UTU News SPRING 2014

utu
SPRING 2014
NEWS
The journal of the Ulster Teachers’ Union
FURTHER
EDUCATION
How pupils in Nepal have benefitted from support of UTU
I
F you ever have had concerns as to whether or not
your UTU contributions to educational projects in
other countries is best being spent then the story
behind this issue’s front page picture should not only
allay those concerns, but also give you reason to feel
proud of your union.
The reason being that, after 10 years at the Metta
Centre Orphange in Nepal, which for that same time
has been supported by the UTU, the pupils pictured
have all gone on to attend university this year.
A Ray of Hope first learned of the Metta Centre 12
years ago, and was very impressed with everything they
were trying to achieve. Shortly afterwards the Ulster
Teachers’ Union became involved, and have assisted
ever since. SEE PAGES 10 AND 11

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CFPMPA0197 01.14 BD34799.
Presidential Comment
REPRESENTING
UTU HAS BEEN A
REAL PRIVILEGE
Term not without its challenges but support has been immense
I
t seems such a short time since my
installation at Conference 2013, yet
as I write this the Ulster Teachers’
Union’s 95th Conference is only a few
short weeks away.
It has been an immense privilege to
carry out the duties as your President
this year. It has been a pleasure to visit
local schools and meet pupils and talk
to teachers about the issues affecting
you. It has been great to speak to some
of our union activists and to meet
them at Branch and Area Association
meetings as well as at the school
representatives’ information evening
held recently.
I must thank all of our school
representatives who faithfully distributed
leaflets, monthly updates, magazines
and diaries. Your role is essential as you
assist in the communication between
the UTU and our members. We are
most grateful for your time and energy
in carrying out this task.
Over the past year I have had
the opportunity to attend a Peace
Education conference in Cyprus,
attend a Unite for Quality Education
CONTACT DETAILS
Ulster Teachers’ Union
94 Malone Road,
Belfast, BT9 5HP
T: 028 9066 2216
F: 028 9068 3296
E: office@utu.edu
W: www.utu.edu
Follow us on
twitter @
UTUBelfast
Find us on
Facebook
UTU Belfast
event in Brussels and spend a week
visiting schools in Italy and look at
the successful methods that they have
implemented there in preventing Early
School Leaving.
There continues to be hard work
and challenges ahead. I entered my
presidential year with our union in
industrial action over assessment. I
must assure you all that this action
was not taken lightly and it continues
at present; but your united resolve
and stance has brought about dialogue
and discussion with CCEA, DE & the
Inspectorate. Please watch the UTU
website for details of our progress in
this area.
The UTU, along with our NIC ICTU
colleagues, has campaigned on Pensions.
It is disappointing to see that the Public
Service Pensions Bill has now passed
through Stormont. This means that
teachers will have to pay more, work
longer to eventually get less!
The Education and Skills’ Authority
which has been long overdue now
seems highly unlikely in ever being
established. Despite the amount of
UTU’s New Organising
Officer Leigh Cooper puts
her best foot forward...
Leigh Cooper has been a qualified teacher for over 20
years with experience in all sectors, from Early Years
to Secondary level and also in Adult Education.
She has a background of theatre and drama and
has used this in her work as Education Officer on the
‘Kids on the Block project’, which delivered a Disability
Awareness puppet show
in schools and community
organisations
throughout the province.
A mother of five,
Leigh also has a keen
interest in football and is
currently a joint coach,
along with her eldest
son, of her youngest
son’s football team in
her home town of
Ballyclare.
work that both Union and management
side have put into ESA, the political
stalemate means that our pupils and
their education and future continue to
be at the bottom of our local
politicians’ priority list. This is a topic
that will be debated at our forthcoming
conference.
At Headquarters we are very much
blessed to have such a respected and
trusted General Secretary – Avril
Hall-Callaghan, not only here in the
Province but also in the UK and even
Europe. Her patience, wisdom and
counsel have been of great benefit not
only to myself but also to many other
UTU members over the years.
The Ulster Teachers’ Union is
unique. Not only are we the only local
union dedicated to members in the
province but all of our Field Officers
are experienced past teachers or
principals.
Jacquie Reid, recently promoted
to Deputy General Secretary and a
former primary school teacher, Audrey
Stewart, a former Primary Principal and
Lewis Love, a former Secondary School
DIARY DATES
Retirement Seminar
(4-6pm)
Thursday 6 March 2014
Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena
Retirement Seminar
1.30-4.00pm
Thursday 17 April 2014
UTU Head Office, Belfast
95th Annual
Conference
Thursday 3- Friday 4 April 2014
Slieve Donard
iPad Training
Tuesday 4 March 2014
Southern Area Association
Tuesday 18 March 2014
Belfast Area Association
Principal, have been carrying out their
roles informing and helping members
diligently over many years.
Our newest member of staff is Leigh
Cooper, who has taught across several
educational sectors. She has only very
recently taken up the role of
Organising Officer and has already
made an impact over the past few
weeks in visiting schools and speaking
to members.
She will be getting out to schools
over the next few months and if you
wish her to come in to speak to
teachers in your school please get in
touch with her via HQ.
The experience and professionalism
that the UTU team of field officers
brings to our members is vast and I
wish to place on record my thanks to
them and the office staff for their
support to me over the past year.
President
Spring conference:
Are you a nursery
school principal /
leader
The UTU and INTO are planning
a joint Conference aimed at the
nursery sector and issues which are
of particular concern. Watch out for
further details on the web-site.
Are your contact
details up-to-date
Have you recently moved house
Or changed job, got married ,
changed your phone number or
email address
If so, please contact the office
to update your details. This can be
done by dropping an email to office@utu.edu
or by contacting HQ
by phone on 028 90662216. Please
quote your Teacher Reference
Number or UTU membership
number in all correspondence.
SPRING 2014 3
utu NEWS
97009025_CFPMPA0197_ADU.indd 1 24/01/2014 10:31

COMMISSIONER for Children and Young People,
Patricia Lewsley-Mooney comments
CHILDREN HAVE THE
RIGHT TO BE HEARD
have had the privilege of working
•establishing permanent bodies or
as Commissioner for Children and
mechanisms to promote co-ordination,
I Young People for seven years now.
monitoring and evaluation of activities
In keeping with my role I have reviewed
government delivery for children,
provided advice on children’s rights and
best interests and – when necessary –
challenged government on failures to
deliver for children.
At the heart of my work is the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC) which, when ratified by
the UK Government in 1991, brought
with it obligations under international
law to deliver on the commitments it
contained.
A particularly positive part of my job
has been meeting thousands of children
throughout all sectors of government,
including the local authorities;
•ensuring that sufficient data is collected
and used to improve the state of
all children’s lives in each jurisdiction;
•raising awareness and disseminating
information on children’s rights and what
they mean in reality, including through
training for all those in government
whose work relates to children or who
work with children;
•involving children themselves as well
as civil society in the process of implementation
and awareness-raising; and
•developing independent statutory
and young people over this time, and
offices for children – a children’s ombudsman,
commissioner or other similar
a perfect 10: Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney
hearing directly from them about their
(second from left) and Trond Waage, Ombudsman for Children in Norway 1996-2004 (3rd from right) and
experiences and views, hopes and
institutions – to promote children’s
members of the NICCY Youth Panel 2013, cutting the NICCY 10th Birthday Cake.
worries.
rights.
I have also heard directly from their of Queens University, on the barriers to not enough to meet the requirements Over 2013 we engaged in a joint
parents and carers as well as the many effective government delivery for children
and young people. While identifying is serious political discussion and real and Professor Laura Lundy, exploring
of the Convention – what is needed project, again with Dr Bronagh Byrne
dedicated professionals working with
them, including many teachers. It has some good practice, the report identified
a number of critical problems. and conditions for children is of course tation measures could be given effect in
change. Improvement in the status of how these critical child rights implemen-
been great to see that most children
are surrounded by adults – parents and
otherwise – who strive to ensure that
they have a happy childhood, and that
they get to learn and grow in a positive,
protected environment.
Of course, there are children who
need particular support, or whose parents
are unable to provide for all their
needs. In these cases the UNCRC becomes
particularly relevant, and services
provided by Government are even more
critical to protect their rights.
As Children’s Commissioner, while
I have worked on a diverse range of
problems facing children and young
people in Northern Ireland, over time I
have become increasingly aware of commonalities
across these different issues,
common barriers to the implementation
of the rights of children and young
people.
To investigate this further, in 2010 we
commissioned a report from Dr Bronagh
Byrne and Professor Laura Lundy
These included a lack of a clear
political commitment to children’s rights,
a lack of coordination and joined up
working between departments and
their agencies, significant time delays in
delivering on commitments for children,
a lack of training and awareness on
children’s and young people’s rights,
insufficient data and limited meaningful
participation of Children and Young
People.
This, of course, is not unique to
Northern Ireland. On the 20th anniversary
of the ratification of the UNCRC,
Thomas Hammaberg, one of its original
drafters, commented that, despite the
fact that almost all States had signed up
to it, ‘the actual implementation of the
Convention has been less effective than
we anticipated. The main reason is the
absence of a systematic, comprehensive
approach to children’s rights as a political
priority.’
He went on to say that ‘Gestures are
the very purpose of the Convention.
With ratification, a state has committed
itself to respect the principles
and provisions of the Convention and
to transform them into reality for all
children.’
Hammaberg outlined the measures
that give substance to the obligations
that follow from signing up to the UN-
CRC, which include:
•developing a comprehensive national
action plan for children;
•ensuring that all legislation is fully
compatible with children’s rights which
requires incorporating the Convention
into domestic law and practice;
•making children visible in the process
of policy development throughout
the government by introducing child
impact assessments;
•carrying out adequate budget analysis
to determine the proportion spent
on children and to ensure the effective
use of resources;
legislation in Northern Ireland.
This has involved drawing on learning
from other countries and considering
how this could be reflected in the
Northern Ireland context, and drawing
up options for inclusion in legislation.
I am convinced that the time is right
for a comprehensive piece of child
rights legislation, which would both
demonstrate a strong commitment from
Government to deliver for children, and
would ensure more effective implementation
of children’s rights. In this, my final
year as NI Commissioner for Children
and Young People, I will be taking every
opportunity to make the case for legislation
to ensure better implementation
of children’s rights. We will be seeking
broad engagement on these options,
and will be working with professionals
working with children and all relevant
stakeholders in taking forward this vital
piece of work.
DECADE OF SUPPORT
Platinum Financial have been
the official financial advisers
to the Ulster Teachers’
Union for almost a decade,
offering advice on Pensions,
Protection, Mortgages and
Investments. Platinum are
best known for their annual
Pre-retirement seminars,
open to UTU members of
all ages, but perhaps most
pertinent to those within
5-10 years of retirement.
Approaching retirement is
daunting enough without
the added pressure of financial
uncertainty. Platinum’s
Pre-retirement seminars aim
to educate members on the
following:
State Pension
Occupational pension
scheme and Benefits
Pension flexibilities-
Phased Retirement/ Early
Retirement/ Commutation
AVCs
Redundancy
Taxation in Retirement
Budgeting for Retirement
Investment
Inheritance Tax
UTU members are also
entitled to a complimentary/
no-obligation consultation
to discuss their individual
circumstances in confidence
(T: 028 9065 5305).
Tax rebate – UTU
subscriptions
Ulster Teachers’ Union
members can claim back
tax rebate on their utu
subscriptions for the past
four years.
Contact UTU headquarters
on 028 9066 2216 or
office@utu.edu quoting
your teacher reference
number and your subscriptions
can be posted or
emailed to you.
This can then be forwarded
to either your local
tax office.
The right of children to
participate in decisionmaking
was established
in Article 12 of the United
Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
This states that:
‘States Parties shall assure
to the child who is capable
of forming his or her own
views the right to express
those views freely in all
matters affecting the child,
the views of the child being
given due weight in
accordance with the age and
maturity of the child…
While all human beings
have a right to freedom of
expression, only children
have the right to have their
views given due weight.
The inclusion of this
additional obligation in
the UNCRC recognises that
children often influence in
the decisions that are made
for them and that, as
rights-holders, they are
entitled to be heard and to
help shape the decisions
that impact on their lives.
The right applies to the
decisions that affect
individual children (such as
decisions made about their
education) as well as groups
of children (such as local,
national
and international laws
and policies).
Those seeking to
implement this right should
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By Professor Laura Lundy, School of Education, QUB
Give them
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ensure that: children are
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supported by information
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are facilitated to express
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is voluntary; and children’s
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Research suggests that
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exercising personal
autonomy and for
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such as that of teachers in
schools.
This may stem from a
misunderstanding of the
nature of children’s right to
participate. The requirement
is not to substitute children’s
views for those of adults.
In fact, the UNCRC gives
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Over 10% of schools
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up a school council founded
on UNCRC principles; Dean
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and Suzanne Conneeley, a
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All of these educators
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utu NEWS

INFORMED: Members enjoy the joint meeting at Corick House
SUPPORT: UTU Members gather at the joint conference held in Corick
House.
United
FRONT taking in the views: Avril Hall-Callaghan UTU General Secretary, Gerry Murphy INTO Northern Secretary
and Rita Fox INTO Northern Chair watch as political representatives are questioned on education issues.
INTO Northern Committee and UTU Central Executive hold a joint meeting
The INTO/UTU held a very
successful joint meeting in
January at Corick House,
in Co Tyrone. The agenda looked at
several prominent educational issues.
In the afternoon political representatives
were invited for a question
and answer session. Although the
DUP was invited, representatives
failed to attend but members of the
SDLP, Sinn Fein and Ulster Unionists
engaged with INTO and UTU.
“We were delighted to have this
opportunity to speak to the decision
makers at a time when so much is
at stake within Northern Ireland’s
education system,” said Stephen
McCord, President of the UTU.
“It was disappointing that the DUP
was not represented as it would
have been useful to debate issues
with them face to face and for them
to have engaged with such a broad
cross-section of representation
within the teaching profession here.
utu NEWS
JOINT APPROACH: Attending a cross-party education conference at Corick House, Co Tyrone last week were (from left) Fermanagh Ulster Unionist
Councillor Robert Irvine; Fermanagh SDLP Councillor Frank Britton; Avril Hall-Callaghan, General Secretary Ulster Teachers’ Union; INTO Northern
Secretary Gerry Murphy; Sinn Fein MLA Bronwyn McGahan; INTO President, Brendan O’Sullivan; INTO Northern Chair Rita Fox; Omagh UU Councillor
Bert Wilson and UTU President, Stephen McCord.
“However, we had frank and
meaningful talks with representatives
who did attend.”
Bronwyn McGahan MLA represented
Sinn Fein, Bert Wilson from
Omagh District Council and Robert
Irvine from Fermanagh District
Council both represented the UU,
while Frank Britton from Fermanagh
District Council represented the
SDLP.
“Given the profile of this event
President of INTO Brendan
O’Sullivan and INTO Northern
Secretary Gerry Murphy also
attended, along with the INTO Chair
Rita Fox, formerly head of Recarson
Primary, Omagh; and its Northern
Committee. The UTU Central
Executive Committee was also
present,” said Mr McCord, a teacher
at Glastry College, Co Down.
During the conference discussions
took place on the situation surrounding
the long-awaited Education
and Skills Authority, selection at 11,
workload, pensions and reasonable
adjustments teachers should expect
to their working conditions in the
event of a medical condition being
diagnosed.
“The crucial role played by education
was highlighted during the event
when news broke that a teacher in
Belfast’s Boys’ Model School, who is
also a Sinn Fein councillor in Craigavon,
was unable to attend work
due to threats made against her by
elements within the largely loyalist
community in which the school is
situated,” said Avril Hall Callaghan,
General Secretary of the UTU who
also attended the conference.
“We believe that in a democracy
like ours everyone has the right to
their political views without feeling
threatened and it was heartening
to hear that the politicians present
agreed.”
Leadership Seminar : UTU and INTO members turned up in
large numbers.
Your support is needed
on the provision for SEN
INTO and UTU want to press the ELBs and
DE about the provision for SEN and we need
as much data as possible about your thoughts
on this. Please complete the joint INTO/UTU
online survey about provision and support for
teachers dealing with SEN issues. It will only
take a few minutes of your time.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/INTO_
UTU_SEN
Help us further by informing your colleagues
about our survey and encourage them to
complete it online as well.
COMMITTED: Members of the NIC ICTU Disability Committee. Included in the photo is UTU member Sally McKee (front row, left).
WHO DO THEY
REPRESENT
Time to quiz MLAs on pension stance says President
A
s we go to print the Public
Service Pensions Bill has
just passed through the
assembly (4 February).
This bill will lead to massive
changes to your pension. Over the
past year UTU, represented by the
General Secretary, Avril
Hall-Callaghan and President
Stephen McCord have met with
other NIC ICTU colleagues
in campaigning and making
representations on behalf of our
members to address the changes
that will now impact on all public
service workers.
For teachers the most significant
will be the linking of the Normal
Pension Age (NPA) to the state
pension age (SPA). The state
pension age is rising over a number
of years from 65 to 66, then 67
and then 68. Indeed there is a
real chance that this may increase
further The Chancellor in Autumn
2013 has brought forward the date
when it will rise to 68.
And secondly if you entered
teaching before 1 April 2007 you
could expect to retire without
any actuarial reductions at age
60 (NPA) and at age 65 (NPA) if
you entered teaching after 1 April
2007.
The UTU has provided members
with a sample letter that was
posted to MLAs highlighting the
issues and we must thank
6 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
7
members who contacted their
local elected representatives.
A number of briefing meetings
were also held in the Belfast and
the North West, members of the
UTU were represented at both. A
lobby of MLAs also took place at
Stormont on Monday 13 January,
where the UTU was again speaking
to MLAs.
Although the Bill has now
passed and will in a few weeks gain
Royal Assent the UTU President
Stephen McCord suggests that ‘as
the politicians begin their campaign
for your vote in the forthcoming
Local and European elections it
would be worth asking them how
they voted for your pension’
STORMING STORMONT: UTU members attending the NI ICTU Pension Bill Protest at Stormont and speaking to SDLP MLAs. Included in the
photograph are (from left) Cyril Tubman, Marie Holmes, Sally McKee, Fearghal McKinney MLA, Dolores Kelly MLA (SDLP Deputy Leader), Estelle
McCord, Stephen McCord, Joan Little and Jacquie Reid.
UTU members
remain on industrial
action on assessment
arrangements
UTU continues to advise members not to submit
portfolios or any other data to CCEA at this time.
UTU along with NITC colleagues (all five unions)
have written to the Education Minister and CCEA
stipulating that there will be no submission of
portfolios / data this academic year.
UTU advises members to continue internal
assessment processes in so far as it aids the
teaching and learning of pupils in your school.
The UTU welcomes the positive engagement of
DE / CCEA on the discussion around assessment
issues.
This engagement will continue with a focus
group of KS1 / KS2 and a working group of KS3
practitioners.
All parties agreed to engage intensively for the
remainder of this academic year with the hope of
progressing on the issues.
DE / CCEA have agreed to return to the teaching
unions with a framework of engagement with the
issues arising from the OECD report.
If you need any further clarification please
contact UTU HQ on 028 90662216
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why are UTU directing members not to
participate in new Assessment Arrangements
UTU has taken industrial action on the new
assessment arrangements as they have significant
workload implications for teachers and schools.
UTU is also concerned that the procedures are
not fit for purpose and could have a detrimental
impact on the teaching and learning opportunities
in schools. A third area of concern is the impact on
the procedure when the data is used for the
dual purpose of assessing pupils and school
accountability.
2. What is the OECD report
The OECD has undertaken a review of all of the
assessment arrangements in place within the
education system. The UTU along with all
stakeholders made representations to them when
they were in Northern Ireland. The UTU will study
this report and the feedback from all five members
of the Northern Ireland Teachers’ Council. This will
inform our next steps.
3. Will the action be called off in January and then
schools expected to deliver the portfolios to
CCEA
UTU are very aware of these concerns and
have already informed DENI and CCEA that the
timeframes for this year will be unachievable due
to industrial action and therefore no school will be
expected to submit Portfolios of Tasks or Levels of
Progression during this academic year.
4. CCEA have told me it is statutory to assess and
provide levels.
The new assessment arrangements are Statutory.
However, all members are protected as the boycott
forms part of legitimate industrial action.
5. What assessment should we do this year
Teachers should continue to use the methods of
assessment already established within their
department and schools. This may include internal
moderation of pupils’ work or attendance at
courses as part of professional development, until
CCEA, DE and unions reach an agreement.
6. What do I do if my Principal insists on
assessment participation
In the first instance explain that the UTU along
with other unions are on industrial action. Secondly,
ask your principal to contact their union for
confirmation of their union’s support of this action.
Thirdly, contact UTU HQ on 028 90662216
utu NEWS

Carmen’s Health and Safety award a first for women
Carmen Biagioni, a UNISON health
and safety representative with the
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust,
has been named as the first woman
to win the annual Health and Safety
Representative’s Award.
The award is presented by the
Health and Safety Executive for
Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
(ICTU) to recognise the
contribution made by health and
safety representatives to the safety
of employees in the workplace.
Presenting the 2013 award at a
seminar organised by the Northern
Ireland Committee of the ICTU
at NICVA in Belfast, Chairman of
the Health and Safety Executive for
INTEREST: Geraldine Alexander, Vice Chair of the NIC ICTU Northern Ireland (HSENI), George
Health and Safety committee, Andrey Stewart, UTU, Karen Lucas, congratulated Carmen on her
Taylor, Unite Health and Safety rep and George Lucas, Chair achievement and praised the level
of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland of commitment and professionalism
(HSENI), at the annual Health and Safety Representative’s shown by all the candidates.
Award for 2013. Picture by Kevin Cooper, Photoline. He said: “This is the twelfth year
OPENING
PROBLEM..
utu NEWS
that HSENI has worked in
partnership with NIC ICTU in
recognising the important role that
health and safety representatives
play in improving health and safety
standards in workplaces across
Northern Ireland.
“Again, the judging panel has been
very impressed by the level of
commitment, dedication and
professionalism shown by all of the
candidates.
“In winning this year’s award,
Carmen exemplifies the best
practices of health and safety
representatives. She has worked on
a variety of health and safety issues,
including research on chairs used by
dentists and dental nurses following
periods of absence by staff with
musculoskeletal disorders.
“As a result, a range of chairs is
now available for the benefit of her
colleagues who are often required
to sit for long periods each day.
EYES
A
t a recent joint SEN Group
meeting at the Ulster Teachers’
Union Headquarters, a
presentation was given by Michael
Gilsenan F.A.D.O., M.B.D.O., of Lee
Opticians, Warrenpoint.
He began the presentation by
indicating that many children’s sight
problems are often not identified during
routine sight tests our pupils experience
during their early years in school. He
emphasised “it is estimated that up to
10% of children suffer from some kind of
visual disorder caused by malfunctions in
the eye-brain communication process”.
He demonstrated using videos
showing how The Orthoscoptics System,
a system created by Ian Jordan, is used
within his practice. The product has been
based on years of research from some
of the world’s top optical companies
and has been proven to positively affect
the senses – improving vision, balance
and the reading ability of people with
conditions that are associated with visual
disorders. Significantly, this system has
also proven successful with adults.
Attention was drawn to the
behaviours that we, as teachers, often
observe within the classroom and on
many occasions find great difficulty in
finding an underlying problem or
accommodating pupils’ needs.
Such behaviours frequently are
detrimental to the progress of pupils,
with many being referred to educational
psychologists and diagnosed as having
ADHD, ADD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia etc.
He commented “problems in sight
often cause children to experience
fatigue and a lack of concentration in
class.” Furthermore, we learned that such
pupil behaviours could usually become
lessened with a more in-depth, holistic
style of screening. Interestingly,
statistically, children in Northern Ireland
are 3 times as likely to be long-sighted;
and evidence strongly supports a link
with this and underachievement.
Alarmingly, an average of only 53%
of pupils ever receive an NHS (free)
eye sight test in school, which poses the
“HSENI will continue to advocate
best practice in all workplaces and
I applaud the work of all health and
safety representatives in their
important role within their
individual organisations.”
Also presenting this year’s
award, Pamela Dooley,Chair of the
Northern Ireland Committee ICTU
and Head of Organising, UNISON,
added: “Congratulations to Carmen
on her most deserved award and
thank you to all this year’s applicants.
“I’d also like to congratulate
Karen Taylor has been awarded a
Highly Commended Certificate for
her dedication as a UNITE Health
and Safety Representative with the
Ulster Teachers’ Union.
“On behalf of Northern Ireland’s
trade union movement, I’d like
to thank all health and safety
representatives for their
continuing efforts in helping to make
our workplaces safe.”
TO THE
question, ‘Are half of our children being
neglected in terms of addressing their
educational needs’
If we consider for one moment the
practice in Austria, we see how their
school children all receive an eye
assessment with an occupational nurse
and an educational physiological
assessment too.
Michael also spoke about a piece of
research that he undertook in a SELB
girls’ primary school where initially only
two out of 27 pupils wore glasses. After
each child had a full eye sight screening
test, results confirmed that 15 pupils
needed to wear corrective lenses, six
pupils needed tinted lenses and two
pupils needed to carry out eye exercises.
The outcome of post screening in
the class produced data that indicated
a dramatic improvement in overall class
behaviour and a significant increase in
educational achievement.
Therefore, it is clear that our children
need to experience a complete visual
assessment and at an average cost of
only £10 per child. The Department of
Education needs to pay heed to this
valuable research which undoubtedly will
save money in the long term,
preventing many of our pupils needing
a psychological assessment and perhaps
even being labelled with a SEN when all
they need is corrective lenses.
Perhaps it is time for the Education
and Health departments to work more
closely together and deliver what is cost
effective and best for our children to
combat the deviances in achievement
scores and let our pupils have a chance
to achieve before it is too late!
A more multi-agency approach needs
to be delivered in our schools to tackle
these multifaceted difficulties our pupils
experience.
In short, to tackle underachievement
and let pupils “SEE” a bright future, all it
may require is a simple, cost effective,
rigorous assessment of their SIGHT!
Diane Nugent (Ex-President)
•For more information about Michael’s
work visit info@leeopticians.com
AN INFORMED LECTURE
ueens University Rights of the Child (UNCRC – children to the concentration
Professor Michael 1989) were published there was camp.
QFreeman recently gave a a match between their charter Despite (two accounts) of Nazi
WELL READ: Professor Michael Freeman presenting his lecture on ‘Janusz
Korczak - The Father of Children’s Rights’ at Queen’s University Belfast. Also
included is Professor Laura Lundy.
lecture on ‘Janusz Korczak - The
Father of Children’s Rights’
Professor Freeman gave a brief
overview of the life of Janusz
Korczak (1878 or 1879 –1942),
the Polish paediatrician, author
and educator. The lecture was
very informative, entertaining and
though provoking.
Korczak was one of the first to
give children a voice and he
advocated that they should be
and his proposals.
However, he was never
credited as being instrumental in
this charter. Some of his ideas in
the early 20th century included
the formation of children’s newspapers,
a children’s court and a
children’s parliament. He was also
one of the first to call for the
banning of corporal punishment.
A novel that he published “King
Matt the First” (reviewed below)
officers offering to set him free
(because he was their favourite
author) he chose to go with the
two nurses and the children.
Dressed in their best Sunday
clothes he told the children they
were going for a day out and
(again the story goes) they were
led two by two into the gas
chamber at Treblinka.
There is a monument of
Korczak and five children around
treated like adults.
is a book that should be essential him in Warsaw.
He was instrumental in reading for adults and young Maybe the world should give
promoting the 30 rights of the teenagers!
him more credit and recognition
Book Reviews child. Later when the United As a Polish Jew, Korczak was for his acts of passion and vision
Nations Convention on the sent along with his 192 orphaned in the rights of children.
A story that is still relevant and enjoyable 90 years after its writing
Support for teachers
It was after a QUB seminar on
Janusz Korczak that
Professor Freeman suggested
that the audience read “King
Matt the First”, published in
Polish in 1922 and translated
into English in 1986. The book
has been hailed as “One of the
greatest children’s books ever
written” by Esme Raji Codell on
the cover.
It was with a little trepidation
that I started to read the book
published over 90 years ago.
Pastoral Care 11-16 – A Critical Introduction
– Edited by Noel Purdy (Head of Education
Studies in the Department of Teacher Education
at Stranmills University College)
This book explores the crucial pastoral role
which secondary school teachers play in schools.
Dr Purdy sets out the origins, definitions and
roles of pastoral care. It, then, goes on to look at
the following issues in depth: –
•child protection in schools.
•bullying in schools, including cyber-bullying.
•domestic violence.
•separation and divorce.
•bereavement challenges and ways in
supporting children.
•positive strategies for schools in dealing with
self-harm and suicide.
This is essential reading not only for Pastoral
Leaders but also for any teacher. What I found to
be beneficial, and I am sure other busy teachers
will too, is that each chapter has a brief summary,
suggested further readings and even useful
websites where the reader can go into the issues
explored in even more depth. There is even an
online companion available with case-studies
that could be used during staff training days or as
means to provide some more thinking material to
each chapter.
Despite the subject matter I found the book
enjoyable and easy to read. It is certainly not
without time that such a clear, comprehensive and
critical book in the pastoral area was published.
The Pastoral Leader often
deals with evolving situations
and this book certainly can be
used to quickly get the very
latest advice on many of the dilemmas
arising with our pupils.
I feel this book is a must-have
for every secondary school.
Available on Amazon – cost
around £20.00.
The story follows a young orphaned
prince who takes on the
task of reigning his country. Like
all children, Matt desires to play
and have fun. Indeed, his minister
would wish that this is all the new
king would do.
Matt of course makes some
radical rulings in the interests of
children. When War breaks out
with neighbouring countries Matt
does not shy away and, indeed,
disappears from his palace and
enlists in his own army.
8 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
9
Matt never hesitates from
making bold decisions and tries
to organise all the children in the
world. However, like us all Matt
makes mistakes and some of his
decisions are not so successful.
He also meets Klu Klu a
princess who becomes one of
Matt’s closest friends. By the end
of the book Matt has annoyed
other neighbouring countries,
which puts his reign and freedom
at risk...
The book was a great read
and you will want to turn each
page to find out what happens. It
is a book that I would definitely
recommend, especially for ages
10 and above.
I have now started reading
it to my two sons who remain
enthralled at the adventures
unfolding for young King Matt
the First.
Available from amazon and
ibooks – cost around £6.00.
www.NorthernIrelandWeddingCars.co.uk
TO CELEBRATE OUR SUCCESS
utu NEWS

arly Childhood Development
(ECD) in Malawi is labelled
E“Mmera Mpoyamba” which is a
Chichewa proverb. Roughly translated
it means “you reap a bumper harvest
if you plant early and nurture your
crop when it is still young”. Farmers
understand this concept very clearly and
that is why it is being used to promote
early childhood in Malawi because over
90% of the population are subsistence
farmers and they also understand the
concept.
Let me give you a few facts about
Malawian children
Approximately four million of the 16
million people in Malawi are under 6
years old
Only 38% of these children have
access to any form of early childhood
services
Many of these small children are
involved in child labour and other
forms of child abuse.
Many of our children come from
child headed households or are the
heads of the families themselves.
Some of our children are sold for
child trafficking or early marriage.
Many of our children are either
affected or infected by the HIV/AIDS
pandemic.
Most of our young children do not
know what it is like to have a single
toy of their own.
Most of our young children
do not have the chance to
be children.
As the Early Childhood
Co-ordinator for the
Church of Central Africa
Presbyterian, Synod of
Livingstonia, my area
covers all of the northern
region of Malawi and part
of the central region. My
remit is to look after more
than 500 Early Childhood Centres
or CBCC’s as we call them
(Community Based Childcare Centres).
We have as many as 35,000 children and
around 1600 caregivers (teachers).
I am responsible for 27 trainers
working in the 24 Presbyteries of our
Synod. These trainers work as volunteers.
Their main role is to monitor our
centres twice a year (no mean feat on
a push bicycle), and to work in teams
to train our caregivers. I also have one
office worker.
We face many challenges. Let me just
outline a few:
Many of our centres have no infrastructure
– they meet in churches or
under a tree.
Most of our centres have no safe
water source and no toilet or pit
latrine.
Many of our centres fail to provide
food for the children all year round –
this can be for many reasons:
communities not working together,
poor harvest, or even the caregivers
being too lazy to make porridge
HELP: Diane Cusick receives a donation from UTU President Stephen McCord.
Helping
nurture
the
child
UTU aid is supporting Malawian challenge to give
its most vulnerable a rare opportunity to just be children
(remember that making porridge
involves collecting firewood, collecting
water and then cooking porridge)
Most of our centres have no play
materials – we advocate locally
available
Most of our caregivers and
committee members have a low level
of literacy which makes understanding
difficult.
All our caregivers have a poor health
status due to malnutrition, HIV or
other illnesses
Many of our communities do not
support the ECD centre due to having
too much to do themselves
Many of our church leaders and
community leaders do not understand
the importance of ECD.
In order to address these issues, we
attempt to train our community leaders
– the chiefs and the religious leaders.
They should assist us in addressing the
infrastructure issues and also food in the
community. We train our caregivers in
Child Development, how to play with
children and how to make play materials.
They also learn the basics of hygiene,
management of a centre and so on.
Our major challenge is sustainability of
the programme. NGO’s do not do us
any favours as they come in to
implement a project but after a couple
of years that project is finished, the
boxes are ticked off and they go. Usually
they leave no measures of sustainability
in place and so the project really is a
failure. As an indigenous church however,
we do not want to do that which
is why we are training local leaders to
Each year the UTU contributes to educational
projects in other countries. The 2013 donations went
to the following worthwhile causes:
£180: World Vision – Sponsorship of a child
in Senegal.
£500: Ray of Hope – The development of
Henny Penny Libraries in India
£500: Diane Cusick – Diane is a teacher
in charge of an early years project in Muzuzu in
Malawai. This money will be used to train teachers
to work in a recently opened unit. Diane is trying to
impress on the government the importance of early
implement the programme themselves.
I also work closely with the Ministry
of Gender, Children and Social Welfare
and have been involved in curriculum
development for ECD in Malawi and
also recently in the SADC region.
The donations which we have
received from UTU go directly into our
training pot and are used for training the
caregivers in the local communities. The
training is basic – it only lasts two weeks
and it costs roughly £100 to train one
caregiver.
Personally I really appreciate the input
from UTU as it really helps us financially
and also reaches a lot of children
through training caregivers. Thanks you
on behalf of CCAP, and may God bless
you in the work that you do in UTU.
HOW AND WHERE YOUR MONEY IS SPENT
years education of both boys and girls.
£500: Disability Action –Tanzania.
This is a project to help children, who are disabled, to
access an education programme.
£500: Gracehill P.S. Adare, Central
Africa – This school has adopted the name of
Gracehill P.S. Co. Antrim and the school has been able
to purchase vital textbooks to access the curriculum/
£920: The Steve Sinnott Foundation –
The Foundation will be able to use this donation
to enable students to work in areas of greatest
educational need throughout the world.
Diane Cusick
writes about her
experience
as an Early
Childhood
Co-ordinator
for the
Church of
Central Africa
Presbyterian,
Synod of
Livingstonia.
PICTURE OF
HAPPINESS:
Playtime for
Malawi children
is very special
.
2003 2013
THEN AND NOW: The children of Nepal when Ray of Hope first got involved
back in January 2003, and, right, all the girls pictured together last year.
ACHIEVEMENT
GIVES HOPE..
n Nepal, a few miles east of
Kathmandu, nestled in the
foothills of Mount Everest,
I
there is situated the Metta Centre
Orphanage.
It stands 4550 feet above sea
level and was opened in 2001 with
grandeur aims, however, few could
have predicted the heights that
were to be reached.
Nepal is located in Southeast
Asia, and is sandwiched between
China and India. The total
population of Nepal is approximately
23 million. It is among the
poorest and least developed
countries in the world. Nearly half
of Nepal’s population lives below
the poverty line. In Nepal, females
are still treated as second class
citizens. 2/3 of the females in Nepal
have never attended school.
A Ray of Hope first learned of
the Metta Centre 12 years ago, and
was very impressed with everything
they were trying to achieve. Very
shortly afterwards the Ulster
Teachers’ Union became involved,
and have assisted ever since.
The directors and staff are
dedicated to their responsibilities,
and find children in the most
deprived situations, and provide for
them a stable home environment in
which education is prized.
We were a little surprised, but
delighted, to discover that far from
I would like to thank the
Ulster Teachers’ Union for
the kind donation of £500
to Disability Aid Abroad’s
work with disabled women
in developing countries.
Your 2013 donation
helped fund an employment
support project for the
Ugandan Akwenyutu HIV
Group – a group of women
who had been abducted
as young girls by the Lords
Resistance Army who were
held as ‘sex slaves’ until they
being an institutionalized establishment
with a rigorous regime, it was
indeed a “home” with exceptional
values.
The director wished that the
children would excel in languages,
especially English, employed visiting
specialists for workshops, encouraged
a very active programme of
events, including animal husbandry,
computer studies, traditional crafts,
educational visits to cultural and
historical sites and nature awareness
outings. Even though the girls
had little, they did become involved
in assisting those families in the
neighbouring communities who are
worse of than themselves.
The main objectives were
admirable i.e.
To provide a free sheltered
environment and education for orphaned
and impoverished children.
To educate village community
members, especially women.
To provide skills’ workshops.
To provide programmes in the
areas of social, cultural and other
humanitarian and relief activities.
The overriding vision being that
young lives would have a
positiveness... and to proffer the
opportunity to them, so that in
adult life they would make a
valuable contribution to the milieu
in which they lived.
The director, Piya, was also
Restoring dignity to
families in Uganda
managed to escape.
This has been a
particularly successful
project as most of the
women received training
and machinery and have
seen a considerable increase
in their earning capacity.
Pictured right are some
of the women and their
children.
Regards
John Coghlan
Disability Action
enthusiastic about developing in his
charges, an awareness of the world,
and eagerly looked for children
outside Nepal who might share
experiences with his children. These
children were found in Northern
Ireland, and the project was entitled
from “Himalaya to Emerald Isle”.
Ten years on and, to date, seven
girls have left the orphanage due to
age constraints – all of them having
attended university.
The poem below, was written
by a 10-year-old pupils from
Northern Ireland who wished to
share empathy and concern with
children of her own age.
My Friends...
Your family has expanded,
there are lots of new found friends,
all living in the one house,
so much love to send.
But though it has been hard,
you have never given up hope,
or lost sight of the dreams you
have,
these will help you cope.
As you grow up strong and true,
keep love in your heart,
then even when your friends
are gone,
you’ll never be apart.
The friends you make in this life,
can be your family too,
they will be there right by your side,
in everything you do.
utu NEWS
10 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
11
utu NEWS

Branch out
The Ulster Teachers’ Union is
organised into Branches and Area
Association.
Through these structures
you can get more involved in
the Union, find out about local
educational initiatives and also
network with other students,
teachers and school leaders in
your area.
It is through these Branches
that sub-committee representation,
the Central Executive
Committee and vice-president
are elected from.
If you want to get more
involved with the Union and
‘have your say’ about the issues
affecting teachers, then contact
either your local Branch or Area
Association Secretary (contact
details can be found in your 2014
UTU Diary) or contact the
President or any of the staff at
Headquarters
(028 90662216).
Make the journey the
start of your holiday.
Drive to France and not only will our Landbridge to Europe save you a boatload of
money, it will give you a car boot full of luggage space to bring back as much as you
want. Plus, stop off as and when you like.
Travel with Stena Line to Britain on one of our 30 daily sailings and then beyond to
France, Holland or Spain with our travel partners. Book it all in one click or call from
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utu NEWS
Fitter than
ever!
INTEREST: FIT teachers who attended the recent Residential Seminar at Malone House Hotel where founder Greig Savage gave an interesting Q&A session.
Future is looking bright after a successful Residential Seminar
call 08445 765 769 or see your travel agent
SAVE OVER
£1000
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The annual FIT Residential Seminar took
place this year on 24th and 25th January
in the Malone House Hotel in Belfast
and many agreed that it was the best yet.
The mixture of new faces with a range
of more-established members added new
perspectives to the discussion and the recently
refurbished hotel and restaurant only added to
the enjoyment!
Friday evening saw an interview and Q&A
session with Greig Savage, newly-appointed
Principal of Lisnadill PS. As Grieg was one of the
founder members of FIT, he was able not only
to offer advice and support regarding career
progression, but also to outline the key role that
membership of UTU – and FIT in particular – had
played in his journey towards his new position.
We would like to extend warm thanks and
appreciation to Greig for his excellent contribution
and look forward to him now taking his
well-earned place in the UTU Leadership Group.
We can’t have a FIT event without some
socialising; so the session with Grieg was followed
by a slightly different type of session which began
in the excellent restaurant – yes, the steak did
cost extra, guys!!! – and continued with winding
down in the bar until the wee, small hours.
New friendships were forged, advice was
swapped and all the pressures of teaching were
thoroughly bemoaned; in other words, a good
time enjoyed by all!
The fabulous breakfast on Saturday morning
set us up for our now well-established preparation
for Annual Conference slot. The resolutions
coming up at Annual Conference at the beginning
of April were well-debated and we will have many
FIT members contributing from the podium.
The ability to shape UTU policy and make
changes was illustrated by the success of the FIT
resolution last year in opening the debate about
changes to the course in Stranmillis College and
the subsequent willingness on the part of the
College to address the issues raised.
Of course, not everyone in FIT is a Stranmillis
graduate/student, but those who are not were
impressive in their solidarity and wish to stand behind
their colleagues – the definition of a union!!
Thanks and appreciation as ever go to our
wonderful Chair and Vice-Chair, Steven Savage
and Aaron Davidson, for their continuing hard
work and commitment. We would also extend
thanks to our President, Stephen McCord, who
has been a great support throughout the last year.
And remember, anyone who is a UTU member
who is still at college or is a teacher in the early
(ish!) stages of their career is already a member
of FIT.
If you would like the opportunity to meet up
with others to socialise and network, please get
involved by contacting Jacquie at UTU HQ –
phone/text/email. We look forward to hearing
from you!
CNV ARE
SHOWING
A DUTCH
OF UNITY
In October a delegation
from CNV Onderwijs
(CNV Education) visiting
Northern Ireland met with
INTO/UTU. The CNV Onderwijs
is the Christian teachers
union in the Netherlands. The
Union is a result of a merger
between a Catholic teachers
Members go down
the slippery slope
TAKING TO THE SLOPES: Photographs from the recent ski-trip that UTU
members attended in Folgaria, Italy, over the New Year. The trip, organised
by Lewis Love (Field Officer), used our TOPFLIGHT - Ireland’s leading tour
operator. UTU members are able to gain 10% discounted price on most
holidays advertised in their brochures (ski holidays are excluded as they are
already very competitively priced).
union and a Protestant Christian
Union in 2000.
CNV now represents over
53,000 members in all sections
of education. Membership
includes Principals, auxiliary
staff and other educational
personnel.
The discussion centred
12 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
13
DELEGATES: From Left - Mr Cees Kuiper, Board Member CNV Onderwijs, Mr Willem Jelle Berg, Treasurer, Mrs Joany Krijt, Vice President CNV
Onderwijs , Mr Gerry Murphy, INTO Northern Secretary, Ms Jacquie Reid, UTU Deputy Secretary, Ms Rita Fox, INTO Northern Chair, Mr Leon
Meijer, Secretary to the Board, CNV Onderwijs and Mr Stephen McCord, President UTU.
around the differences and
similarities in our school
organisations, school funding, the
recruitment of members and
a look at the politic situation in
Northern Ireland. One insight
from CNV was that each school
has a a school council and was
the forum used to discuss many
Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
When you make a Will, you
probably think the one thing
you can’t leave your loved
ones is good health.
Actually, you can. Chest, heart and stroke illnesses claim
over 7,500 lives a year in Northern Ireland. But a legacy
from you could provide the breakthrough that makes
them a thing of the past. Local research funded by NI
Chest, Heart & Stroke is saving and improving people’s
lives every day.
If you’re looking for the greatest gift you could leave
your children and grandchildren, you don’t need to look
any further.
For a leaflet on leaving a legacy to NI Chest Heart
& Stroke, please phone Alison in confidence on:
028 90 266 706
Write to us at: 21 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HB
or email: legacy@nichs.org.uk
Alternatively ask your solicitor for our legacy leaflet.
Belfast Office 21 Dublin Road, Belfast BT2 7HB
T. 028 9032 0184
www.nichs.org.uk
day to day issues and resolve
individual problems.
The delegation consisted of
Mrs Joany Krijt, Vice President,
Mr Cees Kuiper, Board Member,
Mr Willem Jelle Berg, Treasurer,
Mr Leon Meijer, Secretary to
the Board and Ms Isabel Gaisbauer,
Advisor European Affairs.
Charity Reg no: XN47338
utu NEWS

Ashleigh Smyth a sixth-form
student at Glastry College has
volunteered for over two years
with Positive Futures, a Bangor
based organisation.
During this time she has
worked with children and adults
who have a variety of Learning
Disabilities that inhibit them
from carrying out everyday
tasks that others may take for
granted. In this article she talks
about her experiences as a
volunteer.
I am currently studying my A
Levels in Glastry College and
when I was in fifth year we had
an assembly from Volunteer
Now about Millennium Volunteering.
I first became involved with
Positive Futures when I looked
at opportunities on the Volunteer
Now website. I was placed
in contact with Julia Sloan, a
member of staff at Positive
Futures. I met Julia for Coffee
and a chat about volunteering,
I realised that I was very keen
to start volunteering for them
immediately, and well the rest
is history.
At first I decided to volunteer
on Saturdays with a girls buddy
group. And after getting to
Bullying
STRONG
n November over 700 schools, rating the resources as either ‘very
youth groups and other organisa-
working with children and awareness of bullying, 98% of respon-
useful’ or ‘useful’. In terms of raising
Itions
young people took part in NIABF’s dents agreed that participating in
annual Anti-Bullying Week.
Anti-Bullying Week had achieved this
The theme for 2013, under the title in their setting. Furthermore, almost
‘I See, I Hear, I Feel’, looked at how three-quarters said that the campaign
children and young people communicate
with each other in our modern initiatives in their school.
had encouraged new anti-bullying
society, looking at both online and NIABF also ran an art and creative
physical world interactions. This writing competition for young people,
included name-calling, teasing and attracting more than 1750 entries
mocking (still the most common form from schools and youth groups right
of bullying amongst children of all across Northern Ireland. A special
ages), exclusion, isolation, spreading awards ceremony was held during
rumours or gossip and posting hurtful Anti-Bullying Week at the Playhouse
or demeaning comments, photographs Theatre in Derry-Londonderry, City
or videos online.
of Culture 2013, where the winners
Resources provided through the received their awards from John
NIABF website (www.endbullying. O’Dowd MLA, Minister for Education.
org.uk) included lesson plans, assembly
activities and project briefs. this competition shows the strength
He said: “The number of entries to
All registered organisations received of feeling among young people about
specially designed posters to highlight bullying. I would like to congratulate
the theme of the campaign, available all who took part for the standard of
in both English and Irish language their work; work that has illustrated
versions.
the many different forms bullying can
Feedback from the pack has been take.
extremely positive, with over 92% “Bullying is never acceptable and
utu NEWS
Pupil Ashleigh
Smyth highlights
her experience
of volunteering
know others volunteering I
started to attended outings
during the school holidays. I
soon got to know most of the
children and I realised that this
was something I wanted to do
for a very long time.
The joy that these outings
brought to some of the young
people was incredible and
made me feel very overwhelmed
with emotion.
I thoroughly enjoyed spending
time with the children and
young adults, as well as with the
staff and other volunteers.
Positive futures are like a
second family to me.
Recently I decided to take
part in one-one activities with
specific young adults. These
activities would include outings
to the cinema or down into
Bangor for coffee and a chat. In
my opinion these are the most
rewarding outings I have taken
part in, I think being able to
bond with a specific individual
at one time is very helpful, as
they are getting your full
attention and know that
you are listening with no
distractions.
Through these one-one
activities I have created some
incredible friendships with some
of the young people and I know
that if they ever needed a hand
or needed advice that they
would be confident enough to
come to me because of the
trust and confidence built with
Acting Together
to End threat of
these outings.
Now two years later I
recently received my 200 hours
award of excellence on the 5th
of December 2013 in the Guild
Hall in Londonderry.
I have never been more overwhelmed
than at that moment,
it is incredible how fast these
two years volunteering with
Positive Futures has went by, it
feels like just yesterday I was on
my first outing to Castle Ward,
nervous and shaking as I got
onto the bus full of unfamiliar
faces.
I am so glad that Volunteer
Now had an assembly in school
and THREW them found Positive
Futures because they truly
have made such a huge impact
this competition has helped young
people explore the impact it can have.
We need to ensure that bullying, in
whatever form, is never tolerated in
our schools.”
While Anti-Bullying Week provides
schools with an opportunity to
spend one week focussing efforts on
combating bullying among their pupils,
we must remember that bullying is an
issue we must respond to throughout
the year, not just in November.
In 2003 the Education and Libraries
(NI) Order placed a statutory duty on
all grant aided schools in Northern
Ireland to have in place policies to
prevent all forms of bullying. The
decade that has passed since this
legislation came into force has
brought many changes in the way
children and young people interact
with each other and the ways in
which bullying can take place.
NIABF is currently delivering a
series of seminars exploring current
approaches to anti-bullying policy and
practice across Northern Ireland and
the challenges we face in addressing
bullying in today’s society. The
on my life and I would not
change anything about my time
with them. I am so grateful for
everything that this organisation
has done for me, they truly are
like having a second family.
“I know now through Positive
Futures that working with
children and young people who
have learning disability is the
career path I wish to follow in
the future whether it is through
Nursing or Social Work, which I
am unsure about.
I can never repay them
back fully for the support and
care they provide to all their
volunteers but I will be forever
grateful. Here I am two years
later, still volunteering and still
loving every minute of it.
MESSAGE: Owen from Edmund Rice College, Katy from Templepatrick
Primary School and Sarah form the High School Ballynahinch show off their winning
pieces of art to Cool FM DJ Kathryn Wilson.
seminars offer school leaders the
opportunity to share best practice
with others working in similar schools
and to consider ways of continually
improving policy and practice relating
to bullying. The events also provide
valuable feedback for NIABF and the
Department of Education on further
support needs for schools in tackling
all forms of bullying.
From the first few seminars delivered
in late 2013, issues relating to
the definition of bullying, standardisation
of anti-bullying policies across different
schools and support in tackling
bullying happening outside school
(particularly online and through
mobile and smart phones) have been
highlighted as areas for development.
School leaders have also highlighted
the need for more information
directed at parents and carers around
bullying, aimed at fostering a
collective responsibility for preventing
and responding to bullying.
•For more information about the
seminars and NIABF’s other activities
please visit the NIABF website –
www.endbullying.org.uk
have been teaching for over six
years in an Alternative Education
I Provision (AEP) for children with
Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
(SEBD). The provision endeavours
to meet the needs of secondary school
pupils with a diverse myriad of abilities
and Special Educational Needs who
have not had their needs met in mainstream
education.
Pupils are referred throughout the
year for a variety of reasons, with a
number of young people being referred
annually that are Looked After Children
(LAC). Likewise, as discussed in a previous
article for the UTU, the number of
young people with Autistic Spectrum
Disorders (ASD) being referred has
steadily increased. Figures recently
obtained from DENI indicate that the
prevalence for ASD is currently one
in 58 children in the Northern Ireland
school population.
Some of the LAC referred to the
provision have a diagnosis of ASD. According
to Humphrey (2008), pupils
with ASD are 20 times more likely to be
excluded than those without a SEN. It is
also disconcerting that 21% of students
with ASD are excluded from school at
least once (Barnard et al., 2000; National
Autistic Society, 2003). In comparison
8% of LAC have been suspended with
1% having been permanently excluded
(DHSSPSNI, 2012). With these statistics
in mind, why are LAC and many with
ASD being referred to the AEP and
what do we do This article briefly
considers this important question, but
does not serve to be definitive, nor do
I suggest that all LAC and young people
with ASD do not cope in mainstream.
It simply highlights the experiences and
musings of a teacher set within a backdrop
of research literature.
Of paramount importance is that the
‘E’ in SEBD is often cast in the shadow of
the ‘B’. This is fundamental, as developing
the emotional well-being and self-regulation
of both groups of pupils mentioned
above has the potential to reduce
incidents of challenging behaviour or
indeed school refusal and educational
failure. For LAC, the social, emotional
and behavioural difficulties displayed
are often a direct result of being in care.
They are particularly vulnerable to SEBD
because of their life experiences, the exacting
reasons for becoming one of the
thousands of LAC in Northern Ireland.
Significantly, according to the DHSSPSNI
(2012), the number of LAC in Northern
Ireland has increased by over 21% from
2006 to 2012 (1480 to 1878).
There are two distinct groups of
children in care: children who are placed
long term with foster carers, extended
families or within high quality small residential
care homes; and those who are
frequently moved from one foster carer
to another or who are placed in several
short-term residential children’s homes.
The latter group “are often the ones
who are excluded from school, truant or
become homeless” (OFSTED, 2000). The
care setting itself therefore impacts upon
educational achievement with greater
stability being afforded by long term
placements or long term foster care. This
is advantageous to the young person
settling better into school, building more
concrete relationships and also serving
to alleviate issues with attachment. Trust
and belief in others hopefully ensues; an
important goal for me and the AEP as
a whole.
Young people need to feel able to
invest in relationships with adults and
peers in their lives. They need to do
this without fear that a significant adult
14 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
15
Craig Goodall, returns with an
article on Alternative Education:
Looked after
Children and
Autistic
Spectrum
Disorders
won’t suddenly change when most
needed, such as when social workers
change around the age of 16 when
many move on to the transition teams.
This unfortunately coincides when a
child’s educational life can be in a state
of flux. Anecdotally at least, this may be
one factor impacting on the educational
attainment of some LAC. The statistics
on educational attainment are profound.
In 2011/12, 58% of LAC attained at least
one GCSE/GNVQ at grades A* to G;
this compared with 100% of the general
school population, with 25% of LAC
having a statement of SEN - many in the
AEP for SEBD - compared to 4% of the
general school population (DHSSPSNI,
2012).
Many LAC have multiple professionals
involved in their lives who are
“paid to care” - as expressed to me by
several young people. Caring must be
demonstrated and felt beyond this. This
is what we strive to do in the AEP; to
help develop emotionally healthy young
people who can recognise, understand
and cope with the emotions they and
others feel. We hope they will develop
self-worth, good self-esteem, show
empathy and demonstrate resilience.
From experience, many of those who
are looked after and/or with ASD lack
these positive images of themselves.
Positive school environments, whether in
mainstream or in an AEP, will “help each
individual feel personal worth, dignity
and importance” (Freiberg, 1999). Surely
this should be the cornerstone of education
irrespective of school setting.
The mainstream school environment,
with much larger pupil numbers and
less flexibility than the AEP may mean
that dedicating adequate time for the
development of meaningful relationships
with these young people can be
understandably difficult. LAC may be
stigmatised and bullied because of their
home situation. Although being placed
in alternative education may in itself be
stigmatising (Berridge et al., 2008), a
notion that needs rejected at all times.
Some LAC may become embarrassed;
develop an unhealthy sense of worthlessness
and become at-risk of loneliness
by shutting out others. This is a defense
mechanism for some, combating experiences
of rejection. For many it is best, in
their eyes, not to take the risk of being
hurt again by investing emotions in yet
another person.
Likewise, bullying and loneliness in
school are commonplace for children
with ASD (Bauminger and Kasari, 2000;
Ochs et al. 2001). Some children simply
give up trying to develop peer relationships
based on previous experiences of
social rejection. Despite many wanting
to have friendship the difficulties in deciphering
the codes and nuances of social
interaction and communication hinder
this. As educators we need to support
situations for young people with ASD
and those in care to safely form relationships.
The environment of a mainstream
school can be intrinsically defeating to
a child with ASD. Mainstream schools,
with noisy bustling corridors and
unpredictability can counteract the
need for routine and the want for low
sensory stimulation expressed by many
with ASD, which can lead to anxiety
(Humphrey and Lewis, 2008; Moore,
2007 and Wing, 2007) and manifested in
challenging behaviour.
NICCY (2007) indicate that 50 % of
young people with Asperger Syndrome
(AS) were satisfied with their school
experience. Young people noted that
improvements required are: the need
for staff who understand AS, the need
for more support within the school
environment, the need to educate other
pupils about AS and the need to effectively
address bullying and create a safe
learning environment. This also bares
relevance to the education of LAC.
In summary, when a young person
has ASD or is in care, developing
self-esteem and confidence is key. This
is possible through building a positive,
meaningful and reciprocal relationship
with a significant adult. Quite often a
teacher, like myself, is the most unchanging
source of support the child has in
their ever-changing lives. Support is
what we strive to give in the AEP. The
following quote from Education of Young
People: Public Care Guidance (2000)
cited in the OFSTED (2000, p.2) should
underpin the practice of anyone working
with children in care. “Children in Public
Care are our Children. We hold their
future in our hands, and education is the
key to that future”.
Craig Goodall BEd (Hons), MSc ASD
is currently completing Doctorate of
Education (EdD) at Queen’s University
Belfast.
•Contact Craig by email on
cgoodall01@qub.ac.uk
RAISING AWARENESS: UTU Deputy General Secretary Jacquie Reid (centre) pledging her support at the
SAIL (support, acceptance, information and learning) Northern Ireland conference. SAIL strives to raise
awareness of gender issues amongst the health and educational professions. If you require any further
information contact UTU HQ. Also included in the photo is Clare Moore (NI ICTU).
utu NEWS

WARM WELCOME: Members of Utdanningsforbundet, the Union of
Education Norway, visiting UTU HQ.
UNIONS
SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE..
F
ollowing the visit of a delegation The Utdanningsforbundet is the largest
educational union in Norway with to give the Norwegians an insight into many of the issues raised were similar.
work placement who were also able differences in culture and language
from CNV Onderwijs in
October, the UTU also hosted a over 300,000 members across all educational
teacher training.
This was the second Union from Europe
January visit from Utdanningsforbundet
(Union of Education, Norway).
A delegation of 17 members of
their regional executive met with UTU
President Stephen McCord, General
Secretary Avril Hall-Callaghan and
Deputy General Secretary Jacquie Reid.
sectors and also with members
in Educational Psychological Service,
adult education and in administration.
The educational scene in Northern
Ireland was set out for the visiting
delegation. UTU were lucky to have
two Stranmillis Students on alternative
There were many similarities across
both countries with both union striving
to protect the interests of members
in areas such as salaries, working
conditions and many other professional
matters.
What was evident was despite the
to meet with the Ulster Teachers’
Union over the past few months and
on both occasions the members we
met with were fluent in English.
This led to a debate over the
teaching of languages in schools from
an earlier age.
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Membership Plus
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Plus App! Search for Membership
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brand names, there is something for everyone with Membership Plus.
BUSH PRIMARY SCHOOL: Pupils from Bush Primary School pupils
proudly showing off their entries. Also included in the photograph is Mrs S
Thompson.
utu NEWS
The Annual Competition, which is ran by our
International Relations Sub-Committee, this year
had a theme “Winter or Christmas” and was
used to raise awareness of the EDUCATION
FOR ALL CAMPAIGN.
There were many entries and the members
of the committee along with the convener,
Audrey Stewart, spent an
enjoyable time sorting through the entries.
The winner of the main prize from each
category came from the following -
Key Stage 1 Individual Entry – Cooley
Primary School
Key Stage 2 Individual Entry – Ballydown
Primary School
SUCCESS: Proud winners of the Winter/Christmas UTU Competition from
Lisnally Special School, Armagh, displaying their Art Work and prizes.
GLASTRY COLLEGE: Pupils from Glastry College who entered the
KS3 & KS4 Winter or Christmas Poem Competition. The overall
winner, Ashley Baxter, (Front 2nd Left) is included with Mrs A
Corbett, Vice-Principal.
Special Education Individual Entry – Lisanally
Special School
Special Education Class Entry – Lisanally
Special School
Key Stage 3 Individual Entry – Glastry
College
Runners-up were selected from Olderfleet
Primary School, Coagh Primary School and
Bush Primary School.
The UTU wish to thank the many pupils and
their teachers who entered the competition.
The standard of everyones work excellent and
a real pleasure to read.
KEEP AN EYE OUT IN THE AUTUMN TERM
FOR OUR NEXT COMPETITION.
WERE YOU IN THE CLASS OF 2008
Attention all primary teachers who graduated
from Stranmillis or St Mary’s in July 2008
All students in your year took part in a
longitudinal study, which required you to complete
a questionnaire about your memories of being
taught history, geography and science at school.
COAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL: Pupils from Coagh Primary School and
their teacher, Mrs A Wilson, showing off their entries to the ‘Winter and
Christmas’ Competition.
Pupils get into spirit of the season for festive competition
You may remember completing a questionnaire at
the beginning and end of your studies in either St
Mary’s University College or Stranmillis University
College.
Would you be willing to get involved in a follow
up study on the teaching of history, geography and
science which is being carried out by the Irish Association
for Social, Scientific and Environmental
Education (IASSEE)
Please contact iassee@gmail.com for further
details.
www.membershipplus.co.uk/utu
16 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
17
utu NEWS

Leaders of
four of the
largest teaching
unions visit
Belfast Schools
T
he partnership between EIS / INTO
/ NUT and UTU continues to
strengthen.
In January 2014 Beth Davies, president of
the National Union of Teachers – the largest
teachers’ union in the UK - and Phil Jackson,
president of The Educational Institute of
Scotland – the largest teaching union in
Scotland along
with Stephen
McCord
President of
the Ulster
Teachers’
Union along
with Jacquie
Reid Deputy
General Secretary
and Rita
Fox Northern
Chair
of the Irish
National Teachers’
Organisation visited three schools in
Belfast from the Controlled, Maintained and
Integrated Sector.
Harding Memorial Primary School, inset,
hosted the Union leaders and principal Mr
Stephen Cumper gave them an overview
of the many challenges that are impacting
utu NEWS
on local Belfast Schools. He delighted the
visitors by
showing them around his school which
recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The four union leaders were also shown
around St. Patrick’s Pim Street, an amalgamation
of Edmund Rice Primary and Star of
the Sea Primary in St Patrick’s Parish, which
opened on 1
September,
2013.
Mr Mark
McTaggart,
principal,
showed the
group around
the school
and discussed
the issues that
affect the local
community and
pupils in his
catchment area.
The guests were then given a tour of
Hazelwood Integrated College and got the
opportunity to meet with staff and students.
Principal Kathleen Gormley showcased
films made at the college about integration,
highlighting the effectiveness of integrated
education in a segregated society.
Ulster Teachers’ Union General
Secretary Avril Hall Callaghan, left,
attended the Rome Education
International (EI) meeting in March
2013 where details about the 2015
global development goals for education
were finalised.
These were launched by EI on 4
October 2013 with a focus on their
campaign for ‘Unite for Quality
Education’.
The ‘Unite for Quality Education’ is a
year long campaign that seeks to ensure
that quality education remains at the
Harding Memorial Primary School: Union leaders on their visit (from left) are Beth Davis,
Jacquie Reid, Stephen Cumper (Principal) Phil Jackson and Rita Fox.
St Patrick’s Primary School Pim Street Pictured (from left) Stephen McCord, Mrs McAuley
Vice Principal, Mark McTaggart Principal, Jacquie Reid, Phil Jackson and Beth Davis.
Hazelwood Integrated College Pictured are, front row (l-r), Stephen McCord (President
UTU), Hazelwood principal Kathleen Gormley, Beth Davies (President NUT) and Phil Jackson
(President EIS). Middle row: Natasha Norcross, Rita Fox (Northern Chair INTO), Jacquie Reid (Deputy
General Secretary UTU) and Brandon Graham. Back row: Dean McKay and Amy Garner
UNITED FOR A
GLOBAL CAUSE
top of the political agenda at national
and international level. The campaign
is demanding that governments put
in place three essential elements of a
quality education –
1. Universal and free access to
quality teachers,
2. Modern teaching tools and
resources and
3. Supportive, safe and secure
environments for teaching
and learning.
On 23 October UTU President
Stephen McCord attended the
European Trade Union Committee for
Education (ETUCE) Special Meeting in
Brussels in ‘What is needed to improve
the Quality of Education in Europe’
This meeting proved to be a beneficial
experience with input from teacher
union from France, Portugal, The
Netherlands and the UK.
The campaign will cumulate on World
Teachers’ Day on 4 October, 2014.
For further information follow
Education International on twitter
@eduint and the campaign Unite for
Quality Education on @unite4ed
Alternative
Placement
Students
During our second semester we
were given the opportunity to
undertake two weeks of work
experience in an alternative setting
within the field of education.
The aim of this programme is
to provide students with the opportunity
to experience potential
work opportunities outside the
education sector.
As both of us are currently
student members of the UTU we
wanted to gain more expertise
and knowledge of what the union
can do and how it can represent
us, so we chose the UTU as our
organisation.
We had the opportunity to
attend numerous meetings and
conferences held with various
different organisations including
NIPSA, OFMDFM, ESAIT, ETUG
and NITC, which included
representatives of all the teacher
unions in Northern Ireland. We
also got the opportunity to attend
a conference in the Waterfront
Hall where the First and Deputy
First Ministers were present
discussing the United Youth 14
programme, an exciting new
initiative which is being launched
in Northern Ireland.
Throughout our Alternative
Placement at the UTU, we have
learnt a lot from our experiences,
including organisational and people
skills. We have been given an
insight into the help and support
provided by the UTU for teachers,
in regards to many areas in the
field of education, which also allowed
us to gain an international
perspective on teaching unions.
We feel that these experiences
18 SPRING 2014 SPRING 2014
19
TOGETHER: Group photograph of the study visit participants and host leaders. Included UTU President is Stephen McCord (far left).
MINE’S A COKE: Pupils from Istituto Tecnico (senior technical college) investigating the acid
content in fizzy drinks.
KEY STUDENTS: Taking part in the Work
Experience Programme at the “Pacinotti”
Institute.
John Allen &
Philip Boyd, Year
4 Post Primary,
Stranmillis
will equip us with a set of transferable
skills that will enhance
our job prospects and teaching.
Our two weeks’ experience has
developed our confidence in the
UTU as a union that represents
us with fully qualified and
experienced teaching representatives
who stand up for our voice
and promote the interests of all
teachers. We now realise that the
role of UTU plays a fundamental
part in the careers of teachers
and the education system as a
whole, providing advice and support
with issues arising in school,
retirement, redundancy packages,
salaries, health & safety and
equality in the workplace, flexible
working arrangements, sickness
& absence arrangements, maternity/paternity
leave and training
opportunities.
We would like to take this opportunity
to thank the UTU and
all host organisations for allowing
us to sit at their meetings and
getting an understanding into the
work of the union. The experience
has been invaluable to both of us.
THE ITALIAN JOB
n December 2013 UTU President
Stephen McCord took part in a
Iweek long CEDEFOP funded study
visit to Taranto, Italy.
The focus was on methods used by
the host school to prevent Early School
Leaving. In Italy around 20% of pupils
leave school with no qualifications and
this particular school had almost 40%
ESL ten years ago. However a concerted
effort by principal and staff had
reduced their ESL figure to around 3%.
The following shows some of the
ideas gained from that week –
There was evident shared leadership
from the director of the schools,
the principal and the senior leadership
teams in each school. There was also
a collective responsibility from all staff
that the school needed to address Early
School Leaving and motivate the young
people into, not only staying at education,
but taking an active role in their
education. The leadership of the school
were adaptable, flexible, innovative and
hard-working at ensuring the young
people were encouraged to see education
as an important life-long learning
opportunity.
Secondly, there were innovative and
extensive range and variety of curricula
and extra-curriculum subjects on offer
and also the flexibility in the manner
and timing of their delivery. The PCs for
Grandparents’ Programme, where disaffected
young people at risk of leaving
school become educators of the Older
Generation, was a fresh and innovative
way of allowing the young person to
become “the teacher”.
The use of disaffected and pupils at
risk of early leaving to become educators
themselves for the older generation
in the community was innovative. By
doing this the young people themselves
saw the challenges and demands of
educating from a different angle and
they stayed engaged with education.
This rewarding programme is certainly
something that other schools under the
demands of ESL should examine and
consider using in their setting.
Finally, the positive relationships and
ethos that was evident from the pupils
and from the staff that we met. The
school environment was colourful and
students had been consulted over displays
that were on show. Photographs,
certificates and awards of European
links were widely displayed.
The teachers, young people, parents
and friends were present at one of the
events put on for us after normal school
hours. The schools we visited were
very much ensuring that their pupils
felt valued and respected as part of the
school community and, hence, the value
of education that they could gain from
school was evident.
There was a wide variety of both
countries and all areas and sectors of
education by the study group. There
were many similarities when discussing
the reason for Early School Leaving and
likewise there were many differences in
blooming great: Pupils attending Medie Inferiori (Middle school)
and their science project on plants and herbs. A bouquet of herbs was
presented to each of the visitors.
entertained: Pupils at the Scuola dell’infanzia (Nursery school) who
sang Christmas Carols to the Study Group.
how different countries deal with it. We
all shared the same desire to see ESL
numbers reduce.
The participants attending the week
could see the value of pupils gaining
educational qualifications, ensuring that
the workforce could meet the increasing
challenges as technology and workplace
demands continually change.
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