This is clearly unreasonable but what do I do now?

[Flexibilityofapavingslab]

DS has a problem with his ear, we’ve been to the GP and it hasn’t resolved.

I’ve managed to get a hospital appointment but it’s some 45 minutes away, with hindsight I know what work are like about time off and I should have called in sick. But I thought because it was health related and for a young child I’d be granted the time off.

They have said no, it’s a school. They just keep saying to rearrange in holiday time or after school.

I think if I lie it could be a disciplinary - I feel so conflicted.

Fair enough, was just a possibility I thought I’d put out there.

I’m on your side here though, I haven’t said I don’t think you should be able to go. I’m well aware that it would be more likely to be a fairly pointless meeting, especially against how important your sons appointment is.

You shouldn’t be forced into this position, but an email like the one suggested above sounds like all you can do.

I would tell work it is an appointment with a specialist and as such not your choice. Do not let your little one's ear go untreated for two weeks.

The Head sounds awful. No wonder people leave teaching if this is what the employers are like! I think they've been really unreasonable- esp since you won't be teaching.

Is it an academy or one of those places where they set their own terms and conditions?

I would a) keep the appointment and b) be looking for another job. I just could not work somewhere that cared so little about me. Can you leave?

Half an hour? How bloody petty can they get(

You are entitled to a certain number of unpaid carers days. Request this.

They have to allow you emergency dependents pay paid/unpaid. If the bring you into a disciplinary meeting it’s covered as discriminatory

As a teacher/ta you are entitled to time off for children's appointments. A hospital appointment is not like a hairdresser - you can't pick and choose. Check council policy (school policy if independent school). If you are in a union, check where you stand. If you're not entitled to it, take it unpaid or rearrange for the hols.
I am a teacher and I have never known anyone refused time for a child's medical appointment.

It’s your job, they count on you to work to your contract. Appointments should be made out of work hours or taken as holiday.

@Flexibilityofapavingslab

It is at the end of the day but because it takes a while to get there I’d need to leave about 30 mins early.

FFS, this is ridiculous.

Speak to your Union.

What would they say if you raised a grievance - is that even possible?

@threatmatrix

It’s your job, they count on you to work to your contract. Appointments should be made out of work hours or taken as holiday.

Oh

No one with a soul thinks this really.

Just read all your comments, OP.

it's only 30 mins and during a meeting 🙄. Quite a Dickensian HT. Definitely check LEA/union policy.

@threatmatrix the child is in pain!
I am normally harsh about people taking time off but not in situations like this.

It’s your job, they count on you to work to your contract. Appointments should be made out of work hours or taken as holiday

don't be ridiculous, you get a hospital appointment when you get it. It's not like a routine dentist or eye appointment. The OP has been lucky that it's after school but she needs to travel to it.

The really silly thing about all this though is that the specialist will likely be running late and you could probably safely arrive 30 minutes late, but if you do, they'll be on time!

Anyway OP, don't take this nonsense. The responses on here have been close to unanimous. Your child's health and wellbeing come first.

So, if you run a small business you rely on your staff and one being off without notice can seriously damage it. Obviously she should take it as holiday. I can see that you have never had your own business.

@Flexibilityofapavingslab

I’m not teaching in that lesson, it’s strict school policy all appointments are made outside of school time so that’s why they’ve refused.

Tell them you'll be going to the appointment and you expect them to sign it off, end of. Not all appointments can be made out of school hours, especially hospital appointments which is a 'take what you can get' deal. Especially for children.

I'm in a primary school. We're meant to try to schedule appointments outside of school hours where we can, but it's understood entirely that it's not always possible.

Tell them you'll hand in your resignation if they say no. Your child comes first. Plenty of schools are looking for staff right now; covid was the final nail for many in schools and they left.

@threatmatrix

It’s your job, they count on you to work to your contract. Appointments should be made out of work hours or taken as holiday.

Hilarious.

If it's an appointment at a Nuffield hospital there most be more scope to rearrange something than at an NHS hospital. Maybe if you ring the hospital (and tell them your work are being dramatic) they might be able to either a, rearrange the appointment for asap, or at least provide you with some documentation to hand to the school about how crucial it is that your child is seen sooner rather than later, or at least provide proof that you've tried to change it? Might add more fuel to your fire if your work get even sh1ttier about it than they have been so far..

Unbelievable!

@arethereanyleftatall

It isn't 'clearly unreasonable' though is it? There are other options available - out of school hours which there's loads of, the father, a grandparent.

Hospital appointments don’t work like that and a parent should be able to take their child to an appointment.

@threatmatrix

So, if you run a small business you rely on your staff and one being off without notice can seriously damage it. Obviously she should take it as holiday. I can see that you have never had your own business.

I have and you are being completely ridiculous.

They’re being ridiculous. Also - are you expected to work outside your regular hours? I imagine you probably do / are. It makes a joke of that when they hold you to 30 minutes.

@Cocomarine

Are you in the U.K.? You saying that you’ve managed to get a hospital appointment doesn’t sound like usual NHS procedure?

I’m actually - maybe - on side of the school, as you haven’t given much detail.

I think their policy is fine, but I think they should make exceptions where needed. It’s no clear how much of an impact the ear problem is. You said you can have an appointment two weeks later? So is this private? I think if it’s not a big impact to your son and you only have to wait 2 weeks, this isn’t necessarily an exception I’d make.

Wow!

Take your child to their appointment.

That is all.

Your employer is a complete and utter arse.

First explore whether the meeting have be rescheduled, when you discover it can't without a significant wait schedule an appointment with your head of year or the head teacher to discuss. Be clear you have made all attempts to rearrange, outline the actions you have taken to comply with their wishes. Ask them to reconsider.

If they don't agree, then speak to your union. Put a request in writing for unpaid parental leave. This may have to be a full week's leave if the school does not agree to it being a single day. Bit you have a legal right to this and they cannot prevent it. Your legal rights are here
www.gov.uk/parental-leave/entitlement#:~:text=Parental%20leave%20is%20unpaid.,unless%20the%20employer%20agrees%20otherwise).