09 February 2021
The Westminster Government has published a report in response to the consultation on public sector pension arrangements including teachers' pensions.
Changes to the 2015 pension arrangements resulted in a legal ruling that the new schemes discriminated against certain groups of public employees. The Government refers to 2015-2022 as the ‘remedy period’.
The Government's report is published here:
05 February 2021
In response to the Welsh Government Education Minister’s announcement today that Foundation Phase children will begin returning to school during the week after half term, Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC General Secretary said “The fact that Welsh Government has shared the latest scientific and medical evidence has helped to understand the basis of its decision to allow Foundation Phase children to return to face-to-face teaching. We welcome the announcement of mitigating measures to further reduce risks, including regular testing for staff and investment in equipment and modifications.
29 January 2021
In response to the announcement from the First Minister today that the youngest children could begin returning to school after the February half term if rates of coronavirus continue to fall, Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC General Secretary said “Everyone wants to see a return to face-to-face learning as soon as it is safe to do so – the advantages for children, young people, families and staff are clear.
“We welcome the fact that the final decision about any possible phased and flexible return will be based on the latest scientific and medical evidence. We note the need to provide schools and colleges with sufficient notice to put the relevant arrangements in place, before half term.
20 January 2021
UCAC teachers’ union has welcomed today’s announcement by Welsh Government that learners in Wales will receive grades this summer determined by their school or college, based on work they’ve completed during their GCSE, AS or A level courses. However, the Union is concerned that many details remain to be determined.
Dilwyn Roberts-Young, General Secretary of UCAC said “It had become clear that grades determined by schools and colleges were the only realistic solution under the current circumstances, so we welcome the announcement. Learners and teachers will be hugely relieved that any element of mandatory external assessment has been cancelled.
“These arrangements should allow for more teaching time and therefore lead to learners being more thoroughly prepared for their next steps. They also show a high level of trust in teachers’ professionality and their ability to judge learners’ ability on the basis of a range of evidence.
15 January 2021
Yesterday, UCAC wrote to Qualifications Wales to express serious concerns about any attempt to administer external assessments instead of exams before the end of the school year.
UCAC strongly believes that an announcement is urgently needed to confirm this summer’s arrangements, following the cancellation last week of the internal assessment element. These new arrangements must be absolutely concrete, and able to withstand the worst case scenario in terms of school closures over the coming weeks and months.