Manor Prep staffing change?

[ThatOrThis]

Lots of changes suddenly going on at Manor Prep Abingdon?

head of admissions moved on, then today can see they’re advertising for new head of English AND also head of digital?

any inside info? Staff unhappy etc? Anything parents need to be worried about before the next term’s payments are due?

appreciate any info if the school is wobbling. Happy for PMs if thats easier.

Maybe head of digital learning is a new job? It sounds like a mix of teaching and leadership. I wouldn't be alarmed by two academic vacancies.

Yes, just surprised I suppose at 3 vacancies within 6 weeks. That to me seems high and suggests something is wrong with SLT perhaps, but maybe I’m reading too much into it. Would appreciate any current parents thoughts - all still happy and no issues?

Oh come on... now there's an advert for an early years teacher and also a director of sport? 5 new vacancies within 2 months? I'm getting really worried that something is going on with SLT or that this is not boding well for stable, happy teaching staff for the next few years. If anyone has any feedback as parents or staff and is willing to PM me I'd be very grateful. We've got to make a decision soon about which offer to accept and I am getting concerned

No insider info, but this is the time of year that teachers in a private school have to give notice for them to start a new job in September. They have to give a full term's notice, and in order to appoint someone to start in Sept, the school need to interview and offer before Easter. It's that not unusual, it just all comes in a flurry because of the way the year is structured.

Yes, I understand that, just still seems unusual that 5 staff are changing at the same time? Or is that usual turnover for a school?

You need to take a chill pill. Schools hire new staff all the time. It's totally normal. If you're worried, have a dig into their accounts. That should give you much better insight.

That's a bit rude.

I don't have any concerns about the school's finances, I can read a companies house report the same as anyone else.

What I AM concerned with is an influx of teachers leaving (5 in the same period to me seems high) which suggests unhappy staff, and unhappy staff make for unhappy teaching environments and therefore, an unhappy child.

No intention to be rude. Just pointing out that you seem to be wildly catastrophising on the basis of a few, probably very routine, staff changes.

Another new vacancy... that now makes 6. 6 new members of staff?? Surely not that many wish to leave usually en masse??

We are current Manor parents and we love it. We were a little cautious about taking the step to move my daughter into a private school at first, but it’s honestly the best thing we could possibly have done - we were recommended the school by friends and current clients of mine who are parents there too. The staff are absolutely amazing and the my experience of leadership team is brilliant - we’ve had no worries at all.
The head is on the gate every day and knows every single child. All the staff I’ve encountered over the last few years genuinely seem happy and to really enjoy their jobs - they really care and put so much effort in for the children. Our impressions and feelings are that it’s a very happy environment. To hopefully put your mind at ease, I know some of the changes in staff you mention are due to retirement, and as someone else said, people do move on from all jobs, life changes and we don’t know anyone’s reasons for change. Certainly I know the Director of Sport role is new - the school have just built an all weather pitch and have a great sports hall etc. We actually think it’s a really good sign that roles are being replaced and suggests numbers etc are healthy. I’ve got friends with children at other schools where staff are leaving but not being replaced. This is much more worrying regarding the future security of the school in my mind. I really hope that helps reassure you. It’s honestly such a brilliant school - we haven’t looked back.

thank you @KeepingItTogetherish that's so helpful, and really really what I needed to hear!, from a current parent!

I appreciate it, DH and I are having such a wobble having turned down a similar school nearby and now doubting we made the right choice.