The Education Joint Committee met on Tuesday 16 January 2024 to discuss the impact of a Department for Education funding miscalculation, concerns over falling school rolls and potential redundancies, and the Ealing NEU Workload Charter. The committee also reviewed updates on the School Teachers Review Body remit letter, pregnancy and family leave protection from redundancy, and the review of the model disciplinary procedure for schools.

Impact of Department for Education Funding Miscalculation

Tamara Quinn, Assistant Director Planning Resources and Service Development, informed the committee about the impact of a Department for Education (DfE) funding miscalculation for the Mainstream Schools Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant for 2024-25. The miscalculation is expected to result in a reduction of approximately £2.5 million in funding for schools in the borough, equating to about £50 per child. Matija Milovanovic, a union-side member, expressed concerns that this funding shortfall, combined with unfunded pay rises for support staff, could lead to redundancies.

Ealing NEU Workload Charter

Matija Milovanovic introduced the Ealing NEU's plans for a Workload Charter aimed at identifying and addressing workload pressures in schools. The initiative involves staff surveys, collaboration with headteachers to develop solutions, and subsequent resurveys to assess the effectiveness of implemented measures. Schools that meet a certain standard in this process would receive accreditation from the Ealing NEU. Julie Lewis, Director of Learning Standards and School Partnerships, confirmed that a senior officer from the Ealing Learning Partnership would attend the NEU's meeting with headteachers regarding this pilot scheme. Ms Lewis also highlighted that teacher workload would be a key theme at the Ealing Learning Partnership's Annual Conference on 21 and 22 March 2024.

Falling Roles, Funding, and Potential Redundancies

Matija Milovanovic raised concerns about potential redundancies in Ealing schools due to falling student numbers and a challenging funding environment. The committee formally requested a meeting with representatives from the Ealing NEU, the portfolio holder, and the Head of School Human Resources Consultancy to discuss this risk. Tamara Quinn, chair of the local authority's school place planning working group, reported that the number of schools forecasting a budget deficit had increased from 11 to 13. She advised schools to engage with unions early in the budget-setting process and to undertake medium-term financial planning to explore options for staff changes that avoid compulsory redundancies. Mark Nelson, Head of School Human Resources, offered to meet with Ealing NEU representatives on this matter. Ms Quinn also noted ongoing engagement between boroughs on school sustainability through a PAN London Group and data collection by London Councils.

Minimum Service Levels

Neethu Malhi, a union-side representative, sought assurance that Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal, Cabinet Member for Decent Living Incomes, did not support the minimum service levels legislation passed by Central Government. Mr Milovanovic added that such a stance would reassure teachers in the borough. Councillor Nagpal stated that a Department for Education consultation on this matter was ongoing and encouraged schools to respond. She considered it inappropriate to comment before the consultation concluded at the end of January 2024 and agreed to meet with Ealing NEU representatives once the results were known. Mr Nelson provided context, explaining that the DfE consultation offered practical implementation options for the legislation.

Review of Model Disciplinary Procedure for Schools

Mark Nelson introduced an update on the review of the Local Authority's model disciplinary procedure for schools. Feedback from headteachers on the existing procedure is being considered for amendments, with consultation with relevant unions planned for the current term. Mr Nelson expressed willingness to share headteachers' feedback with the committee.

School Teachers Review Body Remit Letter for 2024

Mark Nelson discussed the Secretary of State's remit letter for the School Teachers Review Body (STRB) for 2024/25, issued on 20 December 2023. He noted that the STRB would consider performance-related pay following a recommendation from the Workforce Reduction Taskforce. Mr Nelson clarified that while the Government accepted the taskforce's recommendation to end performance-related pay, the replacement is unclear, leading to nervousness among union members about potential increases in pay ambiguity.

Pregnancy and Family Leave Protection from Redundancy

Mark Nelson provided an update on new regulations offering enhanced protection from redundancy for individuals on maternity leave, which are due to come into force on 3 April 2024. These regulations grant mothers priority for similar roles in any restructure for 18 months after childbirth, with equivalent protection for adoptive parents. Local authority officers are ensuring schools understand these new regulations, which will be reflected in model policies.