Teaching union the NASUWT raises concerns with Moray Council over schools return – but EIS grievance resolved
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TEACHERS union NASUWT has put Moray Council on notice over the return of schools in the region.
In a letter from the union's general secretary, Dr Patrick Roach, to Moray Council, "serious concerns" were outlined over the decision to fully reopen the region's schools to all pupils on August 12.
The union was concerned that the decision was taken without full consultation with trade unions or employees.
It added: "Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that schools were not adequately prepared to implement the decision on full opening and to do so safely in the interests of pupils or staff."
Concerns were also expressed that the local authority hadn't ensured that all schools and settings had completed pre-opening health and safety checks.
NASUWT asked the council to confirm what arrangements were in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff and pupils.
Among the concerns listed, the union was concerned that a number of schools were not in a position to comply with the required expectations for essential cleaning of equipment; schools remained unclear as to Covid-safe requirements in catering, transport and other logistical matters: and a number of schools had sought to hold large staff meetings without observing two-metre physical distancing.
A Moray Council spokesperson said today: "We discussed return-to-school guidance with trade unions throughout the school summer holidays and published this guidance following seven virtual consultations with head teachers prior to the start of term.
"We had a successful return to school this week based on the arrangements in place across our schools to help pupils and staff phase back to normal in the first few days, including staggered starts and soft introductions to the curriculum, particularly for those in transition years of P1 and S1."
Meanwhile, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union, which had raised concerns with Moray Council prior to schools welcoming pupils back, said its grievance had now been resolved.
EIS representatives met Moray Council on Wednesday, August 12.
An EIS spokesperson said today: "The EIS welcomed the sentiments expressed at the meeting.
"The council and EIS pledged to maintain and build positive working relationships that have been the norm in recent times."
