To feel like I'll be working for free..?

[JustWhenIThoughtIWasFree]

I'm bracing myself for a flaming as it's women like me what make us all look bad but fingers crossed...long story short.
I have gone back to work after mat leave and then got a new job. Problem is because I'm a teacher we work in Terms when moving jobs iyswim so I leave at Easter. This means I will leave after 11 weeks not the required 12 and so will have to pay back all my onset maternity pay. This is well over 2 months wages. So I will be working for 11weeks for no money once childcare is factored in. The payback is at the Head's discretion so I will go in and beg but I feel they want to punish me as originally they said I couldn't leave at all (until my union politely pointed out that I could correct notice period etc) which is when they brought up maternity pay. Would IBU to ask to pay back just 11/12ths?

Someone in HR once told me 'if you don't want to come back for the three months you just call in sick don't you'

Fair call hotshit but the contract stuff was 3years and 4 head teachers ago. I wasn't an arse I just asked for the handbook, never got it so never signed it. Not a big deal doubt the head even knows.

The school you work in has had 4 headteachers in 3 years?

I thought that the term/ notice period ends on the last day of the holidays. Employment starts on the first day of term.

is a random local resignation dates page but implies similar I think

Oh yes - it's been very tough and lots and lots of changes. We're in special measures but have made lots of progress. I just don't feel I can give anymore to this place... I have to leave

Mum not maid - it does but I'd have to work a week into the summer term to do 12weeks

If they refuse to budge and you have to pay it back, why do you have to go in to work that time? You have a new job to go to (if you have signed the contract!) and it isn't like they can penalise you more than they have done. (Caveat, I am not a teacher). Surely both you and the Head can come to an agreement as it would cost them more in both time/money and aggro to sort a replacement If you weren't there.

I assume you meant 1/12th of the money?

Or, can you not agree with your new place to start a week into the Summer Term?

I'd politely ask beg the head to use their discretion over that one week. If that didn't work I'd ask the new job if you could start a week into term, given the circumstances.

Speak to the head, if no luck then speak to your new boss. Try and get another week, worth a try.

Failing all that you may to take the hit, you pay the difference between the statutory pay and what you actually got, it will be worth it for your dream job :-)

Good luck.

Yes twoandtwo 1/12th sorry. Not going into work would not be right, much s I hate the situation I'm in I can't let the kids suffer for it. That being said I know I cannot stay at school for a moment longer than necessary. I'm in tears at the thought of going back.