Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

[Luminol]

Hi all, Ive been asked to get some advice for my Mum in law, would be grateful for any comments you can give

Heres the issue (quote):

'I've been asked to move to key stage 2 (juniors) after spending 4 years in key stage 1. The move is against my wishes but I have been told by the headteacher that I have no choice, the role would be a massive increase in workload and I have basically no experience in this stage, I have some experience in KS 2 but not for many years. I have been employed at the school on a permanent contract for 10 years and am 54 years of age.'

'My health is already being affected by my current role, blood pressure high, treated for stress etc'

'What I would like to know is, can I refuse to do this? and what should I do to prevent this?'

For Information, last time I raised an issue regarding the headteacher, by writing to the govenors, she didnt speak to me for 6 months and made my life hell.

Thanks
Lumi x

[Paule]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

I will have a look into this, see what info I have on it.

Is there new provision coming in for KS1?
What is happening in the school that requires you MIL to change to KS2.
How big is the school?
What was the outcome of her last issue?

I have a host of ideas what may be happening, but need a bit more info.

PKea

[Happyolddog]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Hi Luminol,

If your mum-in-law can get a doctor to issue a letter stating this extra workload is causing stress, which is 'in law' a mental illness. Then she has grounds to ask for the workload to be lessened.

Please read here.

http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk/ltext/l0780001.htm

Best wishes,
Hod..Liam..

[Luminol]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

I will have a look into this, see what info I have on it.

Is there new provision coming in for KS1?

There is currently 2 temp vacancies in KS2 (staff off with stress) and the head wont say whether shes filling in these with my Mum in Law or not and my Mum in Law has no idea what is happening to the KS1 position she is being kept in the dark.

What is happening in the school that requires you MIL to change to KS2.

Nothing that she is aware of.

How big is the school?

Approx 400 children on roll (15 classes).

What was the outcome of her last issue?

Complaint to Governors previously upheld, the year ended and then the headteacher started to speak to her again. The headteacher since arriving has the reputation of 'trying to get rid' of longstanding members of staff ie the expensive ones, 10 have resigned under pressure in the last 2 years, everyone is petrified of speaking up and there is no proof.

I have a host of ideas what may be happening, but need a bit more info.

PKea

Thanks so much Pkea can I ask what does MIL mean?

Lumi x

[Paule]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

MIL = Mother In Law

You have hit one of the the possible reasons, ie wages.

A school budget is usually about 85-90% wages, Our school is in budget deficit because of wages and the fact we have 3 NQTs.

The governors do play a major part in how the school is run, so dont overlook this factor too.

How long has the headteacher been there.
What reputation did/does the school have, this will have a bearing on it too,

PKea

[Luminol]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

If your mum-in-law can get a doctor to issue a letter stating this extra workload is causing stress, which is 'in law' a mental illness. Then she has grounds to ask for the workload to be lessened.

Thanks HOD , Ive emailed her the link to see what she thinks and Ill let you know, she has thought about the stress issue and whether to use that, but atm I think that shes just unsure on how to proceed and wants the full picture.

I ans she is really grateful for all your imput so far many thanks

Lumi x
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------
Thanks Pkea, Ill get on to her asap, she was going out when I just got off phone to her re last post, Ill post back soon as I can if thats ok

[Luminol]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Just an update my MIL has registered on the site, so she'll be updating the thread with more details to help you guys

[pud]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

MIL = Mother In Law

You have hit one of the the possible reasons, ie wages.

A school budget is usually about 85-90% wages, Our school is in budget deficit because of wages and the fact we have 3 NQTs.

The governors do play a major part in how the school is run, so dont overlook this factor too.

How long has the headteacher been there.
What reputation did/does the school have, this will have a bearing on it too,

PKea

Hi Pkea, Thanks for your help and interest so far. My name is Pud and I am Luminol's Mum in law.
In answer to 'how long has Head been there' she has been there nearly 5 years. The staff at the school number about 40, including TA's. During the last 5 years there has been an almost complete change of staff, except for about 4 of 'the original team'. The school has been ofsteded twice and has been 'good' on both occasions. The Head is also an ofsted inspector.
I believe the decision to move me to KS 2 is a ploy to put me under enough pressure to resign as others before me. I think the governors will back anything the Head decides as they have never 'crossed' her to date.
Hope this gives you more info . Thanks for your interest. Pud

[natweststaffmember]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

A Warm welcome to the forum pud. Cannot add to what is being discussed but thought it only polite to welcome you here.

[midnighter]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

You need to go to the doctor's if it is affecting you physically or emotionally because should you take a grievance out against the head medical evidence is excellent. And it's good for you to talk to someone . In your contract ( which you need to get hold of) it should say any reasonable duty head asks you to ( this is standard). What you have said/written sounds very unreasonable and given your lack of expertise in that area is clearly wrong.
Write to her (never have informal chats) explain you have misgivings etc and see how she replies. Unfortunately a lot of the new breed of head is/are bully/ies and need to be sttod up to.
AS for her not speaking to you for six months last time I think that's a blessing in disguise!
PS: I am a union rep in a large school with a very aggressive head.
Take care

[Paule]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Hi Pud glad you came online, just to let you know I am looking into this for you, just taking a little longer to wade through my stuff, and that I haven't forgot you

PKea

[TANZARELLI]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Welcome to Beagles Pud. Not my area although I do work in the more informal side of education, ie within a Youth Service as I am a full time Senior Youth Worker with a local authority.

Are you in the union?

[strangewayofsavin]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Hi all, Ive been asked to get some advice for my Mum in law, would be grateful for any comments you can give

Heres the issue (quote):

'I've been asked to move to key stage 2 (juniors) after spending 4 years in key stage 1. The move is against my wishes but I have been told by the headteacher that I have no choice, the role would be a massive increase in workload and I have basically no experience in this stage, I have some experience in KS 2 but not for many years. I have been employed at the school on a permanent contract for 10 years and am 54 years of age.'

'My health is already being affected by my current role, blood pressure high, treated for stress etc'

'What I would like to know is, can I refuse to do this? and what should I do to prevent this?'

For Information, last time I raised an issue regarding the headteacher, by writing to the govenors, she didnt speak to me for 6 months and made my life hell.

Thanks
Lumi x

Hi Lumi, I would check the government web site (direct.gov.uk) as most governing bodies like R.T.I.T.B key stages etc, have a written requirement that states you need an update course every 5 years, to make sure you stay trained within current proceedures and laws, and if you have not had the update course, the grade is temperary suspended, until the refresh course is passed

[pud]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Hi HOD, Thanks for your interest and your reply to my Daughter in law (Luminol) I appreciate the advice and am working on that area. I will let you know.
Pud
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------

You need to go to the doctor's if it is affecting you physically or emotionally because should you take a grievance out against the head medical evidence is excellent. And it's good for you to talk to someone . In your contract ( which you need to get hold of) it should say any reasonable duty head asks you to ( this is standard). What you have said/written sounds very unreasonable and given your lack of expertise in that area is clearly wrong.
Write to her (never have informal chats) explain you have misgivings etc and see how she replies. Unfortunately a lot of the new breed of head is/are bully/ies and need to be sttod up to.
AS for her not speaking to you for six months last time I think that's a blessing in disguise!
PS: I am a union rep in a large school with a very aggressive head.
Take care

Thanks Midnighter. it was reassuring to hear from a Union Rep. My contract does say 'reasonable duties' but I was under the assumption Heads could put you anywhere they wanted so your point was interesting to note. I am working on the medical route and will keep you posted.
Pud
------------------------------- merged -------------------------------

Hi Pud glad you came online, just to let you know I am looking into this for you, just taking a little longer to wade through my stuff, and that I haven't forgot you

PKea

Thanks Pkea, Glad of your continued interest. This will run for some time so dont worry. We're all busy!
Pud

[Paule]

Re: Being asked to change role in Education Sector - Help plz

Pud

I have sent you a pm

PKea