Agenda item

Richard Hand introduced the report (Agenda Item 11), which aimed to inform members about the activities of the teaching trade unions for 2024/25.

Richard Hand reported that the overall picture was slightly more positive than the previous year, with possible strike action being averted. He hoped that industrial action was not something that would come to pass.

The report highlighted improvements in teacher recruitment however it was important not be complacent in this area.

Richard Hand flagged issues around child poverty because members were increasingly seeing the impacts of this in schools. Schools were having to provide so much more care than they had historically. This was placing pressure on schools.

Richard Hand urged schools to have robust stress management policies and noted the importance of flexible working in attracting and retaining staff.

Richard Hand reported that Private Eye had recently covered SEND, which signified what a major issue it had become. It was being far more widely reported on in the media. He felt that this was a good thing as it served to cast a light on the matter.

Richard Hand raised concerns about the increase in malicious and vexatious complaints, which placed particular stress on headteachers and he stressed the need for schools to have robust policies in place to address these issues. Grievances were an area that was often raised, and Richard Hand reported that they were quite good with dealing with these so that did not escalate.

Rose Carberry endorsed Richard Hand's comments regarding malicious and vexatious complaints, highlighting the rise in AI-generated complaints and the importance of schools having a robust vexatious complainant policy. Training on this area had been provided and would be run again either during the summer or into the autumn term. Schools were urged to reach out to the school improvement team who could provide support in terms of the wellbeing of headteachers and advice to boards of governors.

RESOLVED thatthe Schools’ Forum noted the report.