If I go back will I be put on capability

[NameChange201]

I feel my school want to put me on capability.

I am signed off now. If I go back won't they just put me on capability straightaway?

I am very worried.

[mouldycheesefan]

They can take you through a capability process even if you are not at work.
What makes you think you have capability issues?

[NameChange201]

Even if there's a pregnancy?

[mouldycheesefan]

Is the capability issue linked to pregnancy?

[NameChange201]

How do you mean sorry?

[mouldycheesefan]

What makes you think the is a capability issue and is it related to pregnancy? Or not related to pregnancy.

[NameChange201]

I don't understand what you mean about it being related to pregnancy I'm sorry.

[mouldycheesefan]

I give up!

[LazyDaysAndTuesdays]

Why are you being put on capability?

[CocktailQueen]

Why do you think the school can put you on capability? Are you pregnant?

[BlueLeafTea]

are you being put on capability because you haven't been able to do your job due to pregnancy issues like sickness?

[LittleNelle]

Even if there's a pregnancy?

They can't discipline you because you are pregnant. If they are going to discipline you for a reason unrelated to pregnancy, being pregnant makes no difference.

[NameChange201]

Mouldy I'm sorry I genuinely didn't understand what you meant.

The atmosphere has been very hostile and I can't seem to do anything right. I am concerned that going back to work will mean I'll be put on capability. However I don't know if staying away is the right thing either.

I don't want to say too much.

[OurBlanche]

What has gone before? No detail needed but have they had previous conversations about your duties how you are dong them? Have they given you guidelines on what you need to do/do better? have you complied with all of that?

You should have had an informal meeting where you and your boss discuss any issues and agree some steps to overcome them. This flowchart is useful:
www.aber.ac.uk/.../capabilitypolicyprocedure/Capability-Procedur...

If you have not had the informal meeting then you won't be put directly onto formal capability proceedings. If you have and have not engaged, then you could be put onto formal proceedings.

Have a look at the flowchart and see where you are in the overall scheme. It might help you fell less anxious if you know what should happen.

[OurBlanche]

Sorry, that didn't work... Google capability procedure and look at the Aberystwyth pdf

[NameChange201]

Are you positive about that Blanche? I think they can put you on capability whenever they want.

[OurBlanche]

Yes, I am. There is always an initial informal stage... this is a little less friendly to read but might reassure you more.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/teacher-appraisal-and-capability-model-policy

INFORMAL STAGE
Where a teacher may be under-performing, the head teacher or other line manager should investigate and collect evidence. The chair of governors must make arrangements for this to be done if the performance of the head teacher is in question. Once the facts are gathered and the seriousness of the problem established there are three initial options:
• Drop the matter (no case to answer or trivial)
• Arrange counselling (support without using the formal procedure)
• Arrange a formal interview (formal approach for more serious cases)

[mouldycheesefan]

The informal stage may already have taken place

[OurBlanche]

I appreciate that, mouldy. But whether it has or has not, OP sounds in need of some concrete information so she can make some sensible decisions. So I am assuming nothing...

[booklooker]

(Did you do a n/c mix up , mouldycheesefan.)

You obviously need to consider your own well being, but you also need to consider what is best for the children you are teaching.

Are you a good teacher? Do your pupils making significant progress?

Tough questions.

[OurBlanche]

Ah! That makes more sense, sorry, OP... I should have considered a n/c mix up.

If you are not sure then it might be that they will go to the formal stage. You will get notice so you can get a union rep/other support.

But not being certain seems to suggest that you were not fully aware of what was happening and so may not have met any suggestions/conditions that were set. However, if that is the case then ask for a copy of the paperwork and be more aware/proactive as the procedure goes on.

I am not sure of the relative merits of going in an facing it head on and staying at home and avoiding the confrontation, I don't know you or your circumstances. But if I were you I would go in and actively search out my line manager and discuss it with them. You can always go to your GP if the reality stresses you out too much.

[NameChange201]

I don't know what's happened with name change mix up. But if you were to go in say tomorrow they could have a meeting and start proceedings.

[OurBlanche]

Not quite. They need to give you At least 5 working days (or 7 consecutive days out of term time) notice must be given for the interview

So, if they did not inform you before Easter break, you could go in and be told that you will have the first formal interview next Wednesday.

[NameChange201]

Ok - thanks for that :)

So as long as I stay away capability can't be started?

[NameChange201]

And what was meant by name change mix up?

[PotteringAlong]

They can start you on capability if you stay away - they can just write to you to give you formal notice.