3/4 of education professionals haven’t had a pay rise in the last 12 months
New research conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that three quarters (74.1%) of education professionals haven’t had a formal pay review meeting in the past year. This has resulted in just 20% of workers in the industry receiving a pay rise over the last 12 months, despite not being offered an annual pay review. In addition to this, the study, which surveyed over 1,200 UK professionals, found that over three quarters (77.8%) of workers in the industry believe they’re underpaid. Worse still, half (50%) think that their employer actively avoids the topic of pay altogether. Interestingly, the research exposed that education is one of the top five industries where professionals haven’t been offered a pay review meeting in the last 12 months: Catering (81.3%) Social care (79.4%) Retail (78%) Legal (75%) Education (74.1%) Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library, comments: “Feeling like you’re underpaid and aren’t properly financially rewarded for your efforts can be demoralising. Pay is a huge motivator at work, so it is alarming to see so few education professionals have been offered a formal pay review meeting in the past year. “With uncertainty around Brexit and the likelihood of losing skilled EU education professionals, many organisations across the industry are concerned about their talent pipelines. So, if you believe you’re performing well in your role and have the right skills and qualifications, it’s definitely worth broaching the subject of a pay rise with your employer.” The study also reveals that nearly two thirds (64.8%) of educators find it awkward discussing their pay with their employer. But, of the 25.9% of industry professionals who were granted a pay review meeting, the majority (85.7%) received a pay rise. Biggins offers his five top tips for asking for a pay rise: Schedule in a meeting with your boss with the agenda set as a pay review Come prepared with examples and arguments of why you deserve it; organisation is key Be confident in your arguments but don’t appear arrogant; this can deter your employer Don’t be afraid to negotiate, it can’t hurt to try your luck meeting them half way Be prepared to be told ‘no’, you won’t always get a pay rise the first time you ask, but there are other aspects you can negotiate on, like holiday or workplace perks
Free classroom resources launched by Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics (IOP) has announced the launch of a brand new education website – IOPSpark – designed to provide online classroom resources for every aspect of teaching pre-19 physics. In a single, easy-to-navigate destination, teachers can discover: The UK and Ireland’s most comprehensive set of free, quality physics classroom resources A carefully curated collection of themed research, news, video content and expert comment designed to bring classroom teaching to life with topical content CPD content including articles on developing professional skills as well as a brand new and constantly updated glossary of physics terms Research and strategies designed to help identify and address common student misconceptions Access to an active community of physics teachers across the country The site is just one element of the Institute of Physics’ dynamic and rapidly growing education programme which aims to support teachers, schools and policymakers in creating the optimum conditions in which physics as a subject can thrive. The UK’s most comprehensive set of free physics classroom resources IOPSpark has been designed to give teachers, trainees and teacher trainers a one-stop-destination to access the best physics resources and thinking available. A growing bank of over 2000 free, inter-linked IOP education resources from lesson plans and teacher notes through to topical video content and student worksheets are available 24/7 and easily searchable by student age, physics topic or type of resource (eg. lesson plan or enrichment activity). All classroom resources on the site are IOP-approved, themed by curriculum areas and have been tried and tested by physics teachers for their peers. Many of the resources also feature teaching tips and links to carefully selected further reading. To make the site even more valuable as a time-saving way of enhancing lesson planning, resources are linked in ways that help users find related materials and navigate through sequences of activities. The gateway to a thriving community IOPSpark also provides the gateway to TalkPhysics – an active online physics teaching community. Here teachers can find a safe, friendly and knowledgeable environment in which they can share best practice, discuss opportunities and challenges they encounter and ask any questions around teaching physics. A rich seam of research, news and content The site gives time-poor teachers a single destination for accessing the latest research, news and content to help bring classroom teaching to life in topical, fresh ways. An innovative area of the site is also dedicated to helping teachers identify and address common student misconceptions in physics. Here teachers can discover links to current research, strategies and materials to help them address common misconceptions before they become entrenched or an obstacle to student attainment. Charles Tracy, Head of Education at the Institute of Physics commented: “Teaching physics today is hugely rewarding. However it can be daunting to teach something new or to teach something familiar in a new way. We know it’s also challenging for teachers to stay constantly abreast of the latest resources, news and content, particularly when teaching and lesson-planning means time is limited. “Our hope is that the new IOPSpark site will provide teachers with a trusted source of ideas and professional learning, whether they are looking for a quick fix or pedagogical contemplation. Some of the site’s resources are ready to use whilst others will allow users to delve a bit deeper and explore the best ways to present those ideas and develop their own explanations. “By providing teachers with high-quality resources, open access to the latest subject thinking and by empowering collaboration amongst the physics teaching community we hope to help create the optimum conditions in which this fascinating subject can flourish in schools for generations to come.” Jemma Duncombe, Teacher of Physics at King’s College School, Wimbledon said: “It’s invaluable to find all these resources under one roof. It’s going to be my starting point whenever I’m looking at a new topic.” Alessio Bernardelli, Professional Practice Coach at CollaboratEd, commented: “It’s great that the very best of what the IOP has access to has been curated into easily navigable collections. It can be time-consuming to look through other sites and sift through what is worth using. Here you know you’re getting quality.” See the website here for free classroom resources from the Institute of Physics.
“period poverty holds girls back from doing well at school”
New phs report reveals half of teenage girls say period poverty holds girls back from doing well at school A new research report by hygiene services provider phs Group reveals nearly half of teenage girls believe period poverty prevents girls from doing well at school and a third believe it holds them back from achieving their aspirations. The new phs survey on the experiences and opinions of 1,000 teenage girls across the UK found that nearly one in 10 girls believe having to miss school due to the lack of access to sanitary products is the single biggest barrier facing girls at school today. Taking time off school due to periods is now the most common reason for girls to be absent from class – more than colds, flu and holidays or truancy – according to the research. More than half (52%) of girls have missed school due to their period, accounting for an average of three days of school each term. In comparison, an average of two days per term is lost to cold and flu with one day lost to holidays. Of those who miss school due to their period, nearly one in 10 (7%) say this is a direct result of being unable to afford or access sanitary products – equivalent to one girl in an average class of 30. Meanwhile, more than one in ten (14%) don’t feel they can talk to staff at their school, causing them to stay home. The phs research went on to find that a third of girls admit that they, or someone they know, has been impacted by period poverty in the last 12 months. One in 20 (5%) say they had been unable, or found it difficult, to afford sanitary products in the last 12 months with 4% saying they were unable to access them entirely. This has led to nearly one in five girls wearing sanitary products longer than they should, nearly one in 10 wearing something else other than sanitary products and the same amount having to spend their lunch or travel money on products. In addition, 1% have to resort to theft. The new statistics on periods and period poverty are released today for the launch of phs Period Poverty, an initiative to raise awareness of the scale of the issue in the UK and create a practical solution. The initiative has been supported by high profile campaigner Amika George, founder of #FreePeriods. The UK Government and Welsh Government have vowed to tackle period poverty by offering access to free menstrual products in all schools with a similar directive already in place in Scotland. However, the survey highlights the need for swift implementation. Nine out of 10 girls feel period poverty is a real issue but more than half (52%) feeling it isn’t taken seriously enough. Half (48%) also say they feel let down that not enough has been done to prevent period poverty. While this new pledge is a huge step forward, it will depend highly on how accessible these products are made in schools. A fifth (21%) of girls say they have no access to free sanitary products at home or elsewhere and, although 6% say they understand there is access to free products at their school, they do not know where these can be accessed from. Over three quarters (76%) of girls say they feel there should be free access to products in schools with 52% saying this should be in the form of free vending machines in the school toilets. But it is not just access to products that is the issue with nearly half (46%) saying that more needs to be done to remove the stigma of periods and the same amount wanting more to be done to raise awareness about periods. Clare Noble, head of healthcare at phs, said: “There is still a stigma attached to talking about periods and period poverty – and this is wrong. There should be no barriers to tackling period poverty and only by lifting the lid and recognising the scale of the problem can we ensure that it is effectively addressed. What’s significant about this research is that it focuses on the experiences and opinions of girls about period poverty over the last 12 months, demonstrating that it is a very current problem in today’s society. If nine out of 10 girls are telling us that period poverty is a real issue, we should all be listening and compelled to take action.” Today, phs is announcing it will provide its free-vend sanitary machines at no cost to schools, in conjunction with local authorities, unitary authorities and government. Chris Brown, head of public sector at phs, said: “In response to the growing issue of period poverty, phs has worked with local authorities, schools, government and FM providers to develop a practical and affordable solution. We’ve created a coin-free sanitary machine which can be placed within washrooms, offering girls products whenever they need it both conveniently and discreetly. On our part, we pledge to provide these machines free of charge to schools as we honour our commitment to do the right thing when it comes to period poverty. It is fantastic that governments have pledged to provide free sanitary products to schools but we need to ensure that this is implemented quickly in order to reach the front line and really make a difference.” In support of the campaign, Amika George said: “I think this research is absolutely vital in helping us to understand just how prolific and damaging period poverty in the UK. The Government’s recent pledge to provide funding for free period products in all schools will make a real difference for those children who’ve been struggling to afford to manage their period, and I really look forward to seeing the positive impact of that from early next year. Yet, it’s clear from this research that much more needs to be done in terms of education, and helping children to feel that their periods don’t need to hold them back. We need to open up the conversation around
New research highlights schools’ lack of confidence in handling online abuse
RM Education has today released key findings from its latest research – conducted in association with the NSPCC – into online safety policy and practice in UK schools. The survey asked 1,158 senior leaders, designated safeguarding leads and network managers from primary and secondary schools for their views and experiences in creating safe web environments for pupils. Results revealed that only 37 per cent felt very confident in identifying and handling online abuse incidents involving children, while 57 per cent of secondary school respondents and 77 per cent of primary school respondents felt only somewhat confident, or unconfident, in their understanding of the threats students face online. When asked how they would approach a coercive sexting incident between pupils, in which an image was circulated around school, just 61 per cent said they would confiscate the device and inform parents and police. The remainder of responses to this question were varied, suggesting inconsistencies in awareness around recommended practices. 7 per cent of education professionals said they would forward the image on, which directly contradicts the government’s advice on Keeping Children Safe in Education. Schools also indicated they were unclear around where the ultimate responsibility for online safeguarding lay. Only a quarter of respondents cited their Designated Safeguarding Lead as the main point of contact for online safety, while nearly half (49 per cent) of heads in primary schools were defined as the lead. Underpinning these statistics was an overall lack of confidence from respondents in their school’s approach to online safety. The majority of secondary school professionals were only ‘somewhat confident’ in their school’s approach, while the majority of primary school professionals were ‘unconfident’. Only 15 per cent of primary and 18 per cent of secondary respondents said they were ‘very confident’ in their school’s approach. Tools for tackling online threats also varied between primary and secondary schools. While 97 per cent of all respondents had filtering software in place at their school, 30 per cent of secondary schools and a staggering 73 per cent of primary schools had no software in place to monitor students’ online activity and identify potential threats or risks of harm. A recurring theme in the research appears to be training, with a third of schools not providing staff with regular online safety training and a further 12 per cent providing training only when requested by staff. However, most respondents felt the frequency of training would have little impact on their confidence in dealing with online safety incidents, and a quarter of respondents made no changes to any aspect of how they approach and manage online safety after training. Overall, the research confirms that schools need a greater degree of support to implement and apply effective safety training and policies. Jeremy Cooper, Managing Director of RM Education, said: “The results of the survey have further highlighted the challenges we frequently hear from schools. Online safety is a huge concern, and while many schools have invested time and effort into online safety, there is still significant work to be done to help staff feel more confident in ensuring their young learners are protected online.” Almudena Lara, NSPCC Head of Policy, added: “Social media, sexting and online pornography did not exist a generation ago and this survey underlines how crucial it is that today’s teachers feel equipped to help their pupils navigate healthy relationships in the modern world. “As part of the Government’s rollout of compulsory relationships and sex education lessons in schools, there needs to be comprehensive training and support in place to help teachers incorporate online safety awareness into this programme.” The survey also explored how online safeguarding practices were determined and implemented. Just 9 per cent of respondents involved students in shaping their school’s approach, while 32 per cent didn’t involve students in developing policies. This could represent a significant area of opportunity for safeguarding leads seeking to build and embed a more effective whole-school approach. RM works with thousands of schools and colleges across the UK, using technology solutions to help teachers to teach and learners to learn. Their team of experts provide guidance and support for schools, helping them to develop the systems and policies to ensure children can be safe on the internet. For more information, visit www.rm.com
FREE Safeguarding in September Webinar
Sign up to Educare’s FREE Safeguarding in September webinar today! When? Tuesday, June 25th at 4:00pm September always brings fresh challenges with children returning to school after the long summer break and new pupils and staff settling in. This year, there will be additional complexity due to the introduction of Ofsted’s new inspection framework and changes to PSHE guidelines. In this free webinar from EduCare, former Headteacher, Doug Watt, and Pastoral Care Specialist, Dawn Jotham, will cover key themes for safeguarding in September including mental health, staff wellbeing, and online safety. Find out more and book your place here
Waterborn – Stand Up Paddleboard School
Waterborn – Stand Up Paddleboard School based in Kingsbridge, South Devon We are a dedicated British SUP Association school teaching to the highest standards within the industry. Waterborn has been also been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by Red Paddle Co. the world’s leading ISUP Brand. At our sheltered location at the head of the picturesque Salcombe/Kingsbridge Estuary we specialise in beginner sessions but cater for all things SUP. All of our staff are passionate, professional and highly knowledgeable in their dedicated specialities within the sport and we pride ourselves on bringing you the best SUP experience. Whether it’s your first time on a board, exploring on a tour, relaxing with some SUP Yoga or enjoying a game of SUP Polo we have you covered for all your SUP needs. We want to encourage children to make the most of the water and have committed to provide sessions at a 50% discount to school groups. SUP has both physical and mental benefits as well as being a highly social sport; we can also tailor sessions to encourage team building. SUP promotes an active lifestyle which is vital for a healthy and happy future. We teach from the age of 6 and the eldest out was 92 so have success in teaching all ages/fitness abilities/needs and learning styles. We provide all the equipment needed, you just need to turn up in t-shirt and shorts or swimming costume but you are more than welcome to use our wetsuits if required. We also run a club and have dedicated Junior Club sessions for those that can already SUP independently. This is a fantastic way to continue to learn skills, technique and generally have fun out on the water. Our club has also been crowned UK Club Champions in both 2015 and 2018 and we hope soon to win the UK Junior club trophy as well. If you would like to try SUP, go on a tour or develop your skills further please contact us on 07908 193632, email us at Info@waterborn.uk.com or come into our office at Waterborn, The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1JZ and one of the team will be happy to help. We are restricted by tides so this will dictate when we can get out; we also require a 20% deposit to secure any bookings. See you on the water!
Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre
Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre is located on the edge of Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and offers a truly unique experience for schools and youth groups. Our 120 acres of mixed woodland and parkland offer fantastic opportunities to learn and experience the outdoors. We have lots of residential packages available now from a simple 24 hour sleepover through to a weekend, several days or a full week-long camp. These packages include everything: Programme, tested or lodge accommodation, and catering. On arrival you are welcomed by your group leader for the weekend. They will be your main point of contact and they will work with you to ensure your stay is smooth. They will be on hand to add filler games when needed or to leave your group to have some free time to visit the shop maybe. Our Guest Services team will work with you prior to arrival to plan your activity programme. If you are in lodge accommodation or our tented village, hammock camp or our basic camping you’ll have tea and coffee making facilities for the leaders available. Meals will be served in a separate dining room at camp centre. You just turn up with your own personal kit and start your camp. At the end of your camp, you pack your own personal kit and go home, no washing up, no lodge to clean, no tents to dry or equipment to take back. Simple and easy. From working with you to build an excellent programme, to the final delivery of the activity sessions, you are the centre of everything that we do at Beaudesert. Starting with your targets or hopes for your stay, the Guest Services Team will discuss the programme with you so that you and your young people have the best possible experience during your visit. With over forty activities to choose from, we can guarantee that there will be something new, challenging, or will promote the development of your group, and our experienced instructors will judge your experience, offering appropriate challenges within each session. Our activities are exciting and our instructors are passionate about delivering the very best sessions for your group. Our catering staff look after all of your dietary requirements with care. Every person is treated as an individual and our team will ensure you are well fed during your stay. With a varied and tasty menu through to hot chocolate in the evening their friendly service will make meal times memorable. Your adventure starts when you make contact with us. Our friendly Guest Services Team will talk you through the options and provide you with a quotation. You are more than welcome to come and look around the centre to see the facilities for yourself.” Visit us at www.beaudesert.org.uk email info@beaudesert.org.uk or call us on 01543 682278
The Met Office launches programme for 7-14 years olds
The Met Office is launching a schools programme to help young people understand and prepare for the impact of weather and climate on their communities. This long-term investment in education brings to life the Met Office’s expertise and authority in world-leading science and meteorology through resources designed to improve young people’s engagement in maths, science, technology, the arts and humanities. “Weather and climate affect everything from the way we live, to what we eat, to our personal safety”, said Felicity Liggins education manager at the Met Office. “We want to help bring this context to life through our schools programme and help young people understand the wide-reaching impacts of weather and climate change locally and globally, for people, places and businesses.” The programme’s free set of curriculum-linked resources are based on insight from Met Office scientists and a cross-nation group of teachers who have created a suite of lesson plans and DIY summer activities. The resources focus on key themes including extreme weather, forecasting and prediction, technology and innovation in weather, weather and climate stories and people in weather and climate. New resources will continue to be added in the months and years to come. The Met Office has taken a fresh approach to cross-curricular learning by focusing on real-world examples that help young people draw connections through their lives and the world around them. This focus makes the lessons relevant and appropriate to a range of skills, and enables them to: Explore innovative data visualisation technologies and their use across industries Reflect on the ‘fake news’ agenda and understand the importance of reliable, credible sources of information within weather stories Demonstrate creativity through design tasks linked to weather prediction Discover the diverse, unexpected careers available in weather and climate Develop risk assessment strategies and skills to safeguard communities during extreme weather events “As well as being designed to help students develop transferable STEM skills such as spotting patterns in data, making informed decisions and communicating information to different audiences, they cover aspects of the core curriculum and bring each theme to life through fresh, fun and topical new contexts,” said Jenn McEwan, primary class teacher and panel member involved in co-developing the resources. “I am confident that the new perspective that these resources bring will support educators in communicating just how complex, vital and interesting both weather and climate prediction are. Consequently, this will encourage learners to explore career possibilities in this area.”
Your school can save money on water bills
As the final weeks of the academic year ebb away, the notion of a summer holiday will have already planted itself firmly into the conscious of staff and students alike. Students carry the stress of end of year exams, but tucked away in the engine rooms, the balancing of yearly budgets is a stress that, unlike exams, never ceases. The procurement of new contracts and delegation of utility responsibilities to expert consultancies is an easy way to eradicate future stress and unlock hidden pockets of time, allowing you to focus on doing what you do best. The water market is wide open, let’s capitalise Companies often look to control their energy costs, but there is one utility that has previously been overlooked, and that’s water. Just over two years ago the non-domestic water market deregulated, which meant organisations such as schools could switch water suppliers, much like they already could with energy suppliers. The competition has driven prices down and improved customer service, and you can now shop around for the cheapest contracts with the best service. This can offset financial struggles in the education sector, such as funding cuts and reduced supply staff budgets. Save money and put your feet up this summer Not only can you save money through managing your water bills more carefully, you can also save time, as utilities consultancies such as ESS Utility can do the work for you. This work includes a full 360° water management service, detailed below. Procurement ESS Utility can procure and negotiate the most competitive prices for your water contacts, as industry experts monitor the market on your behalf. Water audits With the best contracts locked in, site surveys, collection, cleaning and consolidation of data, bill validation, verification of complex water associated charges and recovery of resulting overpayments are just some of the elements that make up a comprehensive water audit. Schools themselves often lack the necessary resources to identify, let alone rectify, such issues. Water efficiency strategy 3 billion litres of water are lost in the UK each day due to leaks. Fortunately, ESS Utility can create a consumption profile to help identify areas for cutbacks, as well as working with leading hygiene services provider PHS Groupto install low-flow devices that use electronic sensors and adjustable mechanisms to save water in taps, toilets and urinals. Find out more