Feb 16 - Relocation And Refurbishment Consultation “Insufficient” Say Teachers
The teachers’ union GTA/NASUWT has said that the “overwhelming majority” of teachers do not believe there has been sufficient consultation with them by the Government over plans to relocate and refurbish Gibraltar’s schools.
This comes after the union revealed the results of its recent survey that found that 86% of teachers said they do not feel there has been sufficient and in-depth consultation with them by the Official Side over the location of new schools and 79% do not feel consultation has been adequate on the plans for the refurbishment of existing school buildings.
Over half of Gibraltar’s NASUWT members responded to the survey..
The union says that it is clear from the survey that teachers do not feel adequately consulted about a wider set of current issues affecting the education system in Gibraltar.
In a further breakdown of statistics, teachers said they did not feel adequately consulted on:
- The provision of hot meals in schools (80%);
- Key stage realignment (74%)
- Vocational education (69%);
- Co-education in secondary schools (63%)
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:
“The changes being planned to relocate and refurbish Gibraltar’s schools will affect all teachers, pupils and parents, as well as the wider community.
“These are landmark reforms and to ensure they are successful and deliver the promised improvements to Gibraltar’s education system, it is vital that the views, experience and knowledge of the profession are at the heart of decision-making.
“It is clear that teachers in Gibraltar do not feel their voice is being heard on a wide range of issues relating to their work. The Government needs to commit to working in partnership with the school workforce to ensure that its programme of work and reforms is fit for purpose and supports the delivery of high-quality education for every child.”
Victor Gonzales, NASUWT Gibraltar Association Acting President, said:
“We recognise that the level of consultation by the Official Side has increased in the past few weeks and that teachers are now being actively engaged in the planning and designing of their departments and teaching spaces.
“Gibraltar NASUWT calls on Government to ensure that there is continued proper and meaningful consultation with teachers to ensure that these buildings are fit for purpose for future generations, and are maintained and resourced to a high standard as the years pass.
“However, concerns remain among many teachers over the co-location of schools and it is imperative that Government take these concerns seriously and with the importance that they merit.”
{fcomment}
