YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union

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YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
YOUR
VOICE
                                    No. 50   AUGUST 2020   £2.00

BUBBLES AND BLENDING
We hear your stories about working in a pandemic,
and look ahead to the new term

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YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
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YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
VOICE    VOICE
CONTENTS UPDATE
1           Voice Update: COVID-19
                                                             COVID-19
2-3         Voice News
            Voice Referrals                                  Staying safe
4           General Secretary’s voice
                                                             at work
                                                             Produced in conjunction with Community,
5           Voice President Joy Rowley                       our new booklet is designed to help
                                                             members and employers understand
6           Voice Focus: Giving young                        how to work safely during the COVID-19
                                                             pandemic. We hope it gives you a practical
            members a voice
                                                             framework to think about:
                                                             www.voicetheunion.org.uk/staying-safe
7           Voice Rewards
                                                             Webinar: Safety at Work: How Unions Can Help
8-9         COVID-19 Survey results
                                                             In June, Chris Burns, Senior Professional Officer at Voice, and Jennifer Dean,
                                                             Education Officer at Community, hosted a training webinar looking at:
10          Pattinson & Brewer Legal
            Advertorial                                      >   working and returning to work safely following lockdown;
                                                             >   how to address the risks you face;
11-13 Voice Focus: Racism and
      Discrimination                                         >   where to get support and advice; and
                                                             >   how your trade union can help.
14-16 Student Focus
                                                             Watch the webinar: www.voicetheunion.org.uk/webinar-safety
17          Early Years: Reopening

18          FHE: Reopening FHE

19          Latest Teachers’ Pay &
            Conditions (England)                             CORONAVIRUS                                    and ask for the duty officer:
                                                                                                            www.voicetheunion.org.uk/contact-
            Pensions (UK)
                                                             UPDATE                                         us. You can also contact us there if you
                                                                                                            have an enquiry about membership
20-21 Wales: News & updates                                                                                 subscriptions or updating your details.
                                                             Coronavirus resources &                        (Direct messages sent via Facebook,
22-24 Scotland: News & updates                               information                                    including out of office hours, may not be
                                                             We continue to provide regular news            seen until the next working day.)
25          Northern Ireland                                 updates on our website and social media
                                                             that we hope will assist you and keep          Video message from the
26          MA SEN Show London                               you informed. See www.voicetheunion.           General Secretary – Thank you,
                                                             org.uk for resources including:                you’re appreciated!
                                                             > the latest information and                   Check out the message on
                                                               government guidance from across              YouTube (www.youtube.com/
                                                               the UK (www.voicetheunion.org.uk/            watch?v=VLzfklkab2c) or via the
                                                               coronavirus); and                            website (www.voicetheunion.org.
                                                                                                            uk/help-and-advice/coronavirus-
                                                             > your FAQs).                                  covid-19).
Published by: Voice, 2 St. James’ Court, Friar Gate,
                                                             You can also follow Voice on Facebook
Derby, DE1 1BT, tel: 01332 372337
www.voicetheunion.org.uk/your-voice
                                                             (www.facebook.com/Voicetheunion)
email: pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk.                     and Twitter (@Voicetheunion,
                                                             @VoiceCymru, @VoiceScotland) for
Editorial Board: Richard Fraser (Editor), Dougie Atkinson,
Sue Cornish, Deborah Lawson, Catherine Scrivens, Steve
                                                             news, shared content and resources.
Straw (Design), Elizabeth Williams and Jack Wholey.
                                                             We welcome comments and messages
Contributors: Dougie Atkinson, Sue Cornish, Nadia Foster,    on our social media about our online
Richard Fraser, Martin Hodge, Rob Jaques, Yvonne Johns,
                                                             information, shared content and current
Kaisra Khan, Deborah Lawson, Cameron Mitchell, Dr John
Mitchell, Parliament Hill, Val Ross, Joy Rowley, Janine
                                                             issues. However, if you need advice
Sansom, Catherine Scrivens, Jack Wholey, Elizabeth           or support with a workplace issue, we
Williams and Chris Wilson.                                   cannot do this via Facebook or Twitter,
ISSN2632-7570                               © VOICE 2020     so please contact us
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                                                                                                                                                     1
YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
VOiCe
NEWS
SGM Result                                   majority [previously ‘a majority of at
                                             least three-quarters’] of the votes cast
                                                                                          or by proxy at any general meeting of
                                                                                          which at least one month’s notice has
Correction                                   at a meeting of the Council where such
                                             a discussion is proposed, nor may it
                                                                                          been given specifying the intention to
                                                                                          propose such amendment.
                                             delegate to any other committee or
Following our SGM on 28 March                to any individual the power to discuss
2020, an error was made in the               the amalgamation or dissolution of the       Rule 74e    247 for      108 against
communication of the outcome of              Union.                                       [Not passed as Rule 74c above
the ballot and the rule changes that                                                      prevents the change.]
                                             Rule 57i        294 for      57 against
were passed.                                                                              Subject to Rule 19 and those Rules
                                             Passed

W
                                                                                          contained within the Appendices may
         e had notified members that
                                                                                          be amended either as permitted above
         the rule changes put to the         Add: In compliance with statutory
                                                                                          or by a simple majority [previously
         ballot on 28 March 2020 had         provisions, to ballot members in
                                                                                          ‘two-thirds’] of the votes cast at a
all been successful save for Rule 74         relation to any amalgamation or
                                                                                          meeting of the Council of which notice
c. This was incorrect. Rules 74 d and e,     dissolution of the Union.
                                                                                          has been given specifying the intention
by virtue of the fact that 74 c did not
                                             Rule 74c     245 for     109 against         to propose such amendment.
get a 75% majority in favour, could not
be changed, despite both having a two-       [Not passed as three-quarters                Rule 76a         278 for       83 against
thirds majority. The error appears to        majority required.]                          Passed
have arisen by taking the subsections
independently without reference back         Rules 4, 5, and 6, [Rules about members      The Union may be amalgamated with
to rule 74c.                                 protecting/promoting education;              another trade union only as a result of a
                                             industrial action, and Council voting on     ballot to that effect held in compliance
Additionally Rule 6 could not be changed     amalgamation or dissolution] and this        with current legislation. [Previously
because it required a 75% majority,          Rule, [about amending the Rules] are         ‘under current legislation, permission
which it did not achieve.                    fundamental and shall not be amended         to hold such a ballot having been given
                                             or rescinded except by a resolution          by at least three-quarters of the votes
The error was unfortunate, but no            carried by a simple majority [previously     cast at a Special General Meeting of
actions have been taken by the union         ‘three-quarters’] of the votes cast at       which notice has been given specifying
because of the error and no rules have       a Special General Meeting of which           the intention to propose the holding of
been breached. Please see below              notice has been given specifying the         such a meeting’.]
the correct result of the rule changes       intention to propose such amendment
proposed at the SGM on 28 March 2020:        or rescission.                               Rule 76b        241 for      112 against
                                                                                          Passed
                                             Rule 74d      247 for    110 against
Rule 6       245 for     110 against                                                      Subject to current legislation, there shall
                                             [Not passed as Rule 74c above
[Not passed as three-quarters                                                             be a requirement of a simple majority
                                             prevents the change.]
majority required.]                                                                       [previously ‘at least three-quarters’] of
                                             Subject to Rules 19 [about country           the votes cast in such a ballot.
The Council (as defined in Rule 7) may       sections] and 74, these Rules may be
not instigate discussion about the           amended by a resolution carried by             www.voicetheunion.org.uk/
amalgamation or dissolution of the           a simple majority [previously ‘three-          about-us/rules
Union without the consent of a simple        quarters’] of the votes cast in person

    Events & EXHIBITIONS Calendar 2020-21
                        : date to be
                          advised                                   Friday 6 to Saturday 7 November
                                                                    Childcare Expo Manchester
    Voice Conference 2020                                           EventCity, Manchester
    Clayton Hotel Chiswick,
    London
                                                                    Friday 20 to Saturday 21 November
    Friday 25 to Saturday 26 September                              Childcare Expo London, Olympia, London

    Childcare Expo Midlands
    Ricoh Arena                                                     Friday 8 January to Saturday 9 January 2021
    Coventry                                                        tes SEN Show, Business Design Centre, London

                                         www.voicetheunion.org.uk/events
2                                                                                                                            Back
YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
voice
NEWS
COMMITTEE ELECTIONS UPDATE                                                                  Transfer ballot
At the close of nominations on 3 June          Scotland Executive Committee                 A ballot on the proposed transfer of Voice
2020, the following were elected:              (SEC)                                        to Community opened on Wednesday 1
                                                                                            July 2020 and closes on Friday 31 July.
                                               Caroline McDonald
Northern Ireland Executive                     Allana Hannah                                Civica Election Services (formerly ERS)
Committee (NIEC)                               Allan Paterson                               is the independent balloting service
Jon McMurray                                                                                conducting the ballot.
Sheelagh Carville-McGiven                      Sue Cornish
Julian King                                    Acting Returning Officer                     The result will be published on the Voice
Tommy Scott                                                                                 website on or after 3 August.
Noel Purdy                                     suecornish@voicetheunion.org.uk
                                                                                            Further updates will be communicated to
Sandra Wilson
                                                                                            members by email and in the October Your
Chris Wilson                                   FINANCIAL STATEMENT                          Voice.
Wales Executive Committee (WEC)
                                               The annual Financial Statement can be        www.voicetheunion.org.uk/
Nick Griffin                                   found at: www.voicetheunion.org.uk/
Melynda Standring                                                                           transfer-2020
                                               statement-members

 AGM 2020                                                             Further information is available on request. (See also the
                                                                      General Secretary’s Annual Report on page 4.)
 The 2020 Annual General Meeting of Voice took place virtually by
 zoom on Saturday 20 June 2020.                                       Yvonne Johns
                                                                      Honorary Secretary
 There were no constitutional changes proposed at this AGM.           yvonnejohns@voiceactivists.org.uk

 Voice Referrals
 Voice understands just how valuable your
 recommendation can be in helping someone make
 the choice to join Voice.

 We’re offering you a £5 M&S gift card as our thank
 you every time you support Voice by securing a new
 member to join*. We’re even on hand to support your
 efforts by supplying you with leaflets and freebies
 that you can use to highlight why Voice is right to
 support colleagues throughout their career.
 * See website for full terms and condition for Voice
 Referrals www.voicetheunion.org.uk/referrals

 Find out more at:
 www.voicetheunion.org.uk/referrals
 and start referring your friends and colleagues to join Voice.                                                                          5

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YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
GENERAL
SECRETARY’S VOICE
ANNUAL REPORT
2020
From the 2020 AGM Report

By Deborah Lawson, General Secretary
(deborahlawson@voicetheunion.org.uk)

Representing members
As we all learn to live and work within
the restrictions imposed by COVID-19,
the work of our members continues, and
therefore so does the work of Voice,
albeit somewhat differently since March.

In terms of the level of casework and
representation by Professional and
Regional Officers and Field Officers,
absence management, sickness and
return to work cases have increased. This,
along with the results of Voice’s annual
stress survey, again raises concern about
the health of our professional workforce
(www.voicetheunion.org.uk/stress).           COVID-19                                   preventing wider opening of schools
                                                                                        and nurseries. Nothing could be
                                             This year has seen unprecedented           further from the truth. There was no
In addition to casework, we also
                                             change to the way we all live and work     squabbling or warring between unions
continue to answer a high volume
                                             due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As           and government, or indeed between
of telephone calls from members
                                             parents embarked on home schooling/        unions, who all agreed that wider
seeking advice and information.
                                             childcare, many while working from         opening of schools and nurseries should
Calls rose exponentially in the weeks
                                             home or with concerns for job security     proceed, when it was safe to do so. All
after lockdown was announced, and
                                             and financial support, the respect and     negotiations were, and continue to be,
continued as announcements about
                                             goodwill for our members who work          professional and politely conducted.
furlough schemes and guidance for
                                             in education and early education and
schools and nurseries were issued.
                                             childcare increased enormously.            We continue to fully engage with
All our work and representation has                                                     ministers and officials to ensure the
continued during the pandemic, but           Education and childcare                    safety of members as they adjust to yet
                                                                                        further changes in the way they work.
has been conducted remotely via video        professionals, themselves                  (See www.voicetheunion.org.uk/blog/
or telephone conferencing. Although
some meetings will continue to require       key workers, were asked                    divide-rule.)
physical presence, video conferencing        to work differently with
is proving to be efficient and more                                                     We respect that not all our members
convenient for many.
                                             very little notice. The                    hold the same views on a variety of
                                             professions responded                      matters – not just the wider opening
                                                                                        of schools and nurseries, or indeed, a
Working with others                          magnificently, overcoming                  potential transfer to Community – but
The Memorandum of Understanding              some enormous barriers                     we do know that you care passionately
(MoU) with Community remains in place        and fears for the safety of                about the students, pupils and children
and joint working continues. Recently                                                   you are responsible for and the provision
we have linked our Union Learning Reps       their pupils, families, and                of education.
with Community’s ULR programme and           themselves.
looked at joint training for volunteers                                                 You have all responded amazingly
from both organisations.                                                                during the pandemic to ensure access to
                                             The easing of restrictions across all
                                                                                        education and to maintain contact with
                                             nations and the announcements that
Our affiliation to GFTU (General                                                        those not yet in school, nursery or
                                             schools and nurseries could begin to
Federation of Trade Unions) continues                                                   college, and for that I add my
                                             accept more children received very
and provides, in addition to the                                                        thanks to the heartfelt thanks of
                                             mixed receptions from parents and
education programme available,                                                          the nation for your dedication and
                                             the workforce alike. This in turn led to
opportunity for wider networking                                                        commitment.
                                             rumour and speculation across social
and joint campaigns across a range           media and the press that unions were
of unions representing a variety of          at ‘war’ with government and were
professions and occupations.

4                                                                                                                       Back
YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
VOICE of the
president
                                             or that I would have only had remote       A successful ballot result from our
                                             meetings with colleagues in recent         members would lead us into a period of
                                             months.                                    transition to establish and develop our
                                                                                        section within Community and realign
                                             We did not foresee the difficulties        some of our administrative procedures
                                             which would be experienced by the          with theirs, and to set our priorities
                                             education sector or the impact there       and agenda. From this, I believe that
                                             would be on families and family life.      we would be able to develop a range of

AN EVENTFUL
TIME TO Be
President
By Joy Rowley (joyrowley@
voiceactivists.org.uk) who became
President, and Chris Wilson Vice
President, at the Annual General
Meeting on 20 June 2020

My first task as President was to            Voice has been proactive in                objectives and campaigns in response
                                                                                        to member issues and requirements
say my own personal massive thank            ongoing negotiations with                  that would see Voice developing its
you to Melynda Standring for the             government in relation to                  impact on education across the UK.
tremendous work that she has
                                             children and young people                  An unsuccessful result would mean
done as President over the last 12
months.
                                             returning to education                     a period of adjustment and some
                                             and early years settings,                  difficult decisions for National

I
                                                                                        Officers and Council to ensure that we
  have been a member of Voice for            how this will look and the                 could continue to offer members the
  many years and never envisaged
  when I joined that I would one day         impact the time lost will                  service and support they need, and to
                                                                                        continue to be a Voice of reason in an
be taking up the presidential reins. I       have on this generation of                 increasingly hostile union landscape.
joined Voice, or PAT as it was then, as it
enabled me to maintain my belief that
                                             young people.
no action should be taken by teachers                                                   I am looking forward to my
that would be injurious to the education     There is still much work                   year as President and hope
of the young people that we work with.
This principle is still as important to
                                             to do, but all nations seem                that we will be here next
Voice today as it was when I joined.         to be moving in the right                  year in a much stronger
                                             direction.                                 position. It is going to be
Eventful time                                                                           an eventful year, but one
                                             2020 to 2021 is likely to see a level
We have had a very eventful year in
                                             of COVID restrictions still in place for
                                                                                        which I believe will take
2019 to 2020, with Special General
Meetings and the initial vote in             some time, and internally at Voice, is     us forward pursuing the
relation to our possible merger with         likely to be as eventful as last year.     member mandate for
Community. The clear mandate from
the members in that vote was that they       We have undertaken a further ballot        change which we received
were ready for change.                       of members about the transfer during       in the Autumn.
                                             July (see page 3). Our work as National
Nobody foresaw a few months ago              Officers and Council will be directly      I look forward to working with you all.
where we would be now. I did not             affected by the result of that ballot.
anticipate making my AGM speech                                                         www.voicetheunion.org.uk/national-
remotely through a computer link,                                                       officers-and-council

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YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
VOICE
FOCUS

Engaging with                             So, if you’re aged between 18 and 29,
                                          keep an eye on your inbox!
                                                                                     Recent research by the TUC suggests
                                                                                     that a decline in youth membership
the Future:                               We all know how important union
                                                                                     goes some way towards explaining this
                                                                                     trend. Trade union membership among
Giving our                                membership is, and we all have a
                                          responsibility to both engage and
                                                                                     young workers (20–29) is 14.1%, falling
                                                                                     by almost half to 7.5% in the private
Young Members                             recruit young members. Often, the
                                          best people to support and engage
                                                                                     sector. It’s important to remember that,
                                                                                     according to government statistics
a Voice                                   young members are their colleagues         (Trade Union Membership, UK 1995-
                                          who experience the same highs, lows,       2019: Statistical Bulletin: https://
By Rob Jaques                             successes and challenges on a daily        assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/
Professional Officer                      basis. It’s down to all of us to make      government/uploads/system/uploads/
                                          sure the next generation experiences       attachment_data/file/887740/Trade-
Our most recent membership                the same support and opportunity as        union-membership-2019-statistical-
figures tell us that 34% of Voice’s       previous generations.                      bulletin.pdf), education remains the
                                                                                     industry with the highest density
membership is aged between 18             Trade unions, as modern, forward-          (although this is due largely to the
and 29, and such a dynamic group          thinking organisations, have a vital       public sector). It’s important for us to
deserves to have its voice heard.         role to play in this, just as they have    understand where we fit in this trend.
                                          for hundreds of years, and Voice is

W
        e’re keen to make sure that       no different. As the only union to         As we know, 34% per cent of Voice
        we give our young members a       represent workers from all areas and       members are aged between 18 and 29.
        voice, both in their workplace    stages of the education sector, we         This may look like a very high, healthy
and within their union. So, Voice, like   are uniquely placed to offer a holistic    figure. However, a large percentage of
many other unions, must work hard         approach to youth engagement in            those members are students or newly
to engage, attract and keep young         education.                                 qualified, with discounted membership
members.                                                                             fees. Just 5.8% of our young members
                                          Declining union membership                 are working.
We’re aware of the challenges faced
by unions in engaging with young          In his article, ‘Servicing or Organising
                                                                                     Your ideas
members, and in March, I attended         (or both)?’, in the May/June 2020 Your
a focus group with colleagues from        Voice, Vice President Chris Wilson         We know that increasing this figure isn’t
other unions, including Community, and    quoted figures on the decline of union     as simple as just sharing our content
GFTU, to share some insights into these   membership:                                on social media so, as a member-led
challenges.                                                                          organisation, we want to hear your
                                          ‘All unions – “professional” or            ideas for engaging young members.
This proved to be a valuable              “political”, “moderate” or “militant”      It doesn’t matter if you’re a student
starting point for a project on youth     – are facing long-term decline. In the     member, an NQT, or are approaching
engagement. Over the coming months,       late 1970s, trade unions organised         retirement – your voice matters and we
fellow Professional Officer Cameron       more than 50% of all workers. Today,       want to hear it!
Mitchell and I will be looking at how     it’s closer to 20%.’
we can improve our engagement with                                                   You can contact us at contact@
younger members. This will include,                                                  voicetheunion.org.uk using the
as a starting point, some surveys.                                                   subject title ‘Youth Engagement’.

6                                                                                                                    Back
YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
EXCLUS I V E O F F E R S F O R V O I C E M E M B E R S !

       Voice Rewards gives you access to a range of offers designed to support members both personally and
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       are only applicable to debit card, credit card and PayPal orders and cannot be used against Direct Debit orders. In some cases, the price per issue
       may be cheaper if you pay by Direct Debit. Some newspapers are only available via Direct Debit. For magazines, 80% of isubscribe’s customers prefer
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YOUR VOICE BUBBLES AND BLENDING - We hear your stories about working in a pandemic, and look ahead to the new term - Voice the union
VOICE
FOCUS

Covid Survey Results                                           Safe opening
                                                               We asked if it would be safe for schools in England to open to
By Martin Hodge                                                a wider number of pupils from 1 June, as the Government had
Senior Professional Officer (Policy)                           proposed. Unsurprisingly, almost 80% of respondents felt it
                                                               would not be feasible or that their setting would not be ready
COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives. Voice         to reopen due to the lack of time before 1 June. This opinion
members across the UK have risen to this challenge,            was consistent across respondents in maintained schools and
but it has been a particularly worrying time for those         academies, independent schools and the early years.
in private settings, unsure about whether there
would be any money to pay them, and this continues
to be a concern as settings reopen. We are aware of
a significant number of private nurseries and some
independent schools that are struggling financially and
may yet have to close their doors for good.

I
    n May 2020, we surveyed members and others across the
    UK about the impact of COVID-19 on their work.

  The 964 responses gave us vital intelligence to inform our
contributions to government on members’ behalf:
                                                               Although there was consensus on this, the situation locally
                                                               was complex. Respondents’ comments included:
> 550 worked in primary education;
> 146 worked in secondary education;                              ‘Too much negative media coverage is creating fear and
                                                                  anxiety.’
> 160 in early years and childcare;
> 6% in independent schools; and                                  ‘The school will be able to take in the three year groups as
                                                                  planned, numbers greater than 15 can be moved to empty
> 2% in FE colleges.                                              classrooms and taught by teachers from unused year
                                                                  groups. The problem arises when the rest of the school
                                                                  join us as we have only one spare classroom and a library
                                                                  area we can utilise.’

                                                                  ‘15 is too large for our class sizes – 10 would be more
                                                                  feasible.’

                                                               There were also concerns about staffing.

                                                                  ‘All staff would have to be in work to cover children as we
                                                                  are a small school and don’t have very many staff. If one or
                                                                  two had to isolate…’

                                                                  ‘Staff may have to bring their own children in with them.’

                                                                  ‘[We will need] extra cleaners and extra lunch staff.’

                                                               Asked if they thought the Government had selected the most
                                                               appropriate year groups, there was a similarly clear response,
                                                               which was much more nuanced in the commentary.

                                                                  ‘Pupils are losing out on their social developing skills as
                                                                  well as their education. The risk of transmission from
                                                                  them is minimal so the sooner they are back in the better,
                                                                  allowing their parents to return to work.’

                                                                                                                       Next
8
VOICE
FOCUS
                                                                         Some respondents suggested ways that schools and settings
                                                                         could reopen safely.

                                                                             ‘Not all year groups at once. Smaller class sizes than
                                                                             15 – should be calculated by the square footage of the
                                                                             classroom, to ensure safe distances.’

                                                                             ‘Smaller class sizes. PPE for staff and regular testing.
                                                                             Same staff work with the same children in the same
                                                                             class. Regular hand washing for children and staff. Own
                                                                             equipment. Small groups for lunchtimes and breaktimes.
                                                                             Extra cleaning of the school. Even carpets and soft
                                                                             furniture being removed. Carpets replaced with laminate
                                                                             flooring.’

                                                                         Whilst some of the comments may prove to be prohibitively
                                                                         costly, government guidance does encourage the continued use
    Did the Government select the most appropriate year                  of small groups, social distancing and the removal of hard to clean
    groups?                                                              surfaces and soft furnishings.

                                                                         91.1% of respondents did not feel that their settings would be
                                                                         able to welcome back all pupils for a month before the end of
    ‘The lower year groups are the ones who are missing out on a
                                                                         the academic year, largely because of government guidelines on
    lot of their education and missing out on key learning goals,
                                                                         maximum pupil numbers.
    however, I feel year groups such as year 5 is a key group and
    should be one of the first ones going back due to SATs next year.’   Voice has been supportive of schools that have looked at returning
                                                                         additional year groups, but few schools across the UK have been
    ‘In terms of Y6, I think they would have been better off going       able to open more widely due to a lack of space.
    straight to their secondary schools to support their transition,
    and primaries to have had Y5 back.’                                  Since the survey concluded, government plans for Autumn term
                                                                         reopening have been published, and Voice will be surveying
Comments from those in secondary schools and academies                   members on them. But as with all things COVID, we encourage
included:                                                                members to engage with the processes that will ensure you are
                                                                         safe. If you don’t feel safe, please get in touch.
    ‘Surely those teenagers in year 10 and 12, who have exams
    next year are more worried and have to lose out on more not          See the full report: www.voicetheunion.org.uk/covid-19-survey-
    being in school. Some things you cannot do at home and some          results
    may not have parents who are able to support them with this
    level or the subject understanding.’                                 Take part in our latest survey: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/
                                                                         COVID19AutumnSurvey
    ‘Absolute priority to get years 10 and 12 in – we are doing
    massive damage to these years through the lockdown – you
    only get one chance at education and it is being severely            EARLY YEARS AND COVID-19 SURVEY
    damaged – we will regret this in years to come when we see           We also surveyed our early years and childcare members
    the effect of this on this generation.’                              specifically to understand the situation that they were
                                                                         experiencing.
Many had real concerns about the safety aspect of children
returning, especially young children in nurseries and reception          A total of 259 Voice members responded from across the
classes.                                                                 UK and a range of job roles and experience. Almost 25% of
                                                                         respondents were members in Scotland where the advice and
    ‘2,3 and 4 year olds are unable to be socially distanced …
                                                                         guidance is issued by the Scottish Government.
    then it’s the contact with parents and carers. How can you
    safely hand over children staggered whilst supervising other
                                                                         See the results at www.voicetheunion.org.uk/early-years-
    children?’
                                                                         covid-19-survey
    ‘Social distancing at these ages will be impossible to enforce.
    In my early years setting we work in one large room, 13 adults,
    36 child places and about 60 children attend various sessions.
    Children have access to all toys and are allowed free play.          impact of COVID-19 INQUIRY
    Cleaning is going to be a huge issue.’                               Voice also responded to the Commons Education Committee’s
                                                                         inquiry, The impact of COVID-19 on education and children’s
    ‘Guaranteeing social distancing is impossible with SEN               services, including the results of a membership survey with
    children … and actually emotionally damaging. Quality                more than 850 responses:
    EYFS education will be impossible to deliver under the               www.voicetheunion.org.uk/COVID-inquiry
    circumstances set out in the government guidance.’

 Back                                                                                                                                      9
LEGAL SERVICE
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   and their families for non-workplace related issues.

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   > personal injury, union members keep 100%                client not a file name or number.
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                                                                                                                   Back
VOICE FOCUS
RACISM & DISCRIMINATION
Racism in the UK
in 2020
By Catherine Scrivens, Solicitor
(catherinescrivens@voicetheunion.org.uk)

Britain is ethnically diverse and
yet despite this it is still very much
unequal. How often do we hear of
Britain’s ‘proud history’? It may be
true, but there is a lot of our history
that is not cause for celebration,
but rather shame, and we need to
acknowledge this unpalatable past.
To do that, every citizen needs to
be aware of that past, including the
structural inequalities generated
from the colonial past, by educating
our children and young people and
ourselves about it.

R
     ecent events, notably the
     Windrush scandal and then the         measures of 2012 which brought the           It is therefore very clear that whilst
     unlawful killing of George Floyd,     Windrush scandal to the fore remain.         we have legislation outlawing
have put issues of race firmly back on                                                  discrimination on grounds of race or
the agenda.                                The death of George Floyd escalated          national or ethnic origins, it is also
                                           the issue of race inequality and             the case that we have legislation that
An independent review of the Home          oppression across the globe. In the UK,      allows abuse of those rights.
Office’s handling of the historic          sadly, there was an almost identical
Windrush cases found:                      incident carried out by police officers in   Individuals must also become more
                                           London in July 2020. The Report of the       sophisticated in being able to identify
 ‘institutional ignorance and              Runnymede Trust in 2015 found:               and speak out against racism, as well as
 thoughtlessness towards the issue of                                                   taking action in their own professional
 race and the history of the Windrush       ‘Systemic and institutional racism          and personal capacities to address it.
 generation within the department,          persists in policing despite its
 which are consistent with some             recognition in the Macpherson
 elements of the definition of
                                                                                        Employers need to have
                                            Report more than fifteen years
 institutional racism’.                     ago. In Britain, black and minority         diversity and inclusion at
 (Windrush Lessons Learned Review           ethnic people are disproportionately        the heart of their activities.
                                            represented in the criminal justice
 – Wendy Williams, March 2020,
                                            system at every level, from arrests to
                                                                                        We must embrace allyship
 HC 93: www.gov.uk/government/
 publications/windrush-lessons-             stop and search, to imprisonment, to        within the workplace and
 learned-review)                            deaths in custody.                          be prepared to speak up
As a result, Windrush Day (22 June)         ‘Successive governments’ counter-           and challenge oppression
                                            terrorism policies have resulted in
was created as a time to celebrate the
                                            racial profiling and over-policing of       where we see it.
substantial and ongoing contribution
of the Windrush generation and their        Muslim and Asian communities, and
descendants, who helped to rebuild the      have fed a pervasive Islamophobia
United Kingdom after World War II and       now affecting British and other
                                            European societies.’                        As a union, Voice has a ‘Commitment
have influenced the United Kingdom’s
                                                                                        to Racial Equality at Work for
social, cultural and political landscape    (Justice, Resistance and Solidarity:        our staff and members’
ever since.                                 Race and Policing in England                (www.voicetheunion.org.uk/racial-
                                            and Wales – Runnymede Trust,                equality) but it is evident that we all
It is also a time to reflect on righting    Runnymede Perspectives 2015:                need to do more than merely have a
the wrongs of the Windrush scandal          www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/             statement.
and focus on the fight against racism.      images/race and policing v4.pdf)
The Government’s ‘hostile environment’                                                                                    Next

                                                                                                                                  11
VOICE focus
racism & discrimination
Britain’s involvement in slavery must be taught to
dispel ignorance and destroy Discrimination
                                           While the British natives are ignorant        Geneticists Kelly Owens and Mary-
                                           of Britain’s involvement in slavery           Claire King stated: ‘Of course prejudice
                                           due to it not being compulsory in the         does not require a rational basis, let
                                           school curriculum, there is also a lack of    alone an evolutionary one, but the myth
                                           empathy towards even footballers who          of major genetic difference across
                                           have to endure ‘monkey chants’.               “races” is nonetheless worth dismissing
                                                                                         with genetic evidence.’ Race is a
                                                                                         discriminator.
                                           Black people have always
                                           fought with Britain, and                      Discrimination has continued down
                                                                                         generations, causing young black
                                           enlisted in the British                       people to feel frustrated with
                                           armed forces from 1744,                       continually having to prove themselves,
                                                                                         and now deportation threats hang over
                                           yet continue to receive                       their heads. They have seen how the
                                                                                         Windrush descendants, who rebuilt
                                           negative stereotypical                        the country, have been discriminated
                                           colonial attitudes. Britain’s                 against by governments, because
                                                                                         politicians set the atmosphere with
                                           involvement in the                            their rhetoric.
By Nardia Foster MA, BSc (Hons)            ‘Triangular Trade’ of slavery
Psychology, C.Psychol., AFBPsS; life                                                     Black teachers
coach, author of Out of Slavery, and       must be taught to dispel
                                                                                         Black teachers face the stereotypes
Voice Chairman Emeritus                    ignorance and destroy                         that have been constructed over the
Scientific evidence suggests the           discrimination towards                        years against them. The ‘BAME’ [Black,
                                                                                         Asian and minority ethnic] title imposes
original peoples in Britain were           black people, which has                       on us the notion that my history is
black skinned, with dark curly             continued despite the Race                    the same as every other non-white
hair and blue eyes, and their DNA                                                        person, assuming we all have the same
lives in at least ten per cent of the      Relations Act in 1965.                        pain and history. As the descendant
population. Cheddar Man’s skeleton                                                       of enslaved people, the term BAME
                                                                                         to me is an excuse to avoid dealing
is around 10,000 years old and             ‘Race’
                                                                                         with enslavement issues and their
shows he was of Paleolithic African        The term ‘race’, introduced in 1749 by        consequences.
origins. Repeatedly, ancient               Georges-Louis Leclerc and Comte de
historians described the colour            Buffon, prolonged the notion of white         Further information
                                           being right, good and beautiful, and
of the people found in Britain and                                                       Out of Slavery – Learning about the
                                           black being the opposite. Enslavers
were ignored. Black people have            and governments seized upon this lie          history of British Black Caribbean
been in the UK since the beginning,        to justify their social, political and        People (2004):
even including a Roman Emperor,            economic oppression of black people.
                                                                                         > www.amseducational.co.uk/product/
Septimus Severus.
                                           At the Rose Garden Ceremony in June             out-of-slavery

D
    espite this, Britain eagerly           2000, President Bill Clinton with two         > www.amazon.co.uk/Out-Slavery-
    became involved in slavery, which      genome sequencers, Francis Collins              Learning-History-Caribbean/
    lasted from the 1600s to the           and Craig Ventor, said that humans have         dp/0954742001
1800s.                                     identical genome sequences, at 99.9%.
                                                                                         Also by Nardia Foster: ‘Supply
When slavery ended, the propaganda         Ventor added that, ‘the concept of            Teaching: I can’t hide my colour,
about black people continued,              “race” has no genetic or scientific basis’,   therefore my history’ (2011):
reinforced by scientists who               and Collins stated that ‘those who            https://educateself.wordpress.
described black people as ‘uncivilised’,   wish to draw precise racial boundaries        com/2011/12/21/supply-teacher
while rewriting their history. Many        around certain groups will not be
descendants of the enslaved today          able to use science as a legitimate
feel marginalised and discriminated,       justification’.
resulting in psychological
consequences.
                                                                                                                         Next
12
VOICE focus
racism & discrimination
#BLM Movement must spark                                                                Conscious and unconscious bias have
                                                                                        been my constant companions through
curriculum change                                                                       school and in my career. I’ve used my
                                                                                        experiences to empower others from
                                            he didn’t lose his love for the Queen,      different cultural heritages and faiths
                                            whose framed photograph took pride          in my lessons.
                                            of place in our lounge. After three years
                                            of hard work in the mills, he bought a      Time to decolonise
                                            small house.
                                                                                        It’s time to decolonise the school
                                                                                        curricula to produce ones inclusive of
                                            I arrived in England in                     all pupils and their backgrounds. They
                                            1966, aged 8, with my                       deserve to learn about the impact of
                                                                                        the British Empire and its legacy in the
                                            mother and two brothers.                    Commonwealth.
                                            My parents encouraged
                                                                                        We must address the systemic
                                            us to learn English and                     inequalities inherent in this country
                                            prepare for the 11+ test. I                 and recognise that colonial influences
                                            passed, but had to re-sit,                  persist within society.

                                            with an examiner in front                   A person’s skin colour, faith and
                                            of me. They couldn’t accept                 language should be celebrated and
                                                                                        not used to crush them. We owe this to
By Kaisra Khan, teacher and Voice           that an immigrant child,                    George Floyd ‘s memory. May he rest in
Council Member                              who came with no English,                   peace!

The killing of George Floyd by a
                                            had passed after only two
police officer in America shocked           years in the country. My
the world. His death was a brutal           headteacher was furious!                    BAME
one in a catalogue of many deaths
                                            If this wasn’t enough humiliation, I was    I feel the ‘BAME’ category is useful
of people of colour.                                                                    in monitoring these communities’
                                            denied my first choice of grammar
                                            school, because they didn’t want a          experiences, and don’t see it as divisive.
These questions must be answered:
                                            ‘coloured girl’. However, the second        In a perfect society, where people
                                            grammar school enrolled me with open        were judged on their merits, we could
> Why did no one stop his killing in
                                            arms. Some of the girls were racists        dispense with such categorisations. I
  broad daylight?
                                            and called me the ‘P-word’ and the          hope for a better future for generations
> Are black lives seen as expendable        ‘W-word’. I used to cry and question my     to come.
  globally?                                 father’s decision to bring us to such a
                                                                                        Editor: Let us know your views
> Is this the experience of BAME            horrible country.
                                                                                        (pressoffice@voicetheunion.org.uk).
  (Black, Asian, minority ethnic)
  communities in the UK?                    Our parents encouraged me to study
                                            hard and be the best, but I was refused
                                            a place to read medicine at all five
                                            universities I’d applied to. A white girl   OUR COMMITMENT
I was born in Pakistan, a decade after
the horrific fracture of post-colonial
                                            with lower grades received five offers.
                                            Ironically, she dropped out after two
                                                                                        TO RACIAL
India. My parents and grandparents
escaped with their lives. In 1963, my
                                            weeks!                                      EQUALITY AT
father answered Queen Elizabeth’s
request for Commonwealth people
                                            After graduating, I became a science
                                            teacher. I’ve been overlooked for
                                                                                        WORK FOR OUR
to come to the UK to help rebuild
it. Having fought in the British Indian
                                            senior leadership roles – feedback          STAFF AND
                                            from interviews was always very
Army against the Japanese and been a
prisoner of war, he felt British and left
                                            good, however, there was always a           MEMBERS
                                            ‘but’. Then, a headteacher friend told
full of pride.                              me in confidence that wearing the           In response to the death of George
                                            hijab (head scarf) was my hurdle to         Floyd and related events across the
However, he wasn’t welcomed warmly.         promotion beyond middle leadership.         UK, Voice has confirmed its steadfast
A lawyer and qualified mathematician,       Islamophobia had reared its ugly head       commitment to racial equality.
he tried to get work in various             in my adulthood.                            Read our statement:
professions, but apparently his Indian                                                  www.voicetheunion.org.uk/racial-
accent wasn’t acceptable. However,                                                      equality

 Back                                                                                                                          13
STUDENT
FOCUS
          THINGS TO CONSIDER
          BEFORE ENTERING THE
          WORKPLACE FOR THE
          FIRST TIME
          By Jack Wholey, Marketing Assistant
          (jackwholey@voicetheunion.org.uk)

          First, congratulations to those of you who
          have finished your qualification and secured
          your new role. For those who have not yet
          secured a position, there are useful tips for
          securing that first job in this article from a
          previous issue of Your Voice:
          www.voicetheunion.org.uk/sites/default/
          files/Preparing-Enter-Workplace-Nov18.pdf

          For the next few months, you may feel excited that
           you have secured your first job, but also nervous
             about the upcoming year as a newly qualified
               professional. However, if you have some time
               over the summer to prepare yourself for your
                first day, make the most of it by getting the
                essentials prepared. These could include
                supplies, designing a bulletin board or display
                for your class and learning your schedule.
                 However, there are many other things to
                 consider before you enter the workplace.

                Making the most of your summer
                break
               Although you’re about to enter the world
               of work, and may be thinking about your
               upcoming year in the workplace and that you
               need to spend the next few weeks preparing,
               you should still take the time to relax and
              unwind.

          If you’re moving to a new area, it may be a good idea
          to check out the local attractions. This time off may
          also be a good opportunity to brush up on skills for
          both your personal and your professional life.

                                                        Next
14
The break is a great opportunity to         > hand sanitiser – with the COVID-19
catch up with friends and family before       pandemic, this is a necessity,
starting your new job. You should             especially if you are interacting with
also make the most of the lie-ins             a lot of different children or students
while you can as you may not have the         throughout the day;
       opportunity to indulge in them
                                            > tissues – being in an environment
                 as much when you start
                                              with children, you or a child are bound
                the job.
                                              to get the sniffles; and
                Don’t forget, however,      > mug – make sure to have a mug, as
               to make sure you’re all        you will need it for those ever-so-
               ready for the start of         important breaks to get you through
              your new job. Here are          the day!
              some things you might
             want to think about in         Get your uniform organised
             advance.
                                            Your workplace may have a specific
                                            dress code, so it will be worth checking
            Emergency supplies              that out first. You can get this from the
            Even though we’re sure          workplace administrator.
           you will have the basics
           covered, you will also have      For teaching in a classroom, we would
          to consider supplies for          recommend getting items of clothing
          certain occasions. We would       which are smart but also comfy that can
         recommend getting all your         be mixed to vary your outfits, such as
supplies ready in a box for you to take     a collared or dress shirt (long sleeved
on your first day:                          or short sleeved) along with trousers/a
                                            knee-length skirt and smart shoes.
pain killers – not because of the pupils/   You may also want to get some blazers
children, of course!;                       or jumpers for those colder days.
                                            Complementing your outfit with a tie or
> lip balm – you will be talking for a      bowtie will give you a more formal look,
           large portion of the day,        or go without for a more casual look,
            which may chap your lips, so    depending on the dress code.
             this will come in useful;
                                            For those working in early years and
           > snacks – your working day      childcare, if you’re not provided with
              can be a long one, and        a uniform, a polo shirt along with
              there may be days where       trousers is the best bet, but ensure
               you work through your        that the trousers are suitable and
               lunch or are too busy to     comfortable for bending down/
                prepare lunch for the       crouching. We would also recommend
                day;                        getting a zip-up fleece or a cardigan for
               > spare money – if you       those cold days.
                 need to go to the
                  shop or coffee/           Make sure to look at the labels to
                  vending machine;          ensure that your clothing is machine
                                            washable and dryer compatible, to
                  > spare clothes/          ensure that you can get your uniform
                    waterproof coat         cleaned and dried easily on those busy
                   – with the British       days.
    weather, you never know when
 there will be a rainy spell;

                                                                              Next

                                                                                   15
                                                                                   11
Get familiar with the curriculum             Stay up to date in the workplace
     For classroom-based staff, your              You are the new face, and there will be
     workplace should offer a teacher             an expectation for you to know about
     manual that will detail the curriculum       current trends, topics, and issues in
     and standards for the school year. You       education or childcare, so:
     should grab this as soon as you can, and
     even if you can’t bring yourself to read     > sign up for newsletters from education
     the whole thing, just skimming through         or early years websites;
     will give you an idea of what is expected
                                                  > follow important figures in education/
      of you.
                                                    early years on Twitter; and

       First day activities                       > of course, as a member of Voice, you
                                                    will receive your quarterly digital
       You will not be the only nervous             magazine, Your Voice, as well as
        one on your first day – the pupils/         monthly emails to keep you updated.
         children will be too. Use this as an
          opportunity to get to know them.        Communication with parents/
          Think of fun but informative            carers
           activities to use for this – for
           example, a ‘show- and-tell’ or an      It’s vital that you communicate with your
     activity that will get discussion going      pupils’/children’s parents/carers so you
     between you and them.                        can work together, not only to further
                                                  the children’s education, but also to
                                                  get an understanding of them when the
     Keep on top of emails/post                   parents or carers aren’t there.
     You may receive a lot of emails and
     letters during the beginning of your         This will also help to show the parents
     new job, so make sure to keep on top of      that you are reliable and happy to
     them. This will also help you to keep up     communicate with them if needs be.
     to date with news in your workplace.
                                                  Hints and tips
               Maintain a work-life               In the previous issue of Your Voice, we
                balance                           featured members’ advice and tips for
                Your first year may be the        students to consider before entering the
                most difficult of your career,    workplace for the first time, so it may be
               as you will be coming to terms     worth having a look at that if you have
              with a lot of aspects of the        not already! You can view this online
             profession, but do not let this      at: www.voicetheunion.org.uk/sites/
             affect your mental health.           default/files/Member-insights-May20.
                                                  pdf
             Make sure to put aside time to
            sleep, eat and relax. You will then   Don’t forget
           enter the workplace in a healthier
                                                  As your union, Voice is here to help
           mindset than you would after a
                                                  you and offer advice throughout your
          night of no sleep. We understand
                                                  career. If you have any queries before or
         that it will be next to impossible not
                                                  during your first year, contact us (www.
        to bring work home, but try to put
                                                  voicetheunion.org.uk/contact-us) and
       yourself first.
                                                  we’ll be happy to help. We’d love to hear
                                                  from you!

16                                                                                Back
EARLY
YEARS
                                                                                        normal’. It was a magical moment on
                                                                                        that first day to hear laughter and little
                                                                                        voices fill the building again.

                                                                                        Staff wellbeing
                                                                                        This is a difficult situation for us all, and
                                                                                        I know some staff have been nervous
                                                                                        about possibly contracting the virus and
                                                                                        taking it back to their families. Time
                                                                                        has helped. The more days that go by
                                                                                        without incidents, the more relaxed
                                                                                        we’re feeling.

                                                                                        There is still that feeling of doing
                                                                                        the children a disservice, however,
                                                                                        especially those leaving to move on to
                                                                                        school. These final weeks should be full

Reopening                                   What hit me was the sadness I felt – the
                                            lack of resources, the separate areas for
                                                                                        of fun, with visits, parties and games.
                                                                                        Although we’re still making it a time to
                                            the bubbles, a feeling of it being stark    remember, we’re sad the whole group
By a pre-school manager & early years                                                   cannot be together.
                                            and uninviting.
teacher member at an early years
setting in England

Whilst some settings have been open
for key workers’ children throughout
the pandemic, others, like mine, only
opened their doors in June.

I
  t’s been a challenging time, with an
  overwhelming sense of responsibility
  towards children, staff and the wider
community. Reopening has taken
a considerable amount of planning,
unfortunately with the knowledge that
not everyone will be happy with the
arrangements.

Preparation’s been a mammoth task,
unlike anything I’ve ever undertaken.       Our current provision isn’t a reflection    The worry and stress isn’t set to ease
Fully aware of the risks, we delayed        of how we’d usually run, and I can’t        soon. Looking ahead to September is
until 15 June. Even then, I was not fully   help feeling the children deserve more      scary with many unanswered questions.
confident that opening was the right        than this. However, it needs to be safe     Will our numbers drop and mean we
decision – infection and death rates        so restricting the toys and resources       become unsustainable? How will the
were sadly still high.                      is necessary. Cleaning at the end of        easing of restrictions work in practice?
                                            every session is time-consuming but         Will all staff be able to come off furlough?
I knew I’d done all I could to prepare,     essential in helping us all feel we’re
but it was frightening to consider          doing everything we can to protect the      Unfortunately, this means the summer
how much we were relying on families        children and ourselves.                     holidays will be a time for more planning
to help us make the setting a safe                                                      and preparation, but I’m confident we’ll
place for children and staff. It’s vital    Some staff remain furloughed. Those         do all we can to ensure the setting is a
families adhere to our revised terms        working directly with the children have     welcoming, happy space for children and
and conditions – the more families          been amazingly sensitive, responsive        staff to learn and play together.
mix and fail to socially distance, the      and tuned in. This has enabled children
increased likelihood of infection and       to adapt quickly – they’ve surprised us     www.voicetheunion.org.uk/blog/
risk to the setting. Unfortunately,         all. After being away for nearly three      reopening
because of a breach of the conditions, I    months, we expected some tears and
had to withdraw a space – an incredibly     time to settle, especially as parents and
difficult decision.                         carers had to drop off at the gate rather   The author also wrote ‘The thought of
                                            than in the building. However, children     reopening fully is challenging’ (May
The night before reopening, I walked        re-joined us with smiles and chatter,       2020): www.voicetheunion.org.uk/blog/
around, checking everything was ready.      happy to be back, regardless of our ‘new    thought-reopening-fully-challenging

                                                                                                                                17
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FURTHER &
HIGHER EDUCATION
                                                                                      Reading and Queen’s Belfast suggest
                                                                                      that online lectures will be the norm, at
                                                                                      least until Christmas.

                                                                                      Most universities are likely to provide
                                                                                      some face-to-face teaching in 2020/21
                                                                                      and Durham University recently
                                                                                      reversed a decision to move teaching
                                                                                      wholly online, so the picture is changing
                                                                                      all the time.

                                                                                      For Voice members, this means
                                                                                      a constantly changing scene of
                                                                                      expectations and demands from
                                                                                      both learner and employer. Practical
                                                                                      sessions are likely to be those which
                                                                                      are hardest hit – since singing is still
                                                                                      not allowed, and many science labs,
                                                                                      catering kitchens, workshops and
ReOpening FHE                              university assignments have continued
                                           to be submitted online.
                                                                                      other specialist resources might not be
                                                                                      available.
By Martin Hodge                            The UK Government recently published       It is sensible to plan a blended
Senior Professional Officer (Policy)       its September reopening plan for FE        approach, certainly for the first
                                           colleges and providers, which makes        term, making sure that resources are
Question: What is the difference           clear that ‘FE learners, whether           available to be shared online, and to use
between students attending                 young people or adults, will be able to    an approach which can be adapted to
lectures, and students accessing           return to further education settings       both face-to-face and virtual tutoring,
them remotely?                             in September and experience a full         at least until the full situation is
                                           education’.                                apparent.
Answer: About £9,000 per student.          Of course, this still means adherence      Universities UK has published a

I
                                           to a strict hierarchy of infection         bulleted list for how universities
  n concert with the rest of the
                                           control, including hand and respiratory    should emerge from lockdown, which
  education sector, universities,
                                           hygiene, increased cleaning, and           echoes many of the steps Voice has
  colleges and further education
                                           social distancing. And, like within        been saying for all education settings
providers all locked down in March.
                                           schools, timetabling will also be used     – including rigorous risk assessments
Of course, lockdown did not lessen the
                                           to reduce corridor crowding or large       and a focus on staff and student well-
workload for diligent Voice members
                                           groups congregating. Sadly, this does      being – because, above all else, that is
working in universities, or those in
                                           not seem to recognise the significant      likely to be the single biggest issue that
colleges and FE settings up and down
                                           amount of learning that takes place on     emerges – and maybe, here education
the country who have been setting
                                           placements, through apprenticeships        can really lead the way.
work, providing resources, doing online
                                           and other vocational programmes,
teaching, seminars, and discussion
                                           and it will be essential that staff        Further information
groups, and liaising with vocational
                                           and learners follow both college and
employers all to continue to support
                                           workplace rules depending on where         >     www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/policy-
their learners.
                                           they are.                                        and-analysis/reports/Pages/
                                                                                            principles-considerations-
And now as we emerge, like butterflies
                                           This means that the college of the               emerging-lockdown-uk-
into the dawn of a new world, what is
                                           near future looks very different to the          universities-june-2020.aspx
it that needs to be done to support
                                           college of the recent past, but it is at
learners; what is it that needs to be
                                           least recognisable. The picture for HE     >     www.gov.uk/government/
done to support staff; and what is
                                           is radically different.                          publications/coronavirus-
the Government doing to support the
                                                                                            covid-19-maintaining-
institutions?
                                           HE                                               further-education-provision/
                                                                                            what-fe-colleges-and-providers-
FE                                         As befits some of the most important             will-need-to-do-from-the-start-
                                           and forward-thinking academic                    of-the-2020-autumn-term
In England, Ofqual was very prompt
                                           institutions in the world, there has
with its response to support exams and
                                           been a seismic shift towards online and    >     www.gov.uk/government/
safeguard the outcomes for learners in
                                           remote working across the university             publications/higher-education-
both A levels and the various vocational
                                           sector, and recent announcements from            reopening-buildings-and-
and technical qualifications that make
                                           the likes of Cambridge, Manchester,              campuses
up the post-16 scene. And many

18                                                                                                                     Back
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