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Original poster

Can they sack me?

122 replies

dangermousegoesswimming · 17/08/2018 16:12

I work in a SEN school. I have 3 children. Monday, we go back is an INSET day for both of use, then I have my youngest starting school on half days all week.
My mum is away and my childminder is not working that week.
I am absolutely stuck for childcare. Have rung around several (if not all) in my area. INSET days days cost me about £100 for the three of them and I was willing to do it for my job, (even though that's about double my day's wage).
Also my boy's home visit from his school is on the Wednesday and they 'can't change the appointment'.
A colleague had the same problem a while ago and they took her into the office and really had a go at her about not sorting it out. She was really worried they'd sack her. They sent a letter around to everyone afterwards about taking time off.

What choice do I have?

I don't have any friends who I could ask.
I don't know what to do really.

OP posts:
haverhill · 17/08/2018 16:15

I’m a bit confused - how many days do you need childcare for?
Did you not know about this before now?

dreamingofsun · 17/08/2018 16:16

have you asked your childminder if she knows anyone? my ex-childminder had a sort of network of people who helped in this sort of situation. their father or PIL's - if they live far away can they come and stay?

how old are your kids? is now the time to let them stay at home by themselves?

not sure about sacking.....but work is work unless its a voluntary session which this doesnt sound like

so glad i dont have to do this any more

Original poster
dangermousegoesswimming · 17/08/2018 16:17

Yes, I did and I've been trying to get childcare for a couple of weeks. Just didn't realise it would be so hard.
I'll need care for 3 on the Monday and 1 on the Tuesday and Wednesday.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Childcare & nursery Families
dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 16:17

Can you not tell the school they he will do full days from the start?

Original poster
dangermousegoesswimming · 17/08/2018 16:18

Dreaming no, they are 8,6,4 so not old enough to leave at home.

OP posts:
Bobbybobbins · 17/08/2018 16:18

I'm so glad my son is starting on full days straight away - I'm a teacher and we have no family support so half days would have been a nightmare. I have applied for an hour off to take him to school on his first day and I was lucky to get that!!!

bluerunningshoes · 17/08/2018 16:18

hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come along, but I was under the impression that school have to offer full days from the start?

Clairetree1 · 17/08/2018 16:19

if the day off hasn't been granted, and you take it off anyway, then that is a disciplinary offence.

Unlikely to sack you if its the first time, more likely to issue a warning.

what do you do in the SEN school? if a teacher, they are unlikely to want to lose you, as you will not be easy to replace. If a TA, much more easy to replace.

I don't know what you can do really, except be polite and explain, and take what comes.

haverhill · 17/08/2018 16:20

How old are your kids?

myusernameisnotmyusername · 17/08/2018 16:20

It's difficult but I'm sure you can't get sacked for needing to be at home for children. At the end of the day it's illegal to leave your kids at home Confused

Clairetree1 · 17/08/2018 16:20

can you take them into school with you for inset?

TittyGolightly · 17/08/2018 16:21

Do you have any friends that might be able to help? Anyone else with a child starting part time with your child that could take them?

haverhill · 17/08/2018 16:21

Could you take the days as parental leave?

dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 16:21

Never mind, I thought it was the half days that were an issue

Original poster
dangermousegoesswimming · 17/08/2018 16:22

I'm just a lowly TA Claire. :(

OP posts:
Clairetree1 · 17/08/2018 16:22

how about other mothers with children at the same school as your DC?

TittyGolightly · 17/08/2018 16:22

It's difficult but I'm sure you can't get sacked for needing to be at home for children.

You can.

Original poster
dangermousegoesswimming · 17/08/2018 16:23

Titty, Guess I could try one of the mums. He is going up from nursery with a few. Nursery is packed for Sept so not there as well.

OP posts:
lackingimagination · 17/08/2018 16:25

Email the school to give them a heads up that you’re having a problem that way if it does happen then you will have held your hands up in the first instance. But continue trying. They may even offer a flexible suggestion.

Clairetree1 · 17/08/2018 16:27

I'm just a lowly TA Claire.

TAs are not lowly, but unfortunately in the current climate easily replaced because of the huge numbers of ex teachers on the market

GandTthankyou · 17/08/2018 16:27

m.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3235

‘Time off for dependants is a statutory right for all employees and is it unlawful for an employer to subject its employees to any detriment for taking it’

You’re within your rights to take time off (it may be unpaid tho) for dependents x

GandTthankyou · 17/08/2018 16:29

ACAS
What can the time off be for?

Time off for dependants is to deal with unexpected situations. For example:

to deal with a breakdown in the care of a dependant

AnnieOH1 · 17/08/2018 16:29

How long have you worked there?

Do you have any handbook with regard to parental leave policies? (That said if you were my employee I don't think I'd be inclined to accept your reasoning, just being honest!)

I'm not suggesting you do this but perhaps the only way around it would be to go off sick for the week? Not entirely kosher admittedly but if the school are looking to make cut backs and particularly if you've been there less than 2 years then you're giving them an easy option.

TittyGolightly · 17/08/2018 16:30

No, you can’t take time off whenever you want.

Dependants leave has to be agreed in advance with the employer, who can determine when it is taken.

Emergency leave doesn’t apply in this case because it’s known about in advance and therefore not an emergency. Emergency leave also wouldn’t cover a week off.

dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 16:30

It also says this:
Time off for dependants is time off during working hours to deal withunforeseen mattersandemergencies

As the OP already knows there is an issue then it wouldn't come under that criteria