Teacher Relief Cover
At St Joseph's School, when a teacher is unable to take their scheduled class, we ensure that students are appropriately supervised. Teacher relief cover may include employing a reliever or managing absences internally using appropriate school staff. We consider funding allowances and operational requirements when managing relief cover.
Relievers are employed on a short-term or long-term basis.
- Short-term relievers are fixed-term staff temporarily employed on a casual basis to provide relief for a permanent teacher for a period not exceeding three weeks.
- Long-term relievers are fixed-term staff employed for a continuous period beyond three weeks (this type of employment is not limited to providing relief for a permanent teacher).
School responsibilities
The board as the PCBU ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers at St Joseph's School, which includes relief staff (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015). We provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for all staff and students. See Health, Safety and Welfare.
When we employ a reliever, we meet the requirements of relevant legislation and applicable employment agreements. As a 
good employer, we treat staff fairly and properly in all aspects of their employment (Education and Training Act 2020, s 597).
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In the context of the Education and Training Act 2020 (s 597), a good employer means:
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An employer who operates an employment policy containing provisions generally accepted as necessary for the fair and proper treatment of employees in all aspects of their employment, including provisions requiring:
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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good and safe working conditions
an equal employment opportunities programme
the impartial selection of suitably qualified persons for appointment
recognition of—
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(i)
(ii)
(iii)
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the aims and aspirations of Māori
the employment requirements of Māori
the need for greater involvement of Māori in the education service
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(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
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opportunities for the enhancement of the abilities of individual employees
recognition of the aims and aspirations and employment requirements, and the cultural differences, of ethnic or minority groups
recognition of the employment requirements of women
recognition of the employment requirements of persons with disabilities.
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Education and Training Act 2020 (s 597(2))
Our appointment of relievers meets the requirements of the Children's Act 2014. Relievers may be safety checked by their agencies or the school. See Safety Checking.
We provide relevant information to relieving staff about our school and about their role and responsibilities. See Staff Induction.
We ensure relievers are informed about and have access to important student information (e.g. learning, behaviour, health needs).
Relieving staff
Any teacher relieving at St Joseph's School for more than 10 days in any year must be a registered teacher as recognised by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Relieving staff are expected to:
- provide continuity in learning for the class where possible
- support student wellbeing and safety and follow any relevant student plans (e.g. learning, behaviour, health)
- fulfil supervision requirements (including during break times if required)
- be aware of physical restraint rules and have completed necessary training
- take reasonable care of their own health and safety and the health and safety of others
- know how to report any health and safety incidents, hazards, or risks, and understand applicable emergency procedures
- comply with any reasonable instruction provided by the school (including following relevant school policies and procedures).
Arranging relief cover
The deputy principal has overall responsibility for monitoring this procedure.
- For a planned absence, teachers discuss their relief cover with the relevant person.
- In the case of illness or emergency, teachers contact the school as soon as possible.
- We maintain an up-to-date register of reliever teachers.
Internal relief cover
At times, the school may arrange relief cover and/or student supervision internally (e.g. splitting classroom, asking teaching staff to relieve). If teaching staff are asked to provide relief cover, we ensure that any request is fair and reasonable, and with as much notice as possible.
Related policies
Legislation
- Education and Training Act 2020
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Resources
: Term 4 2024, Term 4 2020
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