Education

University lecturers to strike

Published

7 years ago

February 6, 2018

Strike: Lecturers to walk out over enforced pension changes

FOUR Welsh universities are among 61 institutions across the UK that will be hit with 14 days of strike action, the University and College Union (UCU) announced on Monday (Jan 29).

Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University and the University of Wales will all be affected by the action that begins on Thursday, February 22. UCU members at Swansea University are being balloted to see if they will also take action.

The union confirmed an escalating wave of strikes over an initial four week period that will begin with a five-day walkout either side of a weekend. The universities will then be hit with four days of strikes from March 5-8 and a full five-day walkout the following week (Mar 12-16).

The strike dates are:

Week one – Thursday 22 and Friday 23 February (two days)
Week two – Monday 26, Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 February (three days)
Week three – Monday 5, Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7 and Friday 8 March (four days)
Week four – Monday 12, Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 March (five days)

Last week talks between UCU and the employers’ representative Universities UK (UUK) ended without agreement and UUK’s plans to transform the scheme were forced through by the chair’s casting vote.

The dispute centres on UUK’s proposals to end the defined benefit element of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension scheme. UCU says this would leave a typical lecturer almost £10,000 a year worse off in retirement than under the current set-up.

In the recent strike ballot UCU members overwhelmingly backed industrial action. Overall, 88% of members who voted backed strike action and 93% backed action short of a strike. The turnout was 58%.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “Staff who have delivered the international excellence vice-chancellors use to justify their own lavish pay and perks are understandably angry at efforts to slash their pensions. They feel let down by leaders who seem to care more about defending their own perks than the rights of their staff.

“Strike action on this scale has not been seen before on UK campuses, but universities need to know the full scale of the disruption they will be hit with if they refuse to sort this mess out.”

Swansea University was one of seven universities’ that failed to meet the government’s new 50% turnout threshold that must be met. Although 88.5% of members who voted backed strike action, the 49.7% turnout figure was not high enough.

A fresh ballot will close on Friday, February 16. If UCU members at the Swansea University back strikes again, and at least 50% participate in the vote, they would be able to join the action from Monday, March 5.

Commenting on the results of the UCU ballot on possible strike action, a Universities UK (UUK) spokesperson said: “The prospect of industrial action at 61 out of the 68 higher education institutions balloted by UCU is disappointing as talks between employers and the union on USS pension reform continue. A solution to the significant funding challenges facing USS needs to be found. UUK’s priority is to put USS on a secure and sustainable footing while offering attractive, market-leading pensions – the very best that can be afforded by both employers and employees.

“We should be under no illusion, this is not a problem that will go away if ignored. To retain the status quo would only serve interests in the short term. Without reform now, universities will likely be forced to divert funding allocated from research and teaching to fill a pensions funding gap. The option of no reform is a dangerous gamble. It is a risk that employers cannot take.

“If industrial action takes place it could cause disruption to students at some universities. We hope that this can be avoided through further talks with UCU and that union members carefully consider the possible impact on students of taking industrial action.”

One of the key issues for the pension scheme is the size of its deficit. Against just over £60bn in assets, are accrued pension benefits of over £72bn.

That £12bn deficit represents an increase of around £7bn since the last formal valuation of the fund. Among the factors blamed in the actuaries’ report are undefined ‘economic changes’ that were not foreseen in 2014 and are claimed by Universities UK to be have been unforeseeable.

Universities UK claims that in order to address the pension fund deficit, it will have to reform the pension scheme. A reduction in pension benefits scheduled to be paid to members will have the mechanical effect of reducing the deficit – unless, of course, further unforeseeable economic circumstances arise.

Against that, the Union claims that the current deficit is over-stated and that the scheme’s potential liabilities are significantly lower than claimed. With Universities’ future income from tuition fees likely to remain static – if not fall – in the short to medium term, resolving the issue before the deadline of June this year, is likely to be difficult – if not impossible.

Education

New resource to support Welsh medium pupils

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

EDUCATION researchers have published a special booklet to support pupils in Welsh medium schools from homes where the language is not spoken.

Entitled Partner, Promote and Provide, the booklet was co-created in workshops led by Aberystwyth University which brought together education partners from Ceredigion and Powys, with input from parents and pupils.

It builds on a series of research studies by the School of Education which began during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and which explored the impact of the pandemic on pupils along with the additional challenges facing Welsh-medium schools in extending support to children from non-Welsh-speaking homes.

Dr Siân Lloyd-Williams Director of Research at Aberystwyth University’s School of Education, said:

“Based on the studies we carried out between 2020 and 2024, it was clear we needed to continue the work so that we could evaluate, identify and measure the impact of our recommendations on supporting non-Welsh speaking families.

“We set out to organise a series of workshops, bringing together representatives from the local education authorities, teachers, parents and others to hear their experiences and gather evidence. As a result, we have co-created a special booklet that teachers can use to support pupils from non-Welsh-speaking homes who attend Welsh medium schools.”

Another member of the research team at Aberystwyth School of Education, Dr Rhodri Aled Evans, said:

“This is an example of effective and purposeful collaboration between academics and practitioners on the ground. We hope this booklet, together with the recommendations of our previous studies, will be a valuable resource for the education sector and beneficial for teachers, pupils and families alike.”

The Director of Education for Ceredigion County Council, Elen James, said:

“It has been extremely valuable to collaborate with the University’s researchers to create dedicated resources that offer practical help on how to further improve the experiences of Welsh-medium pupils from non-Welsh speaking homes. This work is important and an excellent starting point for further collaboration. We look forward to developing the project further in the future.”

The Partner, Promote and Provide booklet was launched at a training event for teachers held at the University on 16 January 2025 and can be downloaded from the University’s website as a PDF or hard copies can be sent on request.

Pictured: L to R: Susan Ferguson (Research Impact and Knowledge Officer, Aberystwyth University), Prysor Davies (Interim Head of the School of Education, Aberystwyth University), Dr Rhodri Evans (Lecturer in Education, Aberystwyth University), Rhiannon Salisbury (teacher), Alwyn Ward (Ceredigion County Council)

Education

Excellent inspection for Tenby Church in Wales Primary School

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE GOVERNORS and staff at Tenby Church in Wales Primary School are delighted to have received their Estyn inspection report today, Friday 10th January, following full inspection early in November 2024. The glowing report praises the school for its care and support for pupils.

It states: “Tenby Church in Wales School is a happy, nurturing and inclusive school where a focus on values underpins its work. Leaders place a high importance on pupils’ wellbeing. Pupils are well cared for and feel safe. Pupils behave very well and there is a calm atmosphere in the school.”

The inspectors noted the high standards and strong progress that pupils of all abilities make. Support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) gained particular praise.

“Most pupils make strong progress in their learning as they move through the school. They have positive attitudes to learning and reflect purposefully on their work to bring about improvements. The provision for pupils with ALN is a strength of the school and supports these pupils to make good progress towards their individual targets.”

Governors and staff are pleased that the leadership and effectiveness of the whole staff team has been recognised as a strength.

“The Headteacher provides strong leadership. He has built an effective staff team who share his vision. Governors are well informed about the school’s strengths and areas for development and offer suitable challenge.

“Across the school, there is a culture of improving teaching and learning. Senior leaders work effectively to promote this and to provide support and professional learning for all staff. Leaders manage change exceptionally well and this has helped the school to maintain its track record of bringing about improvement.”

There are two ‘spotlights’ for good practice identified within the school’s inspection report; one for ‘an inspiring curriculum’ (the school’s curriculum offer to children) and another for ‘managing change’ (leaders managing change to ensure quality).

The report made one recommendation to help the school continue to improve: to enhance pupil leadership and pupil voice in the strategic development of the school. The school will now produce an action plan to address this recommendation.

John Palmer, Headteacher at Tenby Primary, said: “On behalf of our school community I feel incredibly proud to have received such an excellent inspection report. It rightly highlights the hard work and successes of staff, children, parents and governors and we feel it captures our school and its vision and values perfectly.”

Mrs Anne Ponisch, Chair of Governors, said: “It is a joy to see the hard work and dedication of all who work at the school recognised and applauded in this excellent report. It reflects the very positive collaboration that exists between our local community, parents, staff, governors and children. It describes so well the happy and innovative school that we all feel privileged to love and be a part of.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh language, said: “I offer my congratulations to Tenby Church in Wales Primary School for achieving this outstanding report.
“Inspection reports like this do not come about by chance, they are the result of dedication and hard work and support from the whole school community.”

The full inspection report can be found on the Estyn website by using the following link: Tenby Church In Wales Voluntary Controlled School – Estyn

Education

Estyn to review the use of Generative AI in schools

Published

6 days ago

January 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ESTYN, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, is set to lead a comprehensive review into how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is being utilised in schools across Wales.

The review aims to assess the current applications of Gen AI tools, explore their potential benefits, and identify any challenges they may present to educators and learners.

Survey and engagement process

The review’s first phase involves a survey for schools and pupil referral units, inviting feedback and insights into their experiences with AI. This will be followed by in-depth engagement with teachers to gather detailed perspectives. The findings are expected to be published in the summer.

Support and guidance for schools

To help schools considering or beginning to use Generative AI, new guidance has been published. This guidance is part of a broader support package available on Hwb, developed with input from leading online safety organisations such as the UK Safer Internet Centre, Common Sense Education, Praesidio Safeguarding, and Internet Matters.

Statements from key figures

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, commented: “Artificial Intelligence presents a huge potential for schools; the technology is evolving quickly, and it is vital that schools are supported to navigate change.

“By getting an understanding of the good practice already being used, we can help schools to embrace the opportunities AI could bring responsibly, while continuing to prioritise the safety and well-being of staff and learners.

“Estyn are well placed to undertake this review, given their deep understanding of the education sector in Wales. As a government, we continue to work with partners, including local authorities, and engage with leading online safety organisations to ensure schools are guided by the best expert advice.”

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Estyn, said: “We are very pleased to be launching this important call to gather views from education professionals to better understand how both teachers and pupils are already using generative AI in schools and pupil referral units across Wales.

“Generative AI has the potential to transform education if used responsibly, and its use amongst educators and learners is accelerating at a rapid rate. Having a clearer understanding of the integration of AI in schools at a national level will enable Government to better support and guide the education community in the use of this powerful technology.

“We would encourage school leaders, teachers, and support staff to share their experiences and engage with the survey, which is now live. We look forward to meeting with providers over the coming months to speak in more detail about their work in applying AI within their settings.”

AI subgroup and sector collaboration

In tandem with the review, an AI subgroup under Digital Learning Cymru has been established. This group ensures sector-wide input and brings together a network of experts from education, industry, and the third sector. The collaboration is intended to address both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI in education.

Estyn’s review is a pivotal step in helping schools across Wales navigate the evolving landscape of AI and harness its potential to enhance teaching and learning responsibly.