Staff Consultation Meeting

STAFF CONSULTATION MEETING - 28th JUNE 2024

QUESTIONS ASKED BY STAFF

What happens to my bills when you change the pay date?
The pay date will change from the 25th of each month to the last working day. There will be a notice period. Financial hardship support can be offered by SPT.

It is a lot of change for people, could we keep the pay date as the 25th of the month?
SPT can only run one payroll across the organisation.

Will the school support staff in accessing the information they need from iTrent before it is closed to us?
You will need to download anything that you need to keep before the Trust takes over the payroll. The Business Manager will assist anyone who needs help in printing off documents. We will ensure you can do this during your normal working day.

Will SPT honour the NJC pay awards?
Yes, including the backdated section of the award. (National Joint Council, a union body which agrees the terms and conditions of local government employees including TA’s in local authority schools.)

Will it still be possible to ask for an advance on wages during the pre-Christmas period?
At present our payroll is set for the end of each month. There are no plans to change this, but we are always willing to trade ideas with staff.

What happens with our pensions?
Part of the TUPE process is that everything will transfer on exactly the same terms as you currently have. If you have opted out of the DCC pensions scheme, you will be automatically re-enrolled on transfer. You will have the right to opt out again. The pension fund will remain with Devon County.

Will SPT honour long service days?
Yes. You will keep any long service days you have currently accrued. SPT offers a voucher scheme as a financial reward rather than additional days off. The change from Local Authority to the SPT is not a break in service.

Will teachers be expected to cover classes in other schools within the Trust?
No. Your contract is only with Mill Water School, unless you want to move to a Trust contract. We have asked teachers to come together for professional development events, but it is not an expectation that you will cover at our other member schools.

Will there be changes in our Sickness Policy?
No. The policy document will move with you. Having reviewed it, I can say that it is the same as the SPT Policy.

What happens if you gained a promotion from a Grade B to a Grade C TA?
At that point, you would move onto a Trust contract.

What are the main differences between the Mill Water and the SPT contracts?
SPT has its own pay scale, which is very similar. Having consulted with our support staff, we established a standard grade with as much as the Trust can afford to pay rather than the points based framework. We offer a defined career pathway with HLTA and specialist posts.

What would you pay a Grade D?
The pay frame will be shared. We will need to see the job description to see how they align. I think Grade D is considered a HLTA in other counties. We will need to work out how they sit in the SPT structure. Be assured that your terms and conditions are protected. Teachers sit on the Trust to be part of the decision making process when it comes to pay. What you won’t get are any NJC increments.

Are you taking on all our staff?
Yes. If the Trust are considering reducing staff numbers we would need to start a consultation. There is no active consultation and no plans to start one. Your Union Reps were invited to a meeting earlier today. Nobody was able to attend but Sharon and Cora are well aware of the process. Questions like this are exactly what this process is for.

What happens with EHCP management?
This remains exactly as it is now. DCC hold the management of these plans.

Does the funding get pooled across the Trust?
Money from Devon County for Devon’s children stays in Devon. The money we receive from Cornwall remains in Cornwall. We have no intention to move resources around the area.

What changes will we see across the school?
You will see a flower on your payslip rather than any DCC branding.

Will there be changes to the school uniform?
No. Uniform management will remain with the school. It is not a Trust thing. We want to retain the uniqueness of each of our schools.

What happens to teacher’s laptops?
They will all remain the same.

Who will decide on term dates?
This remains an operational decision for Mill Water in conjunction with Devon. We have previously asked for one inset day that was the same across the Trust, which made it possible for us to network our staff.

Some Trusts have set working hours for teachers, where does the SPT stand on this issue?
No, this is not a thing we do.

Why now and why this move?
Mill Water is a strong school with strong leadership and governance. This is an opportunity to share best practice within special schools. To pick up the support which has been missing from the Local Authority. It is not all one way we will enhance the Trust. Mill Water will make the decision to join, or not, in the best interest of the pupils.