To think this is inappropriate?

[michaelschumacherismygod]

I am a secondary school teacher and I have decided to go back part time in September (3 days a week). I am a Head of Department and I went in to discuss with another teacher a new course we are offering next year. In this meeting he discussed the timetable for September and raised some concerns. When I loked at the allocations for the department -I realised it was completly unworkable and would be of great detriment to the department.

I went to discuss this with the Assistant Head in charge ot timetabling and she basically said that I should not have been allowed to go part time (insinuating that these timetabling issues were all my fault - which is not the case). I then went to discss the issue with the Head and offered some solutions to the problem which he said sounded workable. However in a subsequent meeting she basically rejected all these suggestions out of hand.

I am now in the process of writing a letter to the Head to outline my concerns. Do people think it was inappropriate of the assistant head to make the comment about going part time and should I mention it in the letter.

Sorry this has gone on a while, also using a name change.

I think it is inappropriate and unhelpful - the decision was made to allow you back Pt and that is that. If this person opposed that decision then tough on them.

You might want to mention it en passant but try not to focus on it if possible and stick to the issues in hand which you are doing your best to resolve. The last thing you want is to be seen as chippy / touchy about being PT espeically if the Assistant Head already has an issue with the situation.

I had a similar situation when I came back part time from ML. I was given an unworkable timetable where I was given a part time timetable but doing a few hours everyday....effectively paying for full time childcare for part time work....the response was "tough", you shouldn't have gone part time.

I lasted less than a year before changing jobs.

Are you going back after maternity leave?

I thought it was law that your employers had to make reasonable steps to allow you to return part time.

So her opinion is as irrelevent as her views on Working Mothers generally. Would she think it ok to hold forth on this?

But I wouldnt make a huge deal out of it. If she has no power to change the sitiuation its unpleasant but not important what she thinks.

The Head has been great about allowing me to come back part time pretty much all on my terms. I just feel that as an Assistant Head she should act proffesionaly in this type of situation.

I have written the e-mail now and briefy mentioned it but certainly have not banged on about it. Most of email focussed on why the problem needs to be solved. It is not actually to do with my personal timetable more about the integrity of the subject (no subject teachers at KS3).

It sounds like you've done your best to supply a realistic, workable alternative to a crappily done job to be honest - did they say why your solution wasn't acceptable?
However, other than going to the Head or another member of Senior Management if you have them, I can't really see how you're going to solve this one!
I'd avoid mentioning what the AH said to the Head, unless it becomes absolutely clear that they're using it as an excuse to push you around. And if the Head rejected your proposal, what's his/her bright idea? I presume if the first plan and your plan both don't work, then there's a third in the pipeline?
It does sound like they could be being petty, but maybe they just haven't explained why your proposal wouldn't work? Your going back PT shouldn't have any effect on this, really, but I would be cautious about pointing fingers of prejudice just yet. Hope you get it sorted though!