Updated | Skola Sajf postponed by a week, ministry launches investigation

The Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into "the poor administration" of Skola Sajf after the Malta Union of Teachers ordered its members not to report to work on Monday if the centres they are assigned to are understaffed.

Late on Sunday evening, the ministry issued a statement announcing the postponement of Skola Sajf by one week. The MUT on Saturday blamed the Foundation for Educational Services (FES) for the claimed "fiasco and chaos".

"Due to possible strike procedures by Skola Sajf workers over the shortfall in staff numbers to take care of over 10,000 children, the Ministry has ordered the postponement of Skola Sajf by one week," the ministry for education said in a statement.

The ministry said a situation could have develped on Monday morning whereby parents would send their children to the public summer school with striking staff: "It is unacceptable to have children not attended to."

Apologising for the inconvenience caused, the ministry insisted that the well-being of children was paramount and it would have been irresponsible to go ahead with a looming strike.

The ministry also accepted the MUT's request for an investigation into "the poor administration of the initiative".

PN slams 'organised disorganisation'

The PN lambasted what it called an “organised disorganization” expressing concern over how the situation that developed impacted on children and their families.

“Many families will have to make sacrifices until the situation returns back to normal,” PN spokesperson for education Joe Cassar said.

Cassar blamed lack of planning and proper preparations by the government adding that children, parents, teachers and carers had to make up for this.

“Parents expect a decent and efficient service and not excuses and spin,” the MP said as he urged government to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

MUT denies ordering industrial action

Meanwhile the Malta Union of Teachers denied ordering an industrial action or registering a dispute over the situation at Skola Sajf.

In a statement issued on Monday morning, the Union insisted it had only advised its members to send children back home if the centres were understaffed.

“Skola Sajf is not a formal school setting but involves physical activities such as outings, swimming and other games. This means that security is of paramount importance,” the union said.

It added that MUT had been raising organisational problems with the Ministry for the past three weeks and informed the Ministry that the majority of centres were understaffed.

“In fact, after a letter in which the MUT proposed that Skola Sajf is suspended by a few days until the disorganisation of the initiative is rectified, the Minister replied immediately and confirmed that he is taking into consideration what the MUT is saying,” the union said.

“The Union expects all entities concerned to rectify the chaotic situation in the next couple of days for the benefit of children and of workers at the centres, who surely do not deserve such disrupting workplace.  In the meantime the Union will be informing the Ministry about the shortcomings of which it is informed.”

Shortcomings surrounding opening of summer schools

On Saturday the MUT said the opening of Skola Sajf and Klabb 3-16 was shrouded in chaos with centres either understaffed or to be run by persons not trained or licensed to teach.

Summer schools should have opened their doors on Monday after students broke off for the summer holidays.

The Malta Union of Teachers however advised its members not to attend Skola Sajf centres if the established ratio of one adult per 15 children is not respected.

Allegedly, one play worker had been tasked with taking care of some 300 children while another centre in Gozo was to be opened with just one person in charge.

According to various MUT members, the centres for Skola Sajf are almost entirely understaffed while provisions were not made to replace teachers who will be on inservice courses.

Gozitan university students were reportedly asked to work in Malta even though they are sorely needed in Gozo. The MUT said requests for more staffing by coordinators were met with “arrogant refusals” by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES) management.

The MUT added that coordinators have also been given charge of a number of centres, instead of focusing on one.

“To sum up, the Union regretfully notes that its communications with the Ministry about the fiasco going on in Skola Sajf and Klabb 3-16, which fiasco is orchestrated by FES, have gone unheeded,” it said on Saturday morning.

It advised its members taking part in Skola Sajf not to attend the centres if the established ratio of 1:15 is not respected.

“The Union believes that the risks to which FES is exposing its members exceeds by far any pittance remuneration the same FES can offer,” the union said. “Heads of Schools are also advised to steer clear from this chaos, and guide their SMT members accordingly."