing is prioritised along with the children they teach.
Download our newly published guide: INTO Advice on Working from Home: Getting the Balance and Making it Sustainable (Docx)
INTO Advice for Members – Safety Procedures in Schools
9 October 2020
COVID-19 cases are increasing in schools and communities. DE Education Restart Guidance for School and Educational Settings in NI (29 Sept 2020) has seen a tightening, not relaxing, of safety procedures. There should be no relaxation of the current guidance in schools.
INTO advises all members to resist the introduction of practices which may increase identified risks.
For the latest advice read INTO Bulletin 2: Prioritising Safe Schools (PDF)
Education Restart: Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings in NI Updated
29 September 2020
The Education Restart Programme have written to schools in a letter dated 24 September 2020 (PDF) to advise that the New School Day/Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings in Northern Ireland has been updated.
Full details are available on the DE Website.
INTO Frequently Asked Questions Updated
28 September 2020
To access the latest INTO FAQ document, CLICK HERE.
Education Restart: Guidance on Absence Relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice for Principals, Managers and Staff
28 September 2020
The Education Restart Programme have today published Guidance on Absence Relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice for Principals, Managers and Staff – NB: this document was updated and republished above on 2 March 2021.
Engage Programme Launched
23 September 2020
The Department of Education has officially launched the ‘Engage Programme’ to support children and young people as they return to school.
In the DE letter of 23 September 2020 (PDF) they have written to Trade Union Side to outline the aims of the programme and have also issued additional guidance to schools in the document: Engage Programme: Guidance for Schools (PDF)
INTO Write to PHA Re: Inconsistencies in Advice to School Leaders
22 September 2020
The INTO letter of 22 September 2020 (PDF) seeks assurances from the PHA on the level of consistency regarding the responses to positive cases of Coronavirus in schools and advice being provided by their organisation to school leaders which they are then implementing.
PHA Response to INTO Letter
22 October 2020
The PHA has replied to the INTO letter of 22 September in their response dated 22 October 2020 (PDF)
PHA Education Helpline Launched
11 September 2020
The Education Restart Programme team have written to schools to advise that the Public Health Agency has established a dedicated phone line to assist schools when there has been a positive (confirmed) test for coronavirus (COVID-19) in an educational setting. This phone line is operational from today (11 September 2020). Please read the Education Restart team’s letter (PDF) for further information.
INTO Letter to Employers Re: Principals’ Concerns
7 September 2020
Our letter of 7 September 2020 (PDF) highlights INTO concerns regarding the increasing pressure that INTO principal members are being subjected to in particular following another weekend of communication chaos.
Employer’s Response to INTO Letter
1 October 2020
Employer’s Side has replied to the INTO letter of 7 September in their response dated 1 October 2020 (PDF)
INTO Letter to Minister of Education Re: Introduction of Initiatives Without Consultation
4 September 2020
Our letter of 4 September 2020 (PDF) highlights INTO concerns around the proposed distribution of home testing kits from school and the manner in which the additional funding to support the school restart has been calculated and distributed.
Education Minister’s Response to INTO Letter
15 September 2020
The Minister of Education has replied to the INTO letter of 4 September in his response dated 15 September 2020 (PDF)
DE Re-opening Schools Guidance is Published
13 August 2020
The Department of Education have published their Re-opening Schools Guidance: New School Day (PDF)
INTO Advice for Members Returning to School
Read INTO Bulletin 1: 12 August 2020
Members who are pregnant, clinically vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable or live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should read INTO Bulletin 1 (PDF) for the latest advice on returning to school.
Risk Assessment DE/EA Templates
2 July 2020
The DE/EA have produced the following Risk Assessment Templates and Guidance:
For Schools:
Nursery Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Primary Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Post-Primary Schools & EOTAS COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
Special Schools COVID-19 Risk Assessment (xlsx)
For Individuals:
Guidance on the Completion of Individual Risk Assessments (PDF)
Pregnant Individuals COVID-19 Risk Assessment (Word)
Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Individuals COVID-19 Risk Assessment (Word)
BAME Individuals COVID-19 Risk Assessment (Word)
INTO Guidance: Safe Return to Schools is Published
23 June 2020
Returning to school after the summer will present many challenges for teachers and foremost among them for INTO will be the protection of teachers’ health, well-being and safety coupled with no dilution of their terms and conditions of employment.
To assist our members INTO have published a guidance document entitled COVID Safer Schools (PDF)
Letter of Agreement re: Teachers’ Conditions of Service
23 June 2020
Management and Teachers’ Sides of the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (“TNC”) recognise that responses to the Covid-19 situation have the potential to impact on the conditions of service for teachers.
Both Management Side and Teachers’ Side remain committed to ensuring this is achieved by agreeing that any temporary changes made to ensure the continuity of education is not to the detriment of teachers’ terms and conditions of service.
Please read the Joint Letter of Agreement: 23 June 2020 (pdf) that has been agreed between both sides.
Minister Agrees to Emergency Meeting with INTO and NITC
June 2020
Gerry Murphy, Northern Secretary, reports that Minister Weir has agreed to an emergency meeting with INTO and the other members of the NITC. The meeting will be to discuss the plans for a wider re-opening of schools and proposals being developed by the Department of Education to have principals and teachers run summer schools in July and August.
Mr Murphy has been clear with the Department that the August 17th date and the issue of summer schools are matters that should have been consulted on directly with the INTO long before now.
Summer Schools
16 June 2020
INTO Northern Secretary, Gerry Murphy has restated his views on the Department of Education’s proposals to canvas schools on the Minster’s proposals to hold summer schools.
INTO Request Members Email the Education Minister
12 June 2020
INTO is requesting that members email the Education Minister directly to outline members’ concerns with how this Minister is carrying out his duties.
READ ON for further details and to download the INTO template email.
DE’s Response to INTO Members’ Email Correspondence
23 June 2020
On 12 June 2020, INTO asked its members to email the Education Minister directly to outline your concerns with how this Minister is carrying out his duties.
The Minister received a significant number of letters from INTO members.
Please read the DE’s Response to INTO Members’ Email Correspondence: 23 June 2020 (PDF)
INTO Response to Minister’s Statement Re: Reopening of Schools on 17 August
11 June 2020
INTO have issued a response to statements made by the Education Minister in relation to the further opening of schools.
Read the INTO Response: 11 June 2020 here.
INTO Working For Our Members
5 June 2020
The Northern Secretary has written to members with an update on INTO’s ongoing work on your behalf:
INTO Letter to Members: 5 June 2020
DE CIRCULAR 2020/05: GUIDANCE ON REMOTE LEARNING PUBLISHED
5 June 2020
The DE has published Circular 2020/05 which provides initial advice and guidance to schools on supporting remote learning.
DE GUIDANCE TO SUPPORT SAFE WORKING IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS
4 June 2020
The DE have issued guidance to support safe working that applies to staff working in education settings in Northern Ireland:
DE Guidance to Support Safe Working in Educational Settings in NI (PDF)
SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 2020/21
3 June 2020
The Department of Education has provided guidance to Boards of Governors and schools on school development planning for 2020/21, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The guidance is available on the DE website.
EDUCATION RESTART PROGRAMME
2 June 2020
The Education Minister has written to the NITC re: the establishment of the Education Restart Programme which, working alongside a wide range of stakeholders, will put in place the detailed measures and guidance which will enable a safe phased reopening of schools:
DE Letter re: Education Restart Programme: 2 June 2020 (PDF)
CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR THE WIDER RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS
May 2020
The question of a wider re-opening of schools is one INTO have been fully engaged with for the past number of weeks. A lot of the work this has entailed has been around agreeing priorities with our trade union colleagues both in the other teaching unions and the unions representing our essential non-teaching colleagues.
Read the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council paper here:
Contingency Planning for a Wider Re-opening of Schools in the Academic Year 2020/21: May 2020 (PDF)
ONLINE LESSONS: INTO GUIDANCE
27 May 2020
Read INTO’s guidance re: online preparation for pupils with regard to entrance exams and pre-recording lessons for online use:
INTO RESPONDS TO MINISTER WEIR’S STATEMENT TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON 21 MAY 2020
22 May 2020
The INTO acknowledges the Minister’s appreciation to the teaching workforce for their efforts over the period of the COVID pandemic.
INTO Press Release: 22 May 2020
INTO ADVICE ON PUPIL REPORTING
21 May 2020
Following the issuing of the DE Guidance on Pupil Reporting, INTO has published guidance to members as follows:
INTO Guidance on Pupil Reporting: 21 May 2020 (PDF)
DE GUIDANCE ON PUPIL REPORTING
20 May 2020
The Department of Education has written to schools to advise on pupil reporting at the close of this academic year, in light of the ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus.
The Minister has agreed to significantly reduce the prescribed reporting requirements and provide a temporary legislative basis that will enable principals to decide the content and format of reports:
DE Guidance: 20 May 2020 (PDF)
ONLINE TEACHING & CONTACTING PARENTS AT HOME
20 May 2020
Read INTO’s updated advice re: online teaching and contacting parents at home: INTO Advice: 20 May 2020
GOOD NEWS FOR TEMPORARY WORKERS
19 May 2020
INTO welcomes the introduction of the COVID-19 Income Protection Scheme designed to support those essential members of the teaching workforce not in full-time employment:
INTO Press Release: 19 May 2020
INTO BENEVOLENT FUND
15 May 2020
It is especially important, during this COVID-19 crisis, for INTO members to be aware of the INTO Benevolent Fund. The fund provides two types of financial support; Death Grants and Hardship Grants. INTO members should pay particular attention to the Hardship Grants.
COVID-19: PRSD AND PAY PROGRESSION
15 May 2020
TNC Management Side has written to all schools in consideration of the extraordinary and exceptional circumstances presented by the current public health crisis and recognising its adverse impact on the issue of PRSD and pay progression:
TNC Management Side Letter to Boards of Governors: 15 May 2020 (PDF)
OFQUAL CONSULTATION ON ASSESSMENT AND GRADING OF VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL AND OTHER GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
INTO Response to the OFQUAL Consultation: May 2020 (PDF)
SUPPORT TEACHER COLLEAGUES EMPLOYED THROUGH NISTR BY EMAILING YOUR MLA
INTO, through NITC, called for financial support for teachers employed through NISTR, from management side at the very start of the COVID-19 crisis. Recently the Department of Education approved a proposal to provide financial support to these teachers but the final decision to process it is with the Stormont Executive.
In an attempt to expedite this payment, INTO has prepared template letters that you can send to your local MLA to encourage them to support this proposal.
COVID-19: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MAKING WORKPLACES SAFER
The Department for the Economy has published safety guide for the workplace entitled ‘A Practical Guide to Making Workplaces Safer’ . This guide sets out principles and practical steps that are vital for employers and employees to keep themselves and their workplaces safe. It also sets out necessary steps to be followed if employers and employees are concerned about safety:
Department for the Economy: A Practical Guide to Making Workplaces Safer (PDF)
BIGTU URGE CAUTION OVER RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS
BIGTU (The British & Irish Group of Teacher Unions) have written to Peter Weir, Minister of Education to raise joint concerns regarding the future re-opening of schools:
BIGTU (British and Irish Group of Teacher Unions) Letter to Education Minister: 4 May 2020 (PDF)
CORONAVIRUS TESTING FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS
The Minister of Health announced on Wednesday (22 April) a further expansion of testing through NI centres to allow symptomatic frontline workers and/or their symptomatic household members to know whether or not they have the virus. Testing is now available to key workers who work in the essential areas listed in the following guidance.
LATEST UPDATE: 28 April 2020
INTO have written to Education Minister, Peter Weir, to raise their concerns following increased speculation regarding a possible early re-opening of schools. The DE have responded to INTO’s correspondence.
INTO Letter to Education Minister: 17 April 2020 (PDF)
DE Response to INTO: 28 April 2020 (PDF)
AWARDING FOR QUALIFICATIONS SUMMER 2020 : INTO ADVICE
INTO has received a number of queries in relation to the provision of estimated grades and rank ordering of students for the summer examinations/qualifications summer 2020.
To access the INTO advice, click here
LATEST UPDATE: 3 April 2020
The EA have written to Principals (letter dated 2 April 2020) re: cross organisational support for schools during the current situation.
CONTACTING PUPILS AT HOME: INTO ADVICE
Schools should not ask staff to contact pupils who appear not to be engaging with online activities, with the exception of those who may be penalised in terms of examinations if they do not engage.
To access the INTO advice, click here
INTO PRESS RELEASE: 1 April 2020
LATEST UPDATE: 31 March 2020
In response to NITC representations, Management Side, DE and Employers are giving urgent consideration to the issue of sub teachers who no longer have access to work:
Management Side letter to NITC: 31 March 2020 (PDF)
LATEST UPDATE: 27 March 2020
The Education Authority have published a set of HR questions and answers to advise and guide managers and staff regarding important employment issues during this ongoing period of public health concern.
On clicking on the link above please select HR from the menu to access the information.
INTO ADVICE ON WORKING FROM HOME: Updated 27 April 2020
INTO know that all our members want to do the right thing by your schools and pupils in these very difficult circumstances and to work with DE and the employing authorities to ensure that teachers are prioritised along with the children they teach.
To access the INTO advice, click here
LATEST UPDATE: 24 MARCH 2020
Updated guidance has been issued by the Department of Education and the Education Authority, including FAQs for schools opening for key workers’ children
NITC CALLS FOR PAYMENT FOR SUB TEACHERS WITHOUT ACCESS TO SECURE WORK
NITC Letter to Permanent Secretary: 23 March 2020 (PDF)
THE FOLLOWING IS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE REGARDING THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS ON MONDAY 23 MARCH 2020:
Letter from Permanent Secretary to School Principals: 20 March 2020 (PDF)
DE General Guidance on COVID-19 For Schools (PDF)
DE FAQs For Schools Opening on Monday 23 March For Key Workers (PDF)
Letter from Permanent Secretary to School Principals and Staff: 22 March 2020 (PDF)
INTO Advice re: Permanent Secretary’s Letter of 22 March:
INTO advises principal members to complete the survey and return it to the Department of Education.
Members are advised to:
[i] make full use of the comments boxes to communicate the reasoning behind their responses to the Department;
[ii] make it clear they will in conjunction with their Boards of Governors keep matters under daily review;
[iii] not make commitments beyond tomorrow.
It is vital that the information the Department is seeking is provided as it will be essential in supporting the unions efforts to have the Department revisit their strategy of using schools and teachers to facilitate day care for essential workers.
INTO ADVICE & GUIDANCE: UPDATED SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2020
INTO Advice & Guidance To All Members on Attendance at School During The COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF): Updated 3 April 2020
INTO Advice: Sunday 22 March 2020 (PDF)
INTO FAQs: Sunday 22 March 2020 (PDF)
PAYMENT OF SUB TEACHERS – UPDATE: 21 MARCH 2020
NITC letter to Minister of Education re: Substitute Teaching Workforce: 19 March (PDF)
Confirmation From NISTR:
| As a substitute teacher, how will school closures affect my booking and pay?
Even though schools will be closed to pupils, they will remain open for staff so that they can access resource materials and make arrangements for remote learning as appropriate, to facilitate provision for vulnerable children and those of key workers, and be available to carry out other duties that principals may require of them. All employees will receive normal pay across the range of circumstances that we are facing whether they remain in the workplace, are working from home or are unable to carry on working due to circumstances beyond their control. Substitute teachers will also receive their normal pay for the period of time that they have been engaged to work. This includes any engagements currently registered on the NISTR system AND any engagements which have been verbally agreed between the school and the substitute teacher. |
GUIDANCE ON ABSENCE RELATING TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): 20 March 2020
The health, safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff is of paramount importance to all education employers in the sector. The Guidance on Absence Relating to Coronavirus(COVID-19): Advice for Managers and Staff (PDF) has been produced so employers and employees are aware of arrangements regarding the sickness absence scheme in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19).
LATEST UPDATE: 19 March 2020
Letter From Minister of Education to Education Sector: 19 March (PDF)
INTO PRESS RELEASE: Uncertainty Ends for Teachers and School Leaders: 18 March 2020
INTO Northern Secretary, Gerry Murphy, commenting on the Ministers statement said …
This evening’s statement from the Joint First Minister ends the uncertainty for teachers and school leaders, at last, and is to be welcomed.
Teachers and school leaders, being the resilient and creative professionals, they are, have already begun to prepare resource material for a period of prolonged closure.
INTO has no doubt our members will continue, with the assistance of parents, to work diligently in maintaining continuity for learners.
Teachers will follow reasonable instruction from their school principal in relation to managing the distance learning of pupils. Principals and teachers must be careful to allow for their own domestic and family circumstances to be accommodated in the changed learning environment.
INTO remains available to members at this challenging time and we will seek to contribute to the work of the Department of Education and the other education bodies to ensure further information updates are provided to principals and teachers in the days and weeks ahead.
This is a worrying time for all concerned but today’s decision will go some way to reducing the additional stress levels principals, teachers, parents, children and young people have been enduring over the last week.
INTO ADVICE: COVID-19 AND SCHOOL CLOSURES: 18 March 2020
In light of the continued decision on the part of the Minister of Education to have schools remain open, a decision opposed by INTO along with all the education trade unions, teaching and non-teaching, and having reflected on the vague and inadequate advice offered by the employing authorities and the Department of Education, INTO Northern Committee now issues the following guidance to our members:
- Principals are reminded that protocols are already in place for exceptional circumstances which may necessitate a school closure. This Coronavirus pandemic is, in our view, an exceptional circumstance. Therefore, a principal, in conjunction with the Board of Governors, should carry out risk assessments in relation to preventing and managing sicknesses or in the event of large-scale absences on the part of colleagues. (See example Risk Assessment PDF).
- In the event of a confirmed case within the school community, INTO advise that the Principal contact the employing authority to seek instruction. INTO must insist that where this is the case, schools close immediately. Contrary to departmental advice, a pupil showing symptoms of illness and awaiting collection, should not be left unattended.
- While INTO will always advise teachers with underlying health issues to seek advice from an appropriate medical practitioner should they feel unwell, on this occasion of a global pandemic, INTO advises our vulnerable members with underlying health issues to contact their principal/school to explain that they are going to follow government advice and remain at home.Our understanding of underlying health issues includes and is not exhaustive of those suffering from:
- chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, heart disease, Kidney disease; liver disease
- Solid organ transplant recipients.
- chronic neurological conditions
- diabetes
- a weakened immune system
- eligibility for a flu vaccine
INTO advise all our members in these categories or caring for people in them to stop attending school.
- Pregnant women have been advised as of the evening of March 16th by the British Prime Minister not to attend school and to self-isolate. INTO members who are themselves pregnant should follow this advice.
- Teachers who are prevented from attending their normal place of work due to COVID-19 will receive their normal salary. Medical certification may be required at a later date, but teachers will not be expected to provide same whilst schools are closed.
- Substitute teachers should ensure that where they have been booked on NISTR they keep a record of bookings from NISTR to ensure full payment if they are unable to attend their work due to COVID-19.
- Where schools remain open following completion of a risk assessment, INTO members should not attend non-essential meetings. Non-essential meetings include assemblies, PTMs, staff, departmental, planning meetings etc. Members are reminded that we remain on Industrial Action at this time.
- Schools should discourage non-essential external visitors and ensure that sanitising gel or hand washing facilities are available for the whole school community to avail of.
- Where schools remain open following a risk assessment, time must be given, within contact time, for teachers to prepare additional work for the eventuality of school closure.
- In the event of a school closure, teachers should remain available to follow reasonable instruction from their school principal in relation to managing workload from home. Principals and teachers should be careful to allow for their own domestic and family circumstances with regard to such instruction.
NITC CALLS FOR SCHOOL CLOSURES: 17 March 2020
Letter from NITC to Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill (PDF)
GUIDANCE ON ABSENCE RELATING TO CORONAVIRUS: 16 March 2020
Advice for managers and staff (PDF)
INTO GUIDANCE FOR TEACHERS: 16 March 2020
INTO advises that any member who is feeling anxious and concerned due to underlying medical conditions and the possible impact of contracting the COVID-19 virus should contact their GP and follow the advice given.
PAYMENT OF SUB TEACHERS: 13 March 2020
INTO is currently in discussions/negotiations with management with a view to ensuring that subs will be paid for days that they are booked through NISTR if they cannot attend school because of COVID-19. Nothing has been finalised yet but INTO will be issuing guidance through the website / twitter etc as soon as anything has been agreed. We hope to have our recommendations to management approved by early next week.
GUIDANCE ON COVID-19: 11 March 2020
In the current public health emergency, it is imperative that we all heed the public health advice and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our colleagues from the COVID-19 virus.
The INTO is advising parents and schools to keep up to date with Public Health Agency (PHA) guidance on COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Public Health Agency guidance will be regularly updated on the PHA WEBSITE.
Additional guidance can also be accessed on the Department of Education’s website and Education Authority’s website.
BE AWARE – WASH YOUR HANDS WITH CARE
Regular hand washing is a key means of containment of this virus. The following link opens a short video from the World Health Organisation which demonstrates the ‘fine art of hand washing’
We would draw your attention particularly to an article by Conor Pope in the Irish Times, dated 10 March 2020, highlighting the pitfalls of poor hand washing:
INTO will update you with further information as and when it is available