Understanding Bristol SEND Teacher Walkout: Rectifying Historic Injustice
In a quiet corner of Montpelier, a small group gathers in the early morning sunshine outside the Bristol Hospital Education Service. This facility is one of seven units in Bristol that provide education to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) outside of mainstream settings. The teachers here are dedicated to supporting young people who are too unwell to attend mainstream schools, especially those with mental health issues, severe anxiety, self-harming tendencies, and low self-esteem.
The school offers specialized support to young people aged 11-16, including those on the autism spectrum and with other neurodiversities. Many students receive one-to-one classroom support, while others are taught in their homes by teachers who travel from the school. The staff at the school are committed to improving the lives of these vulnerable young people, with many teachers having worked at the school for years.
Recently, concerns have arisen among the teaching staff regarding working conditions, leading to discussions about a new pay offer as the 2024-25 school year begins. The central issue revolves around a pay discrepancy that has been uncovered by the National Education Union (NEU), the union representing the teachers. Teachers at Bristol Hospital Education Service are entitled to a ‘SEN allowance’ to reflect the additional challenges of working in such a high-needs setting. However, it was discovered that teachers at this school have been systematically underpaid for many years.
After initial negotiations, the union is demanding fair compensation for the teachers, including back pay for the years of underpayment. The school’s management has offered two years’ back pay as a resolution, but discussions are ongoing, with the possibility of further walkouts if a satisfactory agreement is not reached.
One of the deeper issues in the SEND sector highlighted by this situation is the exclusion of support staff from receiving the SEN allowance. Support staff, who make up a significant portion of the school’s workforce, are not eligible for this additional payment, making it even more challenging for them to survive in an expensive city like Bristol.
The NEU is working to rectify this historic injustice and ensure that all staff members are fairly compensated for the demanding work they do. The union’s efforts have shed light on the systemic low pay in the SEN sector and the need for proper recognition and remuneration for the vital work being done to support young people with special educational needs.
As negotiations continue and discussions unfold, it is clear that the issues surrounding pay at Bristol Hospital Education Service are just the tip of the iceberg in addressing the challenges faced by teachers and support staff in the SEND sector. It is essential to recognize and value the hard work and dedication of these educators who go above and beyond to engage and support young people with complex needs.
Through ongoing dialogue and efforts to rectify past injustices, the hope is to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all staff working in the SEND sector. As discussions progress, it is crucial to prioritize fair compensation and recognition for the invaluable work being done to improve the lives of vulnerable young people in Bristol.