I’ve name changed because I really want to stay anonymous, however this post is really specific so if anybody does recognise this and can identify me/my school, I’d be really grateful if it stayed on here only.
I took a job at a new school in September for 2 days each week. 1 day as cover (last minute - could be anywhere from Nursery-Y6 at the last minute) and the other in Y3 for a full day. It’s a large-ish school - 2 form entry.
I’ve had to fight for PPA time and have now been allowed 30 minutes from September as I’m required to plan the foundation subjects for my Y3 class as well as assess the parts I teach. ( the other 2 teachers share the English and Maths planning) However, I’ve been told I can’t have it for my cover day as I don’t plan. I do mark and assess what I’ve taught. Am I entitled to PPA for that day?
The really big issue I’m having is that I was asked to lead science. At first I was told that I’d be paid and that there would be release time. I agreed to keep things ticking over until time and money we’re out in place. However, after a conversation last week, I was told that actually there’s no money and that there also won’t be time. I know most primary teachers are t paid leads but in our school some are and some aren’t - which I don’t think is fair. I know the art lead who is UPS2 has a TLR. I’m UPS1 and have been told that I have to do it because I’m UPS.
The job is really big! The development plan is huge and I’m expected to organise and run clubs ( day one of my work is staff training until 4:30 - day 2 we have s subject leads meeting for 20 mins after school) I’ve been signed up to meetings on my days off. I tried saying that I can’t achieve the same amount of things as a full time member but it’s falling on deaf ears and the head has had a real go at me that there are things on the development plan that I haven’t done. I genuinely haven’t had time. I’ve done the best I can - really I have - but it’s just unachievable. Literally everything I’ve done for the subject (including writing new units, scrutinising work for the whole school, analysing assessment, organising Science week, extra activities for pupil premium children, running staff training, working with other schools to boost STEM interest in girls and so much more) has ALL been in my own time.
I understand that some needs to be done in my own time and am willing to do it but other leads are being paid and get time. I feel like I’m being punished for being part time.
Do I have to lead a subject on UPS1? What rights do I have? Or is this just the way things are and I have to suck it up. Maybe I was spoiled at my last school.