Cover model policy

The aim of this model policy on cover is to provide a framework that schools can adopt to organise cover for absent teachers to ensure it can be arranged in a speedy and appropriate manner.

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Model policy England Wales Rights at work Working hours Workload

Our model policies and policy checklists are designed to assist NEU reps in negotiating the best employment policies on behalf of our members.

Reps should strive to ensure policies are compliant with the NEU models.

Reps should consult members before agreeing new policies or changes to existing policies and should not agree policies that do not meet member expectations, any statutory requirements and NEU minimums.

Reps should always seek to work collaboratively with other unions. 

Policy checklists should be used in conjunction with our model policies and can be used as a guide for reps when communicating with members over whether a proposed policy is acceptable.

If a policy is unacceptable, members should consider a collective response that may include taking industrial action. For further advice contact your NEU branch.

Policy checklist
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Cover advice

The STPCD requires teachers to cover “rarely, and only in circumstances that are not foreseeable. Asking teachers to cover in other circumstances, such as for planned absences, is unacceptable.

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Cover policy checklist

This checklist is provided to help you assess whether your employer’s cover policy is compliant with the NEU position.

  • Cover will only be carried out by qualified teachers or support staff who have the appropriate skills, status and experience required.
  • PPA time is protected and cannot be used for cover.
  • Staff who provide cover will always be appropriately remunerated.
  • Teachers will not routinely be required to set or plan additional lessons for use by cover staff.
  • Teachers who are absent due to sickness or any unplanned absence will not be required or expected to set cover work.
  • Support staff will not be required or expected to work beyond their contracted hours without express agreement and additional pay.
  • Financial difficulties will not be used as an excuse for inappropriate cover arrangements.
  • ‘Rarely cover’ applies to all teachers. A clear definition with example scenarios for clarity should be provided.
  • Clear definition of what is meant by short-, medium- and long-term absences.
  • Procedure for dealing with planned and unplanned absences of teachers.
  • Existing contractual and agreed arrangements for leave of absence will not be undermined when arranging cover.
  • The policy will be reviewed regularly (e.g. annually).
  • Employees and representatives of recognised unions will always be consulted on any proposed changes to the policy.
     
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