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Original poster

DH facing capability measures - your advice and support needed please.

133 replies

Crimebusterofthesea · 13/12/2013 10:50

So, DH has come home and has said that following an inadequate lesson observation, he is being placed on formal capability measures. He feels like this is a bolt from the blue as his last lesson observation was rated 'Good'. The school is renowned in the area for being an impossible place to work and since DH has been there, so many teachers have left because the pressure is beyond ridiculous and expectations are just beyond what seem fair, reasonable and achievable (I'm aware that this is the case across most schools, but his school has a reputation IYSWIM).

I am so scared for him, for us, for our family. He is broken. They have beaten him down to a point where he feels worthless and truly inadequate in every way. I need help to understand the process and whether the reasons behind doing this are fair and reasonable. His last scrutiny of work was 'Good', his last observation before this one was 'Good'. I know that they have told him that he isn't meeting the targets with regards to pupil progress, but they just get more and more impossible and harder to achieve.

He is far from being a lazy, coasting teacher (70 hours a week normal) and he takes such pride and care in his work. Last week he was up until 11 every night doing his topic books. He just feels that the strive for outstanding means that the school don't want him there as ATM he isn't an outstanding teacher and he is the first to admit that he probably never will be.

He was off sick a couple of weeks ago and I keep looking at the card his class made for him upon his return - 'Hooray!! So glad you are back!' it says. I'm being overly sentimental I know, but my goodness, this is hard.

So, if you have read this far, thankyou. What will happen next? He has a meeting planned for the last day of term which will either result in a formal notice to improve, or things can apparently return to normal. I may have got this wrong though. What are the chances of him finding another teaching job? Are unions any good when it comes to this sort of thing?

I'm just rambling now but any words of support and encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

OP posts:
winklewoman · 16/12/2013 15:25

The first formal hearing will decide the level of capability procedure which is being pursued. You should have been sent a copy of these procedures. They can decide to go for the lower level of capability which should be accompanied by a plan of monitoring, training and an individual improvement plan. This can go on for months. On the other hand, if the circumstances are exceptional, they can go for a higher level of capability which includes a warning of possible dismissal within a much shorter time span. This is unlikely to be on the basis of one unsatisfactory lesson, unless there are other evidenced causes for serious concerns about the progress of students.
You have a right to a copy of the procedures.
Your rep should know that a settlement plan is an option as a negotiated alternative to entering a procedure which could end in dismissal.
Your rep's job is to secure the best outcome for you in the prevailing circumstances.

manyhands · 16/12/2013 19:10

Is it worth contacting an employment solicitor although the union may refuse to help if a solicitor is involved, it doesn't seem like the union are giving any tangible support. There is now no informal competency and anything other than a support package would be mentioned on a reference. Sorry to paint a dim picture but your DH would be better to get out before he enters capability even if that meant going on supply and the short term financial problems. Please try workplace dilemnas, I believe they have a closed group and there are certainly legally trained people that advice there, Have you tried calling the teacher support network as they may provide support and if at a later date your DH were to go off sick with stress (which given the stress he is under is understandable) he can prove he accessed support. They will talk you through what could happen next and give you someone to vent to yourself.

Original poster
Crimebusterofthesea · 16/12/2013 19:23

Thanks manyhands - will have a look at the teacher support network. The timing of all this is quite confusing. The union rep is suggesting that we propose to the head that DH agrees to resign at the end of next term as he has missed the deadline for resigning at the end of this term (this was 31st October). As we are pretty much sure that the school want him out, they may agree to stop formal capabilities if he agrees to leave. What would be the point of investing the time/energy/resources in someone if they are leaving anyway? I guess it comes down to how amenable they want to be. He has had no support whatsoever and the rep seems to think this could add leverage to our proposal. We want out, it's just when this happens in order to not alert future prospective employers as it's pretty vital that he leaves at term end.

OP posts:
FiscalCliffRocksThisTown · 16/12/2013 19:25

Just thinking what I would do....

I think I would ask for a chat with the HOD ( or HT even?) and ask straight out:

"I am just trying to get this clear, do you want me to resign? If so, would you be prepared to give me a decent reference? I am happy to stay and work hard to improve, but if you would prefer me to resign I will happily do so, as I have a few other options in the pipeline."

Or is that to simple? I like to cut yo the chase!

LEMoncehadacatcalledSANTA · 16/12/2013 19:28

I love the way that in your posts you say things like "we want out" "we have had response from....." your DH is very lucky to have such a supportive partner Flowers I really hope that he manages to get another job in a decent school where he will be valued. I have every respect for him - i taught in FE college and couldn't hack the observations and constant targets and being made to feel like I was crap all the time - because when i look back i see that actually, i wasn't crap at all, my management team was useless.

Original poster
Crimebusterofthesea · 16/12/2013 20:46

LEM Your post made me fill up, although that is probably down to the wines I have had. He deserves nothing more than my support and admiration. He was my rock when I had PND last year and now it's my turn to return the favour (although I have cried my eyes out on more than one occasion). Fiscal - as much as he would love to do that, and we have discussed it, the union rep has advised against it, as it may 'muddy the waters'. It is definitely something I think we should talk about when we meet with him on Wednesday though, as he should have had contact with the HT by then and we will have a bit more info.

I have to say, I am bowled over by the support here. I'm not really a regular poster, but this has been brilliant for us both. Thanks again.

OP posts:
Ragusa · 16/12/2013 20:50

If no joy on Wednesday and the rep is crap, can you go to his senior? There must be someone further up the union pecking order who could advise?

What are the rules / is the ettiquette on approaching another union informally? Is this likely to go down very badly/ not be allowed?

Wish I could lend you my union rep :(

sunnybobs · 16/12/2013 20:51

Resign before going on any capability, suggest resignation to them & see what they say. Yes it might be what they want but honestly just get out, you won't win a battle here however grossly unfair it is. The school hold ALL the cards. Resign, go off on sick if he is sick with stress for goodness sake don't hang around getting ill & stressed. Move on and find a better school & forget them but just get out ASAP.

sunnybobs · 16/12/2013 20:54

Don't go for settlement agreement, you won't get one and they can make the situation look worse to future employers. Just keep evidence of all previous observations, resign, apply elsewhere & get the hell out.

Original poster
Crimebusterofthesea · 16/12/2013 21:28

We have already agreed that he will resign before going on any capability - it's just not an option as the implications are huge and it will be terrible for him. He doesn't want to go through it, and I don't want to see him go through it. He is broken as it is. If the head doesn't agree to stop formal capabilities on the basis that he will leave, then we will need to rethink things. But at the moment, we are trying the think positive and hold on to the belief that he will find a job in another school and then never look back.

OP posts:
sunnybobs · 16/12/2013 21:49

Think positively - these are hateful, vicious people & it's excruciatingly unfair. You will move on, he will find another job in a better school where he is valued and you will come out of this eventually. I'm speaking from being in exactly your place 9 months ago and it was horrific, I cried in the shower every night for months. I still hate those SLT & governors with a passion but we as a couple and a family and my DH as a professional have survived and prospered. Try not to let the bitterness eat you up too much and try not to understand it either. It's a horrible, horrible situation to be in and sadly happens far too frequently. Also I know it sounds odd but if you can possibly afford it a few sessions of CBT for your DH would be well worth it.

alwaysonmymind · 17/12/2013 13:12

Hope you and DH are ok Crimebuster. I've been thinking about all this. I think that Sunny has a good point about a bit of councilling as I think it would have helped me. In fact, I think i would still benefit from it to stop the doubts creeping in. Like everyone says, there are other places out there who will appreciate your DH.

alwaysonmymind · 17/12/2013 13:13

Oops I meant to PM you the last message Smile

Original poster
Crimebusterofthesea · 17/12/2013 18:07

Thankyou always. Today has been very difficult and if I'm honest, the doubts have been well and truly eating away at me and I am very, very angry. I phoned the teacher support network today and they said that DH can phone back at any time for support. I have also spoken to ACAS who were not very helpful to be honest. I just wish that none of this was happening.

I guess my doubts do centre on whether another school would be saying exactly the same thing and I'm so ashamed to say that I have thought this today - maybe he just isn't good enough? But then, I look at all the evidence again and remember what our teacher friend said the other night - In most other schools, he would be consistently good and apart from this lesson observation, everything else is good too. When DH and her used to work together (DH's first teaching job), they always used to get satisfactory with elements of good, and then DH left this school being consistently good across the board. Now she is an outstanding teacher and a deputy head, and he is facing the sack with the possibility that he will never teach again. Sorry for rambling again - don't think any of that makes much sense Blush

OP posts:
ProphetOfDoom · 17/12/2013 19:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GW297 · 17/12/2013 19:54

Sunnybobs - I'm the same. 100% agree with the counselling too!

manyhands · 21/12/2013 11:41

Any news?

MrsYoungSalvoMontalbano · 21/12/2013 19:12

No legal advice, just to say that OP your family will be fine because you are approaching this as a unit and supporting him. You are so lovely - and we are all on you side.

GW297 · 21/12/2013 20:59

Try to have a happy Christmas. Don't give them the satisfaction of spoiling your Christmas.

Original poster
Crimebusterofthesea · 22/12/2013 17:30

Well, we met with the union rep who was very supportive and felt confident that DH's proposal to resign if the capabilities are dropped would be accepted. He was shocked at the level of scrutiny that he has been subjected to and just kept saying 'But where is the support?!' DH has found two jobs to apply for already so that is good. The rep also said that I'd be good at his job as I'm clearly quite passionate about all of this. Think it was just a polite way of acknowledging that I couldn't keep my mouth shut in the meeting!

We also had another teacher friend round yesterday who again was shocked and just agreed with everyone else and said he needs to get into another school asap. I just hope that he is given the opportunity to prove himself. Nothing more we can do until next year now, so time to enjoy Christmas and look for more jobs!

OP posts:
Original poster
Crimebusterofthesea · 22/12/2013 17:34

mrsyoung I missed your post completely! Thankyou for your kind words. I've been blown away by the support and advice here.

OP posts:
Lottiedoubtie · 22/12/2013 17:34

All sounds as positive as possible in the circumstances. Apply apply apply! And trust the opinions of your teacher friends, they will know whether DH is likely to be successful at another school or not.

temporarilyjerry · 22/12/2013 17:58

Sadly this story is very common atm. My mantra is, as always, "It's not you; it's them." Sending best wishes to you and your DH.

sunnybobs · 26/12/2013 21:34

Hope you've managed to have a lovely relaxing Christmas & hope this is beginning to slide away xx

Jellypudmum · 26/12/2013 21:49

This exact thing happened to me when a new head took over. Had been a deputy and acting head but now find myself on a temp maternity cover contract just to get rid of her off my reference. Despite an agreed reference being in place and union involvement the head took it upon herself to ring schools asking for a reference and tell them all sorts of lies "off the record". All of the staff resigned and are struggling to find work. My advice? Resign and take any job (even supply work) to put distance between your dh and the school.