To refuse to teach this lesson

[cantthinkofausername26]

Secondary teacher of a practical subject. Maximum amount of students doing practical at one time has always been 16. Suddenly this term it has increased to 25! Boys school so big kids, year 10.
Head of department has decided this particular practical should be taught. I feel it is dangerous. Multiple hazards, too many kids, accident waiting to happen,
AIBU to say I'm not doing it. WHEN an accident happens I will be held accountable as class teacher.

Have you put all of this in writing? The key issue is the room is designed for 16 and there is not space.

I would firstly seek advice from the union.

If not in the union, put it all in writing and say you do not feel able to teach the lesson as it is just too dangerous and copy in the person above your HOD?

Off topic. I don't mean this in a smart Alec way but correcting people like this is really bad manners.

If you need help with general etiquette on correcting people, the general rule is 'don't'.

YANBU. It does sound like an unsafe situation. Cooking can be a hazardous activity. I think you are correct to refuse. As others have said, make all objections in writing but stand your ground.

If something bad does happen, you will be 100% blamed by leadership. Nobody will care that you were pushed into it by them, they will say: "Well, can't they think by themselves? If your boss tells you to jump from a building would you do it?" And parents of any injured child would definitely direct their ire at you in first instance. So don't let them make you their lighting rod for poor management.

From one experienced teacher to another ( over 30 years here)
if you feel that the risks are too big then you are not being unreasonable to refuse to give this lesson in these circumstances.
HOD , SLT, HT and whoever else can say what they like- but as you've said, at the end of the day if anything at all goes wrong it's YOU in the firing line.

I know it's difficult, been there and bought the t- shirt myself, but I hope you can stand your ground.

Agreed.

Maybe you should add to your experience by learning how to improve your terminology. Using the description "SEND kids" is not acceptable.

Then suggest that the HoD trials it the way they envision and plan from there.

As others have said, it’s your lesson and you have deemed it unsafe. It will be ultimately on you if anything happens, as you have already said. Would it be worth a chat with your union rep about this one for some guidance?

ThatCalmHelper was (as per her name!) simply trying to suggest that solutions can be found if more information is shared.
But it is easier to simply not offer help or practical ideas and bleat about getting the unions in etc as others have done.
@ThatCalmHelper is the type of person I'd want on my team every day of the week.

FFS. You could point that out without being snarky and turning it into a personal attack.

I agree with you about @ThatCalmHelper but why is it "bleating" to suggest getting some union advice?

When a colleague and I were in this position, we just turned Food Tech into virtually a non cook subject until KS4. It was absolutely crackers. Also, I assume that if your class sizes were reduced there'd be a knock on effect somewhere in the timetable? Your HOD needs to let you split the practical up if it's so vital that you do that specific dish!

Because that should be a last resort if you have tried to resolve the issue. Not a first resort for every obstacle you face at work.

Sometimes it's helpful to get union advice at an early stage
At this point the OP is wondering if she's within her rights to refuse to teach the lesson. There's a distinction between seeking advice and requesting direct union involvement.

What do you think union reps are? The Spanish Inquisition? They are a sounding board for people like the OP to get advice about the best next steps for them, and support if required.

I hear you. Im a parent too and that's how I would feel. Im actually considering leaving. I don't want to be put in this position but the HOD is inexperienced and also isn't a good specialist. To be Frank she knows nothing about the subject. It's a recipe for disaster... excuse the pun!

Food specialist I meant!

Nonsense. Unions are made up of impartial, trained advisors.

@LongLiveTheLego err why isn't it acceptable? Been in a school lately? We're not all slaves to PC bullshit. In fact, our primary concern is the children, not ridiculous people getting upset by the use of terminology. Get a hobby.

No it's really not.

the experienced teacher says it's not safe, so something needs to be done.

half the class do it at a time & the HM finds someone to take the other half the class.

@cantthinkofausername26 don't do it until YOU are happy it's safe to do so.

@bergamotorange no one cares

OP, create a paper trail, explaining clearly your health and safety concerns and examples of what accidents could happen.
Find out from your union what your position is.
Check with ACAS too.
Very easy to push you to do this, but if an accident happens it will be on your head.
I could well imagine an accident in such a crowded situation.
I would be very unhappy as a parent.
You need to ask who will be responsible in the case of a serious life changing accident?
A pot of boiling water for example.

You need to protect yourself.

I wouldn't normally dream of correcting people, but I feel that teachers should use correct grammar.

Oh bore off

Thank you so much all who have given advice and made useful comments. I don't know why every post on MN attracts the smart arses who have nothing constructive to say but just come to be nasty or make shitty comments for the sake of it. It really is disappointing that these people feel the need. I haven't the time for such bullshit so will be going now. Thanks

It's hard to judge without knowing what the practical entails.

You still wouldn't be able to judge. It's up to the school's fire safety officer. It's not something people on here can decide on.