Teachers might strike over school plans

Friday 28 February 2020

The threat of industrial action is most definitely on the table for one teaching union, as the States finally debate the future of the planned transformation of secondary education.

The NASUWT has said it will study the outcome of this week's debate, which could see the Lisia School model paused for a review, and that “depending on the outcome, all options will be on the table for discussion, including possible industrial action".

The States started debating the amendments against the requête on the future of secondary education yesterday morning.

First up was the amendment lodged by Deputies Paul Le Pelley and David De Lisle, suggesting a three school model with a tertiary college, incorporating the planned Guernsey Institute and the rebuild of La Mare de Carteret primary school. That was defeated. 

Other amendments to be debated today include a proposal for two 11-16 secondary schools and one 11-18 school.

If one of those is backed by a majority of deputies, then the requête itself, which calls for a 'pause and review' while the best model of secondary education is determined, could fall away and not be debated.

Ahead of the debate starting, the General Secretary (Acting) of the NASUWT, the Teachers' Union, issued a statement warning schools' staff still have many grave concerns about what the future holds.

Chris Keates said that to date; "the NASUWT has been clear that there are many serious issues with the current plans that appear insurmountable given the constraints of the sites. The continued lack of meaningful consultation over key aspects of the proposals is also of deep concern."

Pictured: Chris Keates, General Secretary (Acting), NASUWT. 

Because of those concerns, the NASUWT "supported the requête as it provided an opportunity for pause and review, just as the Union previously supported the previous sursis which would have done the same," said Mrs Keates.

She said the teachers represented by the NASUWT "have repeatedly expressed a preference for a three school model and any revisions to the proposals need to be thoroughly considered and planned, avoiding the mistakes of previous decisions being approved on the hoof without full details being available.

“Whatever the outcome of the debate, fundamental changes need to be made to the proposals currently on the table to restore the trust and confidence of teachers.

“The NASUWT will study the outcome of the debate carefully and will also consult with members over the next steps. Depending on the outcome, all options will be on the table for discussion, including possible industrial action."

Pictured: Education, Sport and Culture President, Deputy Matt Fallaize was presented with a petition, signed by people against his planned Lisia School model, as he arrived for the States debate on Wednesday afternoon. 

Mrs Keates insists teachers want a proposal approved which has been thoroughly considered and planned. 

“These changes will lay the foundations for Guernsey’s secondary education system for many decades to come and it is of vital importance that they are got right in order to support the provision of the highest quality education for current and future generations of pupils and school staff.”