Any teachers here? Do teachers stop working when the kids do?

[33feethighandrising]

I made an informal complain with my DS's school a few weeks ago. I got an asnwer from the deputy head minimising my complaint, that made it clear she didn't really understand what I was saying.

It's a complex issue and I haven't had the time to formulate a response till now, but it's now the end of term.

I'd like to:

a. get a response from the deputy (in September would be fine)
b. make it a formal complaint (so, it'll go to the head)
c. give them and the governors some information from experts to help them undertand where I'm coming from

I don't expect a response from them at this time of year, but if I send something today, will the read it before the new term?

I was thinking of replying, saying I will expect my response in September but here's some info to help you understand where I'm coming from.

Is that fair enough? Or should I just wait till September?

I'd love to hear from any teachers or people who work in schools, I'm not sure wast to do.

They may well read it, but might not reply until September. Most teachers work for at least part of the holidays, although it is encouraged to have a break. If a senior leader chooses to respond that would be their choice but not an expectation, unless it was urgent, especially if they have an out of office on their email.

Not a teacher. But teachers are dead on their feet right now.

I'd leave it for now, then send it the day before the first day to term if it's an inset.
I'd also make sure I was clear to myself what my objective was in complaining and be clear in my email about it too.
I'd also use the time to consider whether I want to pursue the issue or let it go.

I would wait until September. I work in a large secondary and no one will be reading or responding to emails over the holidays.

If you are going down the route of a formal complaint, look at the complaints policy which should be on website. It will talk about timescales - and may indeed refer to termtime working days.

SLT will be working, but may not deal with this until September.

I've spent a lot of time considering it and I think children are at risk of harm due to the school's lack of knowledge. I'm definitely going to continue the complaint.

Wait until September

If it’s a safeguarding thing, you should pursue it now.

I don't expect to get a reply before September.

But I wondered if it was worth letting the head know the formal complaint is incoming and pointing her to some resources in case she wants to inform herself.

But I was just wondering if this was totally unreasonable!

It would be helpful to have some idea of what it is all about.

Pretty shitty to email a complaint now and to say ‘but I don’t expect a response till September’ still leaving it hanging over them during the holidays.

If you don’t expect a response till September, don’t send it till September. If you’ve got an email client that lets you time sending emails you can always write it now and delay-send it so that it’s off your desk.

Also, am I shooting myself in the foot by being too nice?

If the school are going to try to ignore my concerns, am I being naive to think that by giving them more notice of the complaint they'll consider it more carfeully?

Could it be that if I give them the notice of the summer, they'll just have more time to work out how to dismiss my concerns?!

I've never had any dealings with the head, it's a large school, I have no idea what's she's like other than her public persona.

Yes look at the complaints policy. It will say whether holidays count.

@noblegiraffe

Pretty shitty to email a complaint now and to say ‘but I don’t expect a response till September’ still leaving it hanging over them during the holidays.

If you don’t expect a response till September, don’t send it till September. If you’ve got an email client that lets you time sending emails you can always write it now and delay-send it so that it’s off your desk.

I've already sent the first email, some weeks ago. The deputy knows I've made an informal complaint, and is alreay waiting for me to respond. We had a long chat on the phone.

@PurpleDaisies

It would be helpful to have some idea of what it is all about.

Sorry, I know it must be frustrating that I'm being so vague, but I don't want the school to come across me discussing my complaint on this thread, I don't think it'd be helpful!

I’m not sure how you expect anyone to give you meaningful advice then.

I don't see how the issue is relevant, purpledaisys. I'm asking whether teachers work over the summer, and whether it's a good idea to give a head advance warning of a complaint with some info.

The same advice would stand no matter the topic, surely.

Please have some respect for my and my DS's privacy.

Thanks for the advice, off to look at the complaints policy.

I'm going to go against the grain here and say you should send the email now but make it clear, as you suggest, that you have no expectation of any action til September. If it's the sort of complaint where you're trying to improve an aspect of something they do by signposting and suggesting, which it sounds like you are, that's very different to the normal sort of complaint that absolutely would wait til September. I'm not sure formally escalating is fair but certainly revisiting it, perhaps 'in the hope of avoiding an escalation' I don't think is unreasonable. Senior staff often do a few days of decompressing at the end of term, others head straight off for a break, but either way they will be thinking school at some point during the break- the teacher working time doesn't actually apply to anyone on a leadership contract which seems odd really when you think how much extra pressure those at the top are under for not a great deal more pay than somebody at my middle level.

So long story short, a supportive critical friend kind of communication making it clear you don't expect action until September isn't unreasonable in my view. Anything combative or to do with a specific situation rather than a more general issue probably won't get the light of day til the start of term so it would be up to you whether to sit on it or send.

You do know that teachers are not paid for the holidays ?

Advice might differ if safeguarding complaint compared to say school not providing resources for SEND child.

I am intrigued about the information from experts you are planning to send to the HT and governors.

If you follow the complaints policy, you probably shouldn't send anything to the governors, as they are usually next in line from the HT, so shouldn't be involved unless you appeal against the HT's decision/report.

@Anrom19

You do know that teachers are not paid for the holidays ?

Yes, I do know this. But what I didn't know is when their holiday starts, whether it's the same as the DS or if they work for a bit longer, hence this post.

@Heyha

I'm going to go against the grain here and say you should send the email now but make it clear, as you suggest, that you have no expectation of any action til September. If it's the sort of complaint where you're trying to improve an aspect of something they do by signposting and suggesting, which it sounds like you are, that's very different to the normal sort of complaint that absolutely would wait til September. I'm not sure formally escalating is fair but certainly revisiting it, perhaps 'in the hope of avoiding an escalation' I don't think is unreasonable. Senior staff often do a few days of decompressing at the end of term, others head straight off for a break, but either way they will be thinking school at some point during the break- the teacher working time doesn't actually apply to anyone on a leadership contract which seems odd really when you think how much extra pressure those at the top are under for not a great deal more pay than somebody at my middle level.

So long story short, a supportive critical friend kind of communication making it clear you don't expect action until September isn't unreasonable in my view. Anything combative or to do with a specific situation rather than a more general issue probably won't get the light of day til the start of term so it would be up to you whether to sit on it or send.

Thanks, I think I'll do this.

If you are going to make a complaint you should always check the complaints policy first

All head teachers and senior leadership I know will be checking their emails regularly over the holidays.
I can’t decide if it’s kinder to send it now so they can start sorting it as soon as possible or leave it so they can have at least a short time without having to worry about school.
The complaints procedures involved in what you’re talking about could end up consuming the head and deputy’s entire holiday.
The short answer is yes, they most likely will be reading emails and may well respond as soon as they receive it.

Given your further info.

A general issue such as that their safeguarding is impacted by policy decisions, or their teaching of a topic is biased and inappropriate I would raise again clearly in a 'I'm not sure Deputy quite got my point, here is some background info, I would like a discussion early Sept to see if we can resolve informally otherwise I may need to escalate.'

A complaint specific to my child that doesn't have far reaching implications I'd wait.