Teaching troubles
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@Kristie thanks for your response, I havent heard anything about a risk assessment. I only had that convo with the HT last week and tbh have been ignored by her ever since! 😂 I’ve not even seen my contract of employment so I’m not even sure what the clauses or anything say in regards to maternity, I am quite shocked at the way I’m being treated. I’m stressed and don’t know how to go around this esp cause I’m awake at night thinking about this all the time. And then people wonder why teachers leave the profession
It is very concerning you haven’t seen a contract of employment - surely you should have already signed this before starting last week? I’d speak with your line manager. As you’re an ECT, it might not be obvious who your line manager is. Could be your mentor, head of department, or the person in charge of ECTs at your school. Your LM should complete the risk assessment. Make sure as well that you have a paper trail. So ensure you informed your HT via email and CC in the people I listed above, as well as HR. And definitely seek out your rep!
@Kristie I was told on Friday that my contract hasn’t been drafted yet and that my dbs only just has been sent off last week too! You’d think over the summer they’d have this all sorted but no 🤷🏻♀️
I was pregnant during ECT yr2. Found out I was pregnant 2months after starting at a new school. Any appointments u have they HAVE to let u attend and any sick days do not go down on your record during pregnancy. Seek advice from ur union asap. Also don't worry about ur ect stuff, you will just continue where u left off after maternity leave. I'm not back at work yet but that's the plan
If your DBS check hasn’t come through yet, they shouldn’t be allowing you in a classroom by yourself with children 😳 Obviously not saying that on your part, but that’s a serious safeguarding issue on their part.
@Chaniqua I’m not sure i wanna go back to this school really and truly I need to make it to feb but the stress im under just after one week im not sure i can
Is there anyone you can go to for support in your school? Do they have a HR? I would 100% second the speaking to your union rep (if you haven't got one, contact the union directly - you should be able to find who your union contact is for your area). As has been said several times they are not allowed to refuse antenatal appointments, they are protected. The risk assessment is really important too, especially depending on your stage, subject if secondary (i.e. I'm science and there are certain practicals I couldn't do). https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/conditions-of-service/maternity.html https://neu.org.uk/advice/your-rights-work/family-rights/maternity-rights/being-pregnant-work I would also check in with your ECT mentor and induction tutor for support. The ECT programme is difficult and you need support, especially with pregnancy as well.
Firstly, your employer has to give you time off for your antenatal appointments. They should also be completing a risk assessment for you. I would seek out your union rep at your school and have a discussion about your rights, because they are already being breached. Secondly, you aren’t going to qualify for statutory maternity pay, because you haven’t been with your employer long enough. I would however apply for maternity allowance, as you might be able to qualify for this. Although I’m not entirely sure, as it depends if you were working during your qualifying period. It might be worth contacting the job centre to see if you could be entitled to something like universal credit instead. I’m really sorry you’re in this situation with your employer being awful. Please read up on your rights. This is supposed to be an amazing time and one you want to enjoy, not being stressed x