Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Flip

Original poster

Leg injury - what is normal?

12 replies

ninah · 14/07/2013 22:01

Am really gutted. First year teaching, had a tendon injury. Was on crutches, now weight bearing on aircast boot.
Work have veered from trying to get me in asap to saying don't come in while in boot, even though I am confident in it and want to come in. From experience this could be long haul recovery.
That means if boot is still on in Sep and they won't let me come back I am unpaid, I guess?
Am really not liking how it is being handled. Confused and worried!

OP posts:

clam · 14/07/2013 22:05

Don't you have 6 months full pay, then 6 months half pay? Or has that changed? When was the injury?
You need proper legal advice, either from your union or from your county's Occupational Health.
(sympathy re: the injury - I badly broke my leg in January and had 2 months off completely, then phased return after that, with adult support in class (primary). School was very supportive and kids very good about giving me space when I was on crutches).

fruitpastille · 14/07/2013 22:07

Why would you be unpaid? You get quite a long time sick leave I think? I would get some sort of letter from your doctor/consultant stating that you are fit for work. Surely it's discrimination of some sort anyway - suppose you ended up on crutches forever (I am sure this won't happen!) - they would have to accommodate your disability. Get well soon - I broke my leg a few years ago and it was hideous.

Original poster

ninah · 14/07/2013 22:26

Not 6 months, I'm NQT! I think it's more like 25 days! the summer takes care of it, anyway. I am weight bearing and want to go back.
Am devastated at not seeing my class finish. I have emailed Union and will see doc tomorrow. 3 days absence last week. Am part time.
Ha been really mixed response from work. Asked to attend meetings etc, then not. I know they haven't taken proper advice re aircast cos this part all happened over weekend!
Thanks for sympathy. It's so frustrating!

OP posts:

MoDiddly · 14/07/2013 22:34

I had a broken leg a few years back. Was signed off when in an open cast but signed fit for work as soon as I was in a boot - needed a risk assessment done and I had an LSA in class at all times (primary) so it did cost them. But me being off and paying supply would have cost more

clam · 14/07/2013 22:37

Often I've heard of people struggling into school on the last day of term, just so the holidays aren't classified as sick pay. Not sure how possible this would be for you if the school is being difficult though.

Original poster

ninah · 14/07/2013 22:38

I think the boot is fine. Will see what docs say though. If docs say OK, I will turn up!

OP posts:

Original poster

ninah · 14/07/2013 22:40

HT is being v difficult! not sure why
Any thoughts on speaking to governors?

OP posts:

Bluebell99 · 14/07/2013 22:42

My dh had a tendon injury and had a boot and crutches for three months. He did go into work though, from day 1. He's a workaholic though, was commuting two hours every day and hobbling down to the station in ice and snow, when it was too icy for me to give him a lift. Getting on and off the train was a bit dodgy. :)

clam · 14/07/2013 22:58

Wait and see what your union advise. I suppose it might depend on whether the HT has the Governors in their pocket or vice versa.

One of my biggest issues was not being able to drive - actually getting there involved lifts from colleagues at odd times. Also, I'd had major surgery for pins/rods/plates, so it was a while before I'd recovered from that too.

Original poster

ninah · 14/07/2013 23:05

Blue I did that too! had probs 12 years ago, got into central London every day on crutches from Essex. The boot's a dream in comparison!
Dunno if govs in HT pocket. Head of govs sent good wishes, something I am still waiting for from HT though. Feel v disappointed.

OP posts:

Original poster

ninah · 14/07/2013 23:06

and I do have lifts.

OP posts:

HedgeHogGroup · 15/07/2013 18:53

Don't wait for your union to respond to an email. Phone your regional office first thing tomorrow morning and stay on hold until someone answers. Otherwise, phone the Head. Ask them what specific concerns they have with regard to you coming in wearing the boot. Allay any fears they might have and ask to come back on a trial basis & go to an occupational health appointment (its at their cost but they should be able to push it through before summer holidays). If they say HR have recommended it ask for HRs number.
Explain to them that you can't afford to be unpaid all over the summer & as both you and your GP consider you fit for work you expect to be fully paid.
Be firm & persistent

Flip