Schools
NSW review School Assistants
The PSA and the Department are close to a final position on the competencies utilised by school assistants and senior school assistants to carry out their duties.
The PSA has recently forwarded a group of competencies that covered the role for School Assistants working in science; however, the Department is considering their relevance.
In response to the PSA's 6 graded without prejudice proposal, the Department tabled its counter draft proposal at a meeting held on 2 August. This proposal has a four level structure. The Department believes that all current School Assistants and Senior School Assistants would be able to fit into the proposed levels. However, the Association has concerns that the Department's proposal has the potential to downgrade some School Assistants to Senior School Assistants.
At the Schools Departmental Committee meeting held on 13 August delegates recommended that the Association reject the Department's proposal and continue to progress discussions on the PSA's original proposal. It is important that the outcome of this review addresses the issue of work overload and appropriate recognition and remuneration for the duties performed by School Assistants and Senior School Assistants.
Transporting Students
Members will be aware that the PSA issued a direction regarding transporting students. The PSA's position as NOT changed and the directive remains.
A meeting with the DET to discuss this issue did not resolve or address the PSA's concerns for members.
The Schools DC recommended that if the DET failed to issue a directive to schools by the end of Term 3 to state that SAS staff are not to transport students, then the PSA will campaign starting Term 4 to highlight the dangers for our members if they transport students. This campaign will highlight the lack of concern by the Department for staff and students.
Consultation Process
Since regular meetings with the Minister the PSA is now consulting with more senior Departmental officers in relation to issues impacting on our members.
Further, we have developed agreed protocols so the Department will consult with the PSA on all issues that affect the employment of members.
Comino Review
The PSA met with the Teachers Federation and the Department to have input into the Comino Review. It was obvious from the meeting that the Department was focusing more on the profiling aspect of the Comino review and not on resource allocation. At the meeting the Department, in summarising how they were to do the review, had not even considered talking to the Teacher's Aides, and the PSA insisted that this should be part of the process.
The PSA will be having discussions with the Teachers Federation on whether or not the review is meeting the concerns of the unions. The Comino report originated from a dispute between the unions and the Department over inappropriate resources for special schools and the integration programme.
Recommendation: The Departmental Committee recommends that if the Comino Review does not adequately address the resource issue, then the dispute should be relodged to ensure appropriate resources are allocated for special education.
Consolidated Policy on Student Health
The Department recently issued a draft policy document to the PSA for comments. The PSA submitted its comments in July and the Department is now seeking a meeting with the PSA.
The PSA has concerns that the Department's claim that the consolidated policy contained all current policies with regard to student health. However, the draft consolidated policy alters the roles and goes beyond what is currently required of our members.
Schools Violence Unit
Following the Community and Staff Forum co-ordinated by the Ministers of Police and Education and arising from the recommendation of that forum, the Department has established a Schools Violence Unit.
The unit is headed by Mr. Ike Ellis; he previously held the position of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
The PSA has met with Mr. Ellis and he invited the PSA to approach him with any issues or concerns we have with regard to safety in schools. The PSA is represented on the Violence in Schools Forum, which will meet again on Friday, 16 August.
On-line Services
The PSA met with the Department and was given a demonstration of the Priority Program for on-line "processing of casual claims". The program has two stages - (a) input and (b) authorisation. The PSA has given endorsement to the trial but has reserved its position in relation to the trial until it is evaluated.
Ministerial Enquiry Into Students with Low Support Needs
PSA met representatives from the Department who are conducting the Ministerial enquiry into "students with low support needs".
The departmental representatives indicated that they would carry out their enquiry but cannot give the PSA an exact definition of students with low support needs. When asked if we could meet with the review team once they had defined "low support needs", they said that the PSA could read the report after it had been presented to the Minister.
The PSA is concerned that this is an example of the Department failing to consult adequately. The PSA raised this issue with the Minister and recently received correspondence that the review team will begin liaising with the PSA.
Appeals
Currently Senior School Assistants have a right to appeal through GREAT on appointments.
There is also a right for all SAS Staff to appeal to the Department on the process of appointments. However, there are no guidelines in place for such appeals.
The PSA has met with the Department and have agreed to develop procedures for appeals on process for merit selection for all members of SAS Staff.
The PSA has forwarded a proposal to the Department and further meetings are planned to finalise the development of these procedures.
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