do any teachers know....(teachers condtions question)

[chocolateshoes]

My grandad died yesterday & I want to go the funeral which will be in Bournemouth. I live at the other end of the country. Do any of you know how long I'm allowed off for compassionate leave? We have a new Head who is particularly uncaring so I'd like to know what I'm allowed before going in tomorrow. I've had a look at the NUT website but its all a bit non-committal....

Thanks

[geogteach]

I may be wrong but I think it is down to the governors of individual schools to set their own conditions for compassionate leave.

[chocolateshoes]

You could be right....that means I'll have to ask her then. Gulp.

[robinpud]

Poor you. I am sorry.
Where we are there is a general understanding that you are entitled to 5 days compassionate leave per year, which can be given at the Head's discretion. I have known people be given more than this when it was quite rightly needed. I wouldn't expect anyone really to use their full 5 days each year just to prove a point. Dh and I are very careful never to use a day unnecessarily just in case there is an emergency later on.
I would explain to the Head and ask nicely and try if possible to only have 1 day off. I don't think many people would consider that an unreasonable request. I am sure it will be granted

[chocolateshoes]

Robinpud Thank you. I am very sad. He was 95!

I'll only be able to get there & back if its a Mon or Fri so will have to wait & see when it is. I wouldn't have worried at all with our old Head but this one....completely different!!

[mycatfatzak]

Sorry about your grandad Chocolateshoes.

We too have a 5 days a year of "family" days but I think that bereavement falls into a different category. I'm certain that we would have to take days off for the death of a grandparent as unpaid leave as within our LEA its only the death of parents, spouse or child which allow paid leave (sad that they have to have such defined bounderies isn't it not allowing for emotional upset)

I hope your head isn't as crappy as what you are anticipating - mine always surprises me how human he can be at times!!