SEN allowances policy

BATOD’s policy on SEN allowancesIn the discussions about the current changes to pay and conditions for teachers, BATOD has been asked on several occasions about its policy on SEN points. This is included in our annual STRB submission but the key paragraphs are as follows:

“BATOD strongly argues that the first SEN point should be mandatory for all teachers who are employed to work solely with pupils with SEN, i.e. this is within their contracts. This would then more closely support the Government policy of ‘inclusive’ education and not differentiate between special/segregated and mainstream settings.

The second point should also be mandatory for those teachers of hearing (or visually impaired, or MSI) children who hold the relevant mandatory qualification. It is considered that other teachers who work with other groups of children with SEN should also be entitled to this point provided that they have an equivalent qualification i.e. a post-graduate diploma, involving a 2 year part-time or 1 year full-time course.”

The latest submission can be read in full by following: The Association/Latest document/BATOD’s submission to the School Teachers’ Review Body for 2005.

BATOD is aware also that some Local Authorities are proposing to replace both SEN and management allowances with a single TLR payment. This is in line with RIG guidance. However, members may wish to explore with their union any implications of such a change other than any financial implications.

We would like to remind all members that whilst we are able to give informal advice, we always encourage members to join a union in order to support them in their local circumstances. The changes related to TLRs can only be decided at a local level and it is important that Teachers of the Deaf take appropriate advice for their personal circumstances from the union specialists in this field.

Paul Simpson, BATOD Executive Officer