I write to request information regarding the Authority’s staff absence scheme for schools. Please kindly provide the following:

1. Does the Authority provide a staff absence scheme for schools?
Yes (at the moment)

2. If no, has the authority historically provided a scheme for schools and when did this cease?
Not applicable

3. If yes, is the scheme outsourced to another provider or delivered by the Authority?
By the Authority

4.
a) If the scheme if outsourced to another provider, which provider is this and when does this agreement expire? Not applicable
b) Who is responsible for the management of the scheme within the Authority? The council’s insurance team.

5. If the scheme is provided by the authority, can you please provide details of the scheme including:
a) Daily benefit amount reimbursed for each category of staff
Schools may choose the daily benefit amount they want: £40 or £55 per day for support staff; £80, £110, £140 or £160 per day for teaching staff.
b) Waiting period applied to each claim
The deferred period is selected by the school and can be between 1 and 40 days (dependent upon number on roll at the school).
c) Are there any exclusions to the scheme? If so, please provide details of this
Activities and circumstances that are specifically excluded from cover include:
1. attendance at interviews
2. attendance at conferences/seminars
3. house moves
4. maternity leave
5. jury service
6. hospital/dental appointments
7. other similar pre-planned absences
8. war and nuclear risks
9. military service
10. sickness related to alcoholism, drug addiction or substance misuse or abuse
11. non-attendance where bad weather has prevented travel.
d) Is the scheme open to Academies?
No
e) How is the price of the scheme determined for each school?
Depends on combination of the deferred period, daily benefit, type of school. There is a table of rates.
f) Who is responsible for the management of the scheme within the Authority?
The council’s insurance team.
g) Number of schools participating in the scheme
Now just 5 (2022 - 23) (so currently unsure whether it will be offered again next year).
h) 2021 total contributions made to the scheme and 2021 total claims payments made from the scheme
2021- 22 £48,578.62 contributions and £4,655 payments.