News in brief

NEU educators campaign for inclusive school curriculum

MOST teachers have introduced some elements of inclusiveness into their teaching practices, such as anti-racist education. They have done this by supporting an anti-racist policy through their actions or expressing an anti-racist idea. And we have teachers who have taken this further by decolonising the curriculum.

The NEU’s Black in the British Curriculum (BiBC) project celebrates and applauds all these teachers. BiBC was created by NEU educators to provide alternative narratives around the discussion of race. It focuses on developing an inclusive whole-school curriculum, helping pupils celebrate the multicultural nature of Britain and an understanding of the contributions that we all make to our society.

Our vision includes one that creates the space for all learners in schools, colleges and educational institutions to feel empowered by an inclusive curriculum. In addition, to campaign and challenge all our examination bodies to begin to develop more appropriate resources and assessments. n Please email samuel.makinde@neu.org.uk to join or request more information.

Pay claim toolkit for independent members

THE NEU has launched a toolkit to help independent sector members make an annual pay claim.

It has printable resources including a model pay claim, a staff survey and guidance on school finances and holding meetings with management. An interactive pay vs inflation calculator allows members to calculate how the rise in inflation has affected their pay in real terms.

The union recommends that all independent sector members submit a collective pay claim, rather than waiting to be told what their pay award will be. n Visit neu.org.uk/making-pay-claim

Support staff at UL primary strike over back-pay

SUPPORT staff at Salisbury Manor

Primary School, London, are taking strike action over a pay dispute with United Learning (UL).

The six women members took three days of strike action in January after UL refused to pay money the NEU believe is owed to them due to historical miscalculations identified by Waltham Forest local authority, which previously managed the school.

UL claims it is not liable for the payment, yet in other schools in Waltham Forest support staff members have been paid back-pay owed to them.

“We don’t want to strike, but it’s the only option left,” explained NEU rep Lorraine O’Hara. “It’s not like we’re paid a lot to begin with.”

Three more days of strike action are planned for after half term.