The Union of Professional Educators (UPE) has taken decisive action to address the critical concerns raised by Learning Support Educators (LSEs) assigned to Year 11 students. After extensive consultation with our members, the UPE has intervened to halt the mid-year transfer of Year 11 LSEs, ensuring they remain at their secondary schools to continue supporting the students under their care. This directive, upheld by the majority of Year 11 LSEs for the past two years, prioritizes the stability and continuity of support for students.

Upholding Inclusion and Student Rights

Recent reports indicate that some schools have instructed Year 11 students not sitting for exams to remain home between 28 April and 29 June, despite the Education Authorities offering a special course during this period. Alarmingly, very few parents applied for this course, suggesting a lack of proper consultation regarding their children’s needs. 

The UPE’s directives explicitly restrict the redeployment of LSEs from Year 11 to other schools, ensuring these educators remain available to support students within their assigned schools. If the Ministry needs LSEs in other grades, such as the primary level, it should employ more LSEs rather than rely on a skeleton staff. 

Ministry of Education’s Stance on Inclusion

Furthermore, the Ministry’s failure to engage constructively with the UPE over the past two years, has exacerbated tensions. Despite the UPE’s efforts to propose attainable solutions, the Ministry (DES) has remained silent, prioritizing administrative convenience over student welfare 

The UPE remains committed to defending educators’ rights and students’ well-being. We call on the Ministry to collaborate transparently to uphold Malta’s educational standards. 

Members who receive any undue pressure not to adhere to the directives are requested to contact the UPE.