Update from CSSC - 9 April

Each of the CSSC Schools’ Support Officers continue to respond to the needs of their 110  allocated schools. Officers and SMT members are fielding a large volume of calls from controlled school leaders about their particular circumstances and are linking into the Education Authority (EA) to ensure the full picture of need is understood at the centre and responded to.  

Additionally, in the context of the cross-organisational support structure established in response to COVID-19, the Schools’ Support Officers are each supporting an average of 20 schools as a Link Officer, specifically addressing their support needs, providing advice and advocating on the schools' behalf. 

With regard to holidays, weekends and out of hours provision, CSSC is liaising with EA and the Department of Education (DE) to ensure schools can maximise any and all resources, including NISTR and access additional pay for staff working beyond their contracted hours. Advice on resources pertaining to Department of Education is set out on the Department’s website under FAQs. 

 Development Proposals (i.e. those published on or before 26 March 2020).

• In the present exceptional circumstances, in seeking to allay any fears regarding timeframes and deadlines associated with Development Proposals, the Department of Education has taken a pragmatic approach which has been welcomed by the Chief Executives of the managing authorities and sectoral bodies.  
• The Department has provided assurance that there is an extended period for schools to comment, which will last throughout the COVID-19 crisis.   New dates by which all responses must be returned will be published at a point when existing, emergency provisions may be relaxed or removed and a return to normal working arrangements can be facilitated.  
• The Department is also content to continue to receive responses from those who wish to respond at this time, with the responses registered for consideration later by DE.  This approach enables schools and CSSC to continue to prioritise the COVID-19 emergency response which we are all focused on at this time.
• Should you require support or further clarification at this time in relation to current area planning matters or the COVID-19 situation for your school please do not hesitate to contact your School Support Officer at CSSC.

CSSC will continue to keep in regular contact with principals and governors. Should you wish to contact your CSSC Schools’ Support Officer please find their details here - https://www.csscni.org.uk/schools/find-your-school-support-officer

3 April 2020