QTAD Q&A
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 No 2, 31 March 2023, page no. 29
I work part-time. How does that impact on non-contact time?
In the last Journal, we covered the basics of non-contact time (NCT). In this issue, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
First, here is a refresher.
- Primary/special teacher (full-time) – 150 minutes per week
- Beginning teacher – primary/special (full-time – 210 minutes per week
- Primary specialist teacher (full-time) – 120 minutes non-contact + 130 minutes specialist preparation time, i.e. 250 minutes per week
- Secondary teacher (full-time) – 210 minutes per week
- Beginning teacher – secondary (full-time) – 280 minutes per week.
I work part-time. How is my NCT calculated?
If you are working part-time, non-contact time is calculated on a pro-rata basis. Refer to the QTU Timetabling guide to establish what your non-contact time entitlement is according to your fraction and sector you work: www.qtu.asn.au/qtuguide-timetabling
Can I leave the school grounds during non-contact time?
Non-contact time is counted as rostered duty time, i.e. time you are paid for. While the award entitlement to NCT is used at the teacher’s discretion, it should be used for preparation, planning and correction.
Any teacher wishing to leave the school grounds during a period of NCT must obtain approval from the principal. This is a requirement for WorkCover purposes.
When should lost NCT be repaid?
All classroom teachers are entitled to access NCT, and NCT lost due to planned school activities should be replaced/made up.
Planned school activities are those things that form part of the school calendar and are known, e.g. excursions, school camps, sports carnivals (swimming and athletics carnivals), school assemblies, graduations, QCS, exam blocks, practice fire drills and practice lock downs.
Unforeseen activities, such as evacuations, visits by Parliamentarians, critical responses (e.g. lockdowns) are not seen as planned school activities.
Additionally, sick leave, carer’s leave, student free days, professional development (where the teacher requests to attend rather than being required to attend by the school), industrial relations education leave and public holidays are not recognised as planned school activities, nor are they recognised as a way to repay lost NCT.
I’m in my first year of teaching on Permission to Teach. Do I qualify for the extra non-contact that beginning teachers receive?
Teaching staff engaged through the Permission to Teach (PTT) registration provisions will also be provided with the additional non-contact time funding during the PTT period. This does not exclude these officers from their additional non-contact time entitlement when progressing to provisional registration.