What do I do if…

Common Problems you may encounter and what to do first.

I have been accused of hitting a child (or similar)

This is potentially extremely serious.  The police may wish to speak to you.  Contact Brian Swinton - 01482 448653 or Doncaster Regional Office – 01302 342448 - immediately to arrange a solicitor.  When this is arranged contact Brian to let him know what is going on.

My Head has asked to see me at a specific time and has said I can bring a friend or union rep.

This is potentially serious.  Advising you to bring a friend indicates that this is a formal meeting.  Ask the Head what it is about.  If you have a school rep tell them what it’s about – they may be suitable to go with you in the first instance otherwise contact Brian (01482 448653).

I’ve been off for some time or a lot of times and Head wants to talk to me about my attendance

There is an “Attendance at Work” policy and procedure that the school will have adopted. It is important that you ask to see a copy of it. You could then talk the situation through with your school rep or phone Brian for advice. Don’t just let things happen to you. The policy is quite separate from your entitlement to sick pay.

We don't have an NUT rep in school

School reps are a key part of the Union. If you don't have a rep, consider doing it yourself. In the first instance contact Brian for a list of other members then ask them if they would support you as rep. Reps should be elected every year. If you don't want to be a Rep you could be a "Correspondent" who opens and ditrbutes Union mailings etc. Contact brian for advice and availability of training.

I have been asked to write a report about an incident involving me.

If this involves children or your capability as a teacher let your school rep see your report before you hand it in.  Careful use of language can avoid later problems.  If you  are at all unsure of what to write seek advice first. It is ok to tell your Head that you want to take Union advice before writing or saying anything but you shouldn't just refuse to talk to or meet with the Head. Explain you want advice or representation.

I am concerned about what another colleague is/isn’t doing.

If your concerns are such that you feel you can’t ignore it you should tell the colleague of your concerns first before going elsewhere with them.

I have been asked to write a report or give evidence about another colleague.

See above.  Avoid this if you can.  Be aware that what you write may become a public document.  Only write or say undeniable facts.  Similarly if you are asked to give evidence to the police; it would be your duty to do so but stick to the facts.  You do not need representation to be seen by the police in this way.

A complaint has been made against me.

This depends on who is complaining.  You should be protected in the first instance by your Head of Dept or member of senior management.  If the complaint leads to a formal investigation contact Brian Swinton.

I want to show a video or use magazine articles with pupils.

Be very careful about the age ratings of any videos used in class, similarly magazines that may have “adult” content.  Fairly innocuous videos can and have resulted in complaints and disciplinary hearings

I am concerned about my timetable/workload/too many meetings/extra duties etc.

In the first instance discuss this with your line manager/Head.  The 1265 hours contractual time budget should be a matter for consultation involving the professional associations - part of the regular sequence of meetings your school rep should have with the Head. If it cannot be amicably resolved get your school rep to call Brian 01482 448653.