Headteacher refused to move pay grades... non teaching role!

[Perriwinkle9991]

Hi all,

Need some opinions.

I've worked in my role almost 18months and is almost at the top of my pay grade.
During a meeting I queried my pay as I've taken on more responsibility and role within the school acting as DSL and child protection lead.

The headteacher told me I would have to take on more responsibility... however I already have.

I have a massive caseload of vulnerable children, 3 form entry school and just myself in the role.

I've been denied any help or another body and pretty much refused a rise in salary. It wasn't a firm no... but more of I'll have to ask the governors and lots of excuses as to why I couldn't move scales.

I've seen a new job for my role come up in another school and the pay grades is 2 above mine in a 2 form school.

Am I wrong in potentially leaving over money?
I have been very happy there really. I enjoy my job, like my colleagues and get on with everyone. The job is extremely draining due to high caseload.

I feel with no progression in salary or role there is no point in me potentially remaining there and to progress I need to look elsewhere but can't help to feel like I've spat my dummy out

What would you do?

Thanks

I would apply for the other job in a heartbeat. I hope you get it.

If it were me I would apply for the new job.Unfortunately these days it seems much easier to get more money by moving somewhere else.

Go for the new role, schools are really tight on budgets so I'm sure they would offer more if they could. As it is you move on and they recruit at a lower level to save money.

You're not in a teaching role but you are child protection lead-I'm quite surprised. Our HT is ours.

Money is very tight- they may not have it but if you're sure other schools do, I would leave.

I'm the pastoral worker for the school and share DSL responsibility. It can't be solely my role as it has to be a SLT for the role of school DSL.

Unfortunately, other schools are offering more. I feel so torn about moving on. I do enjoy the job it's just the money and lack of progression opportunities... I can go elsewhere for less hours, less caseload and more money. sounds a no brainier really.

It sounds like the head isn't valuing (or has no money left to value) your role. I would tell him/her you are applying for the job at x school and why.

You might find you'll get taken seriously and he'll offer you something to stay, but the other job sounds better anyway-less hours, less work, more pay-so even if he offers you a pay rise, the other job is still better!

Bear in mind though that if the other job is so good-you won't be the only applicant!

Am I wrong in potentially leaving over money?

Why would that be wrong? That's probably one of the main reason people look for new jobs!!

Everyone I have ever known has moved jobs for money, or to renegotiate their salary in their current role. When you hand your notice in and the Head asks why you are going, you say that they told you there was no option of a better pay grade, so you have had to go elsewhere. Then either they renegotiate your current salary or you leave.

Rollonthesummer- I guess because money isn't always everything.... and the fact I've been very happy there I.e trusted, left to my own devices, not micromanaged.

I panic if I go to a new school and the heads vile and works me to the ground and constantly scrutinised my work... that's what panics me. I have anxiety over it I think

In terms of budget... we have a healthy budget. We have 5 assistant heads and a deputy.... and the heads pushing for teaching staff to progress on the pay scale.

And I do agree I don't feel my role is valued within the school. Me and the head have admitted it couldn't be ran by the head themselves as it's a full time role... but yet nothing.

You have nothing to lose by going to look around the school adntalking to people.

It's always a risk changing schools but it sounds like the money thing is really bugging you so, go and investigate.

I'd go for the other position if you don't have your own children in the school you are currently in.

Can you use the other Schools salary to negotiate? I'd be wary of moving if you're happy in current role. (I do a very similar role OP, am curious to know if your salary is similar!)