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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be nervous about going back to work?

14 replies

PenguinBear · 04/01/2014 05:54

I know this sounds silly but I can't sleep dye to worry and would really appreciate some advice or a kick up the backside.
I have had the same boss for many, many years who has just retired and we have someone new taking over.
We are going to have to impress them and start a fresh... I've heard all sorts of stories about new head's taking over and I'm very worried.
We are also due Ofsted and it's all making me so worried.

OP posts:

kreecherlivesupstairs · 04/01/2014 05:56

Why would you need to impress them? Seriously, just carry on doing your job to the best of your ability.
Ofstead generally give you a couple of weeks notice (so you can run around like headless chickens). I am married to a man who was a teacher.
Good luck. Any period of change is unsettling, but don't build it up too much.

Chottie · 04/01/2014 06:03

Just be professional and do your job. Don't big this up unnecessarily. Change can be a good thing, it is not always negative.

LuvMyBoyz · 04/01/2014 06:06

I had the same worries when we got a new head but he has been great. It's not really under your control, though, so focus on what you CAN control and be ready for Ofsted (school will get a call on the lunchtime before the day they come in so no prep time).

Original poster

PenguinBear · 04/01/2014 08:23

Thank you :)
I've read some awful stuff about new Head's on the TES which was worrying but going to go in with a positive attitude :)

OP posts:

pinkdelight · 04/01/2014 09:00

Imagine how much more anxious the new head will be. Whether they show it or not. Instead of trying to impress just be open and helpful. It'll be tough for them coming in after you're all used to the old way. Change is hard for everyone but it's better if you're not alone in getting through it, and it can be a very good thing.

BohemianGirl · 04/01/2014 09:22

Ofstead generally give you a couple of weeks notice

Ofsted phone no later than 2pm the day before they visit.

RedHelenB · 04/01/2014 09:23

I think you are right to be worried as it is inevitable that change will happen under a new head BUT it needn't all be bad!

beluga425 · 04/01/2014 09:35

He/ she will be waaaay more nervous than you. Just relax and do your job as you have been.

ilovesooty · 04/01/2014 09:47

Since Ofsted are minimum notice now you obviously are inspected more or less as you are.

Of course there will be changes. Any new leader puts their own stamp on things and it's going to be different if you've not had a change at the top for many years. Has there been little staff turnover in that time?

I used to teach and have taught under heads ranging from the brilliant to the truly vile. However one would hope the governors in your current school would have appointed someone who will be successful in the role and a positive leader. I'm sure it will be fine.

Since leaving teaching I've worked under dozens of different managers in ten yearsin the ccompany. It's the nature of the job and you honestly get used to it.

It's the thought of the unknown that's scarey for you I think and teaching is subject to so many changes nowadays

paynoattentiontothecat · 04/01/2014 09:51

I think you are being a little bit silly (meant kindly, and in no way aggressively.) If the new Head introduces regimes and systems you find you don't really wish to work with, you are not obliged to stay either.

I do sympathise but grown women getting upset over a change in senior management reminds me of fourteen year olds complaining about this years teacher not being as good as last years: this isn't the case, it is because they don't like change - understandable in children but something I'm afraid I have little patience for in adults.

ilovesooty · 04/01/2014 10:21

I think paynoattention has a point there. My project at work is about to get its fourth manager in five years, and this level of change is not uncommon.

Most adults at work nowadays have to accept this and I'm afraid times are changing and this is reflected in the workplace. Coping with change is crucial to survival now.

FreyaFridays · 04/01/2014 10:25

Gosh, I would love it if OFSTED really did give two weeks' notice...

Original poster

PenguinBear · 04/01/2014 14:54

So would I. I've only experienced one through my whole career so far thanks to 4 Mat leaves

OP posts:

wombat31 · 04/01/2014 15:17

We have a new head starting on Monday...we have already met and spent time with the newbie and it has been a positive start for both parties. The new head said that they were open to listening to new ideas, wanted to see the positives of our workplace and has come up with new ideas already to make it a better place to work. Be positive...a new person with fresh ideas can be a good thing!

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