Distinct possibility that Head is closing my department

[Igloo71]

I work in a school as a support member of staff, with 100% of my role within 6th form. I’m led to believe that the Head is in the process of consulting with governors to close the 6th form completely for financial reasons. I’ve had no official notification but a member of SLT has dropped hints. Does anyone know what I should expect from this process? Should I expect to be notified prior to the rest of the school as I’m the only member of staff wholly impacted by this? For context, there’s no head of 6th form in post. I love my job, students are great and I’m genuinely gutted it might come to this!

I think you need to speak to your union. Sounds like a horrible situation to be in

Biggest regret..... didn’t join a union.

In that case I would just tackle things head on: ask for a meeting with HT, say you’ve heard rumours.
Governor’s meeting minutes should be published, I believe, if you don’t want to speak to the Head directly.

Op join the union now, you can do it online.

Well if true they may re deploy you to a similar role or make you redundant. You can still join a union, many have a reduced fee for the first year.

I think that it’s probably a confidential item at the moment. I definitely cannot speak with the Head about it, he’s a loose cannon, staff morale is very low, but he’s defensive about his position when challenged. This is my first job in a school but I would have thought a 6th form of just under 150 students isn’t a huge concern. Or am I naive?

Which union do you suggest? And thank you for your sympathy, I’m feeling very isolated about this, even though I know a lot of the teaching staff will be devastated if this comes to fruition

Surely you can join a union now?

Join the NEU today

In our school they tell everyone at redundancy risk. There's a clear timeline of how it should be done. You should be individually consulted if it directly affects your post and they should consider different options before making anyone redundant.

Sadly I think 150 students in the sixth form is not financially viable, they may be planning on offering you another job in school ( fingers crossed).

Really if you are likely to be the only one really impacted in the support staff the union won't achieve much. There is a process set out by the local authority for redundancy. If you have worked there less than two years you are very vulnerable.

This is all useful thank you. I’ve been there longer than 2 years, but looks like this might be the indicator to move on.

You should join a union before you go back to work on Monday OP. They will be best placed to give you specific advice about your situation.