Teachers still concerned about transforming education

The Negotiating Committee for Teachers and Lecturers in Guernsey (NCTLG) is an umbrella group of unions that represent staff in all the island's schools and colleges.

A spokesperson from the NCTLG said that although the Covid-19 outbreak was of paramount concern currently, there were many aspects of business as usual that are progressing in the background, which are still important to the delivery of education both currently and in the future.

NCTLG is working closely with Education, Sport and Culture over the Covid-19 outbreak, and are pleased that a level of cooperation has developed on Guernsey that is lacking in other jurisdictions.

The negotiating committee does, however, still have concerns about other issues, such as the school transformation project.

'Following feedback from unions in January, it became clear that the vast majority of teachers and support staff were in favour of the requete to pause and review the current plans to transform secondary education in the island.

'There was very evidently a wholesale lack of confidence in the current Education committee's plans.'

According to the requete, ESC must prepare a report before the end of the term of the current States, that must include a comprehensive comparison of the structure and implementation of the one school on two sites plan with other viable models of non-selective educational delivery in Guernsey previously presented to and considered by the committee.

The NCTLG believes that for such a report to be credible it must be overseen by an independent chair who has the trust of the profession and public at large.

'This is particularly important in light of the missed opportunity to restore public and professional confidence in the appointments process by voting not to embrace a tribunal of inquiry,' the spokesperson said.

'Until this matter is resolved, there will continue to be doubts about the fairness of the appointment process for senior positions, especially if internal candidates are submitting applications.

'This is particularly relevant given the long-standing vacancy for the post of director of education.'

In addition, they believed it would be a mistake for the current ESC committee to pursue a path now that limits the choice of the next ESC committee, not least to choices only designed within a “one school” framework.

'Members of our unions hope the next Education committee will make a genuine attempt to consult meaningfully with the professionals responsible for delivering education on the island,' the spokesperson said.

'The current Education committee has publicly acknowledged that it needs to rebuild trust and confidence with teachers and support staff.

'The NCTLG agrees with this, and will, of course, work with the committee, whoever its constituents are, to ensure that the voices of staff are heard as the review of options is undertaken.'