First LSAs the Redundancy

[muchoka]

I had my supervision this morning! However it didn't start off well as she first broke the September 2009 teacher redundancy news to me first before we could discuss the LSA issues. So I very upset even to go ahead to discuss other issues with her during the meeting.

So these are my current circumstances in the school:

1. First item of supervision, my deputy head informed me that I have not made any progress in making an application to get on an OTTP programme since last September. Therefore I am in a very vulnerable situation come September as the school will be having 5 students leaving and they are not getting new ones. So the school will be down sized. At the moment, there are 4 classes but in September there will be only 3 with 5 teachers. We are 4 teachers now because 1 is on maternity leave. She is been off 2 years now and they hope she will be back in September.

2. As a result there will be redundancies and as for me on 1 year contract to gain QTS I will the first one to go because I have failed to be admitted onto an OTTP. My deputy said that as a business, the school cannot afford to have 5 teachers for 3 classes, which I understand. However, I feel very upset after all the effort I have put into my teaching, researching and so many expenses etc. without getting any support from the school to approach OTTP providers. As a school, there is been no direct contact with OTTP contact in the University except my emails from the provider.


3. I was offered this post last September, on condition that I achieve QTS during this year. However, this is the first time School had ever employed an OTT. They have never done any NQT induction before. They has not been any QTS research done my deputy head ‘Mentor’ or even our information quality manager who is responsible for training about setting up and supporting me.

4. Before and after I started teaching, I did a lot of research, emailed concerned bodies about the application. There is a criterion for submitting the application. I contacted Partnership and I was advised by (Director) to first teach and collect evidence against the standards. I have been doing this compiled a file which I have shown my deputy.


5. These are some of her suggestions:

· To look into TES jobs to find maternity covers, P/T or even full time teaching posts in school to get that experience. She’s told me there is nothing the school can do about my current situation unless I get myself enrolled onto the programme and then only then my circumstances will be different. They would then decide to keep me.
· Another option she gave me is to apply to stay and work as an LSA.

I am concerned about keeping my good reputation as a teacher in that school. This is my first official employment in the UK. I have done some very good projects and the head and deputy teacher acknowledge this. I need them on my side if I am to get another job but at the same time I feel I am being patronised.

Any insights, ideas, I really sinking in this one.

[Footiegirl]

Hi,

sorry I cant be much help tonight, - knackered, stinking headache and complete baby brain! - sending lots of chocolate
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your way. Will try and be more constructive tomorrow! xx

[Gnomoospan]

Sorry, where are you from? NZ or Oz? This is not on that they are not helping you when they said they would. There is probably very little you can do though, so just get looking for new jobs and good luck!

[muchoka]

Originally Posted by Footiegirl
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Hi,

sorry I cant be much help tonight, - knackered, stinking headache and complete baby brain! - sending lots of chocolate
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and
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your way. Will try and be more constructive tomorrow! xx

Hey not to worry,
You take care just take it easy.

[jennyfleur]

Hi Muchoka

It sonds like you're having some bother! I haven't really got enough expertise to answer your question very well - however, to add to what Footie and G'span have already said, can you talk to your union rep or ring and speak to someone anonymously at Head Office? And even if you aren't in a union currently, I'm sure you could ring one and ask for advice. Also there is a Teacher Support line you could try: 08000 562 561. It's not much, but it's all I can come up with at the moment...

Many of us have been in similar situations unfortunately and can relate to what you are going through even if not exactly. I think if you speak to someone who can clarify all your options for you it might help you think. I went through several bad experiences as an NQT I wouldn't tolerate now, but then I was terrified of being seen as a troublemaker and wouldn't even speak to my union for advice.

It seems to be a common tactic in schools - they employ people on short term contracts, promising to extend them under certain circumstances, then they change their minds for whatever reason, and then make your time so horrible in school that you feel forced into leaving anyway and they get exactly what they want.

Grrr feel for you - feel free to sound off!

[muchoka]

Originally Posted by jennyfleur
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Hi Muchoka

It sonds like you're having some bother! I haven't really got enough expertise to answer your question very well - however, to add to what Footie and G'span have already said, can you talk to your union rep or ring and speak to someone anonymously at Head Office? And even if you aren't in a union currently, I'm sure you could ring one and ask for advice. Also there is a Teacher Support line you could try: 08000 562 561. It's not much, but it's all I can come up with at the moment...

Many of us have been in similar situations unfortunately and can relate to what you are going through even if not exactly. I think if you speak to someone who can clarify all your options for you it might help you think. I went through several bad experiences as an NQT I wouldn't tolerate now, but then I was terrified of being seen as a troublemaker and wouldn't even speak to my union for advice.

It seems to be a common tactic in schools - they employ people on short term contracts, promising to extend them under certain circumstances, then they change their minds for whatever reason, and then make your time so horrible in school that you feel forced into leaving anyway and they get exactly what they want.

Grrr feel for you - feel free to sound off!

You are a star Jennyfleur. Many thanks for your advice. I have emailed my union repres. I am waiting for a reply for two days now. I will email teacher support ASAP to seek advice. Meantime I will keep on fighting to get what I want. If it means finding another job so be it. I am a good teacher, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I will struggle but I know I will get there.

Muchoka

[audrey]

Oh Muchoka I feel for you, it seems this is ongoing (bless). Do seek advice from unions etc and fight for what you want if you are determined to stay in teaching. I would personally get out of that school and look elsewhere ( I know it's easy to say as I'm not involved as you are) but they have not supported you as they promised. As you said you love teaching and want to continue so go for it but get that advice. They have failed by not providing you with support, not you. Good luck you are in my thoughts.
x

[audrey]

Hi hows your weekend?


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[muchoka]

Extremely mentally exhausted from all the past week's saga! Saturday was a sleep in day, went out shopping in the afternoon. Sunday was a pyjama day.
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[audrey]

I'm not suprised to be honest. The induction year is tough enough without everything else that you are going through. I hope you have managed to get some advice. chin up girl.