Pay in Independent Schools in Wales
The NASUWT has the interests of independent school members at heart as much as those in the maintained sector. Independent Schools do not have to abide by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD), the Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales - commonly known as the ‘Burgundy Book’, or other terms and conditions negotiated nationally for school teachers and support staff. Although many independent schools do mirror the national terms and conditions of teachers in the maintained sector they may make their own decisions concerning teachers terms, conditions and the level of pay.
NASUWT advice for members on Pay in Maintained Schools in Wales will be relevant, in most situations. This includes the Union's Salary Cards and advice and information on pay, threshold and upper pay spine progression, performance management and school reorganisation through the review of staffing structures. For teachers working in an independent school this information can be used as a benchmark against which their employer's proposals can be measured regarding pay and related issues.
The advice below is relevant to all teachers working in academies, free schools and independent schools. It relates to:
NASUWT members working in independent schools should contact their Local Association Secretary or the Wales National Centre if they require further information or assistance.
Family Friendly Rights
The NASUWT produces guidance for members with children on the provisions for maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave. The guidance also contains information on rights to time off for family and domestic reasons.
Members have the right to apply to work flexibly where they have:
- children aged under 17;
- disabled children aged under 18; or
- carer responsibilities.
The NASUWT has produced guidance on requesting Flexible working, and generally on Part-time work and job-share arrangements.
The NASUWT, through the Rewards and Incentives Group, successfully negotiated the opportunity for teachers to participate in salary sacrifice schemes for childcare vouchers/benefits, cycles for work and mobile phones. There is a standard Salary sacrifice form on which employees can apply or express an interest.
Temporary workers and supply teachers
The NASUWT provides advice on the rights of Teachers who work on a temporary basis or fixed-term contracts.
Tax
The NASUWT provides a brief outline of the various tax allowances which teachers are eligible to claim under UK legislation in the NASUWT's brief guide to tax for teachers.
Further information or assistance
Members needing further information or assistance should contact their Local Association Secretary or the Wales National Centre.
