Updated information and links at the bottom of the article…

We at the Supply Network were recently asked a very interesting and important question about attending school in September. The question was:

‘Do you know where to find the best information for supply teachers on Covid, ready for the situation in September? Are there links on the Supply Network or on the NEU or NASUWT site? I am twice vaccinated but really nervous about catching Covid – I’m looking for information on things like whether schools will still be able to insist that children are kept at home if they have Covid symptoms, and if the school can then demand that the child takes a PCR test before returning; can I open doors and windows for ventilation and wear a mask in class; what will a supply teacher do if there is a positive Covid case in class and how would I be notified if working day to day? Lots of Covid questions and concerns for September.’

These are all important questions, which need to be addressed by the three main education unions: the NEU, NASUWT and Unison. The first information to point out is that most of the advice on the three union websites have not been updated since March/April. The country is in a different situation now than it was back in March/April and will be in another, unique situation in September.

The Supply Network have been assured that the NEU will have new advice out before the September start and we will assume that the other two unions will issue guidance before September too. Below are the links to the advice as it stands today. We will update this post as we receive it during the summer.

Unison

As quoted on the Unison Covid-19 Advice For School and Early Years Staff page, the school and the agency both have responsibility for your health and safety:

The health and safety responsibilities owed by school and college employers

Schools have legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees and to ensure other persons, not in their employment, are not exposed to a risk to their health and safety. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to undertake a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to health and safety of employees and others, such as pupils and parents, affected by the conduct of the employer’s undertaking.

The Regulations also require the risk assessment to identify the measures necessary to comply with the statutory duties owed by the employer. Where the employer implements such measures, the primary duty is to avoid risks or combat the risks at source. The duties also include having appropriate procedures in place in the event of a serious and imminent danger.

NASUWT

On the NASUWT Coronavirus FAQ page, it says in response to the question:

AS A SUPPLY TEACHER UNDERTAKING AN ASSIGNMENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO UNDERTAKE EITHER A LATERAL FLOW TEST OR PCR TEST?

The Westminster Government has further revised its advice and guidance in respect of asymptomatic testing in schools.

The revised operating guidance from the DfE references the fact that schools should include supply teachers, and all temporary staff, in its communications, policies and processes for asymptomatic testing including the provision of test kits where feasible.

As such, it should be the responsibility of either the agency and/or the school to provide the relevant test for supply teachers to complete when undertaking an assignment.

If school leaders are content for supply staff to test themselves ahead of their arrival, then schools are encouraged to share test kits in advance of their arrival, where appropriate.

The NASUWT has campaigned for access to Covid-19 tests for teachers and pupils and encourages the appropriate use of such tests by school/college employers.

If you are invited to undertake a Covid-19 test, you should have the opportunity to attend the school/college earlier to familiarise yourself with the testing process, which should be factored into your assignment, and you should be paid accordingly in respect of the daily rate you receive.

In addition to testing in schools, businesses (including employment agencies) who employ more than 50 staff can also register to order tests for employees who cannot work from home, which can be found on the Government web page Get coronavirus tests for your employees.

The Union is aware that some agencies have already taken up this offer and have been utilising these tests for supply teachers. Furthermore, supply teachers can order adequate supplies of lateral flow tests or get tested at a test site. You are eligible to obtain up to two packs of seven tests from a local pharmacy or test site or order them to be sent to your home and report the results online or on the phone.

https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/health-safety/coronavirus-guidance/coronavirus-faqs.html

NEU

The NEU Coronavirus – supply educator guidance contains the Checklist for Supply Educators, which gives you plenty of questions to ask the agency the before going on an assignment, such as:

Is the agency satisfied that the proposed workplace is safe for staff generally?

What steps has it taken to ensure that it is?

Has it asked for the school’s risk assessment and safety procedures?

Can it provide you with a copy of these documents before you go to the school?

Will you be allowed (during paid time) to fully familiarise yourself with working arrangements before commencing work?

If you are concerned about specific issues, you could also ask about the following:

Social distancing – will this be maintained appropriately in accordance with DfE guidance?

Cleaning provisions – are these adequate?

Face coverings – are these required to be worn in accordance with DfE guidance?

PPE provision – will this be provided as necessary?

Is there an adequate track and trace process in place?

Are plans in relation to either a suspected in-school case, a school outbreak or local outbreak adequate and robust?

NEU Guidance:

https://neu.org.uk/advice/coronavirus-supply-members-faqs

NEU checklist:

https://neu.org.uk/advice/coronavirus-checklist-supply-educators

The full advice from each union is on the links provided. If there are any up-dates over the summer, we will amend the links and the advice. Please stay safe when going into school this September.

Update: NEU and Joint Union Safety Check List – 27th August

New, updated checklist for supply educators available HERE:

There is a new, joint union safety checklist. This advice has been issued by the joint unions (GMB, NEU, UNISON and UNITE) for use in schools and other settings for at least the first term of the 2021-22 academic year. You can view the checklist HERE.

There is also updated advice for supply members who are Critically Extremely Vulnerable. This joint unions’ advice is for staff working in schools and colleges who are medically vulnerable – whether clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) or clinically vulnerable (CV) – or otherwise at higher risk from Covid-19, or who live with or care for such people, and for their employers. It applies specifically to England, but its principles also apply in Wales and elsewhere. You can view the checklist HERE.

There is also updated Coronavirus guidance and FAQs to read HERE.

Please use all these resources to keep yourself safe this Autumn term.