Flexible working
Nearly half of female teachers who have requested flexible working have had their request denied, a conference has heard. The NASUWT’s Women Teachers’ Consultation Conference saw hundreds of female teachers gather in Birmingham last week.
A real-time poll at the event found that 45 per cent had had requests turned down and that three-quarters of schools did not have a flexible working policy. Half of the teachers did not believe that colleagues in their school working reduced hours had been given a “workable” timetables.
General secretary Chris Keates said: “Women are being denied their rights to flexible working. Spurious arguments, feeble excuses and blatant discrimination are being used to turn down requests. Even when women are granted flexibility, the unfairness and exploitation continues with many teachers still expected to undertake work-related activities on days they are not supposed to be working, invariably without payment.”
Autism ideas
A free app is aiming to involve people with autism in the creation of new technologies to tackle some of the daily challenges they face. The Android and Apple app has been developed by a consortium of researchers from the universities of Bath, Southampton and Sussex. Called ASCmeI.T., It enables people with autism spectrum conditions – as well as families, teachers, professionals, and anyone who supports someone with autism – to share their ideas on what kind of new technology would best help. Visit: http://ascme-it.org.uk/
CPD change
The GoodCPDGuide has been relaunched as TDT Advisor. Launched three years ago by the Teacher Development Trust (TDT), the website carries more than 3,000 listings from around 450 CPD providers and aims to help teachers and school leaders compare, review and find the best CPD available. Visit: www.advisor.tdtrust.org
Fundraising kit
An initiative to empower students to plan and run their own charity fundraising events to raise money to help keep children in the UK safe has been launched. Champions of Change has been designed by Children in Need and the National Schools Partnership. The initiative offers curriculum-based resources and lessons and also helps to develop skills such as decision-making, negotiation, self-motivation, planning, communication and time-management. Visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/championsofchange
Animation prize
The ninth annual UK Schools Computer Animation Competition is now open for registration. Open to students aged seven to 19, the challenge is to make a one-minute animated film on your computer. A special e-safety category is also seeking films themed on staying safe online. Visit: http://animation16.cs.manchester.ac.uk/