To refuse to have lunch in the classroom

[thismummyslife]

I’m a teacher, I’ve been told that there is not enough cover for my class during lunchtimes so the expectation is for myself to sit with the children whilst they play (early years) and eat dinner, not being allowed to leave the classroom. No other teachers are expect to do this. It’s hard to rock the boat but I’m honestly fuming about it! Should I go to the union about this? I’m worried about causing friction between myself and management!

I’m not a teacher so you should listen to the advice of those in the know. However I’m just wondering whether you could make it work to your advantage and maintain relationships by saying you will do it for a specified period eg a week or 10 days to allow them to make alternative arrangements and then get those 5 hours back at a different time (eg your own dc school sports day/ play /whatever).

Absolutely contact your union and show them you will not be treated like this! They need to provide the lunchtime resource separately and should have a budget for this.

Absolutely go to your union about it!! They are there to support you and can mediate for you if required. Also assuming you are salaried meaning this is how they are getting round it but you are entitled to breaks which are usually unpaid. X

This is actually illegal, you are entitled to a break away from the children under employment law. You need to fight this, if the message hasn't personally been delivered by your head teacher, speak to them first and, if there is no change, speak to your union. The head knows they can't do this.

I work in a school at lunchtime, and our school wouldn't insist a member of staff have their lunch break in the classroom, essentially supervising the children. You should be having 30 minutes away from the classroom to have a break. You're not having a break because you're doing the job of a lunchtime supervisor!! Absolutely say something to your SLT.

Teacher here and union rep. I second this word for word.

Covering lunches is a bit of a hard line for the unions. Apparently it's a really no no because the right to a break at lunch was very specifically fought for. Regardless, you're not paid for it so they're asking you to work for free. Do SLT cover any lunchtimes?

In your job do you 'maintain your relationship' with your employer if they are knowingly breaking employment law and abusing staff?

Also, I'd email the HT directly and ask them for clarification. I wonder if they will be happy to put it in writing....!

Tell them to do it.

I would try to speak to the manager directly before contacting a union rep. While you love your job, and the children, to give your best you require a short break at lunch. Maybe you could offer to temporarily do this on a rota where everyone takes their turn, until a permanent resource can be found?

Agreed. I took part in this industrial action. Your union will support you, at regional level if necessary.

Absolute pisstake. Definitely contact your union OP. We do enough unpaid work as teachers, so this really is ridiculous.

No but sometimes I go the extra mile and generally get some extra flex or goodwill back.

No need to get shirty with me, I’m just making a suggestion that op can choose to ignore.

Well, of course you won't be doing that. It's laughable tbh.

What did you say to the HT when they told you you had to do this?

There must have been some sort of convo. ?

Im just thinking that, if you haven't already, surely it would be quicker, simpler and less 'rock the boat'ish' (as you say) to calmly quote your rights to a break rather than go over their head to the union straight away? You still have to face them every day.

we leave the room from 8.30-3.30.

I presume you mean you don't.

I would go and speak to the head first and query this. Do they mean till Christmas or forever? What are the new EYFS changes? Who had your class at lunch beforehand?

If they want you to do it with no break, then calmly say, 'ok, I just wanted to clarify the situation. Is anyone else having to work unpaid through their lunchtimes? Can you let me have my updated directed time calendar with the extra 195 hours a year directed time added?

Obviously I can't be asked to work in my lunchtimes as this is unpaid (see what they say) and then say you will be ringing your union for advice.

Teachers already go through extra mile with all the other extras they do, and they get very little good will and flexibility in return.

That’s why I suggested asking for some.

They are breaking the law. Speak to your union rep

When do you go to the toilet?!?!

I used to find it hard enough going from 8-12:30 without a toilet break, I couldn't do till 3:30. And EYFS in winter - I need a hot drink to warm me up.

I'd also assume that means you can't use the staff room to heat food so stuck with sandwiches/salads. Again, in winter when I've spent 4 hours with the door open - I want hot food.

Regardless, lunch break is protected and you should fight this.

That’s why I suggested asking for some.

You shouldn't don't have to ask for or negotiate your unpaid lunchtime.

SLT can cover lunchtimes because they have a different timetable and can plan for an early or late lunch. Teachers have no flexibility so cannot take lunch at another time.

The toilet issue is another thing that is totally unacceptable in teaching.
I remember so distinctly when I was miscarrying and bleeding very heavily through pads but had to wait hours until I could go to the toilet as was on my own with a full class of 30. Also same for when I was having heavy periods as an endo sufferer.
I'm now peri and so very glad I am no longer a classroom teacher.
Teachers - stop putting up with this. It's simply inhumane.

That's awful, not a break at all.