Am I being managed out?! Can’t believe this is happening

[ErinReagan]

I’ve had Reception or Y1 for 23 years. It’s truly my vocation. Been in the same school for 13.

Was asked to see (new) HT when we came back from Christmas. I am ‘too comfortable’ and she is moving me to Y6 in Sept.

I am heartbroken. I really am. Moving me to Y1 would have been one thing but Y6 just seems petty.

Yesterday she asked if I ‘would mind’ working with the woman who will take over EYFS during my PPT. I really do mind to be honest.

Again, if I was looking at Y1 I wouldn’t mind, but I’m so worked up about Y6 I can’t think rationally.

[TheSquitz]

I really feel for you, OP. I have been teaching for 31 years, in all ages from Y1 to Y6 but would never be able to hack it in EYFS. Y1 nearly finished me off. It could be a way of managing you out. Our new HT made it clear at his individual meetings with us that I was 'very highly paid' (UPS2- refused UPS3 because I knew it would put me at greater risk.) Our wage bill is shockingly high- a one form entry with 5 out if 8 teachers aged 50+ so I can foresee our new HT pulling the same kind of crap to force some of us out.
Definitely do as others have suggested- gradually take all your personal items home, make a list of training courses and have a look at EYFS vacancies in other schools.
I know PPs have said he wouldn't risk high stakes SATs results if he didn't think you were capable, but maybe he has given you this much notice so that you leave.
Try posting on the TES site for opinions.

[InspectorAlleyn]

I don’t necessarily think it’s the move that rings warning bells (I’ve done Y1-6 and ended up in Y6 for 9 years). It’s the timing. This is very early to be telling teachers where they will be in September (unless it’s common practice in your school?) and that makes me think the HT may be hoping you’ll jump ship. I really hope that’s not the case.

[LolaSmiles]

I seriously can't see any head risk their Y6 SATs results just to manage out a teacher they want to leave
That's what I don't understand.
Schools can be horrible with some awful leaders, and there's many other ways that staff can be pushed out without risking SATS.
InspectorAlleyn We get told of any likely big changes early so that we have time to prepare (eg changing which a level is being taught / if someone will be picking up media etc).
Quite a lot of my friends in primary know around Easter if they'll be moving as moves seek to depend on who has been appointed in January/Feb. Obviously people could still leave after but it means they have time to talk to others in the year teams and have a look at what they'll be doing, team planning etc. Maybe they are in really organised schools though.

[InspectorAlleyn]

#LolaSmiles at my school we are told “early” around Easter (certainly before the May resignation deadline) but early February seems like a deliberate ploy to force the OP to make difficult decisions.
OP - I think the advice to move your own resources out gradually and then ask to be sent on every Y6 course under the sun (writing moderation/observing colleagues in your own school or at other schools/ Y6/7 transition meetings) so that you at least look like you are prepared to move. Meanwhile, look for other positions that are suited to your expertise. The worst case scenario is that you do end up in Y6, but at least you will be prepared. I have taught every Year Group and I do love Y6, but it’s a completely different set of skills to EY.

[LatteLady]

I am really disappointed to read this OP, I chair a primary school which will amalgamate with the school next door in September,literally knocking down a wall. Whilst there will be no redundancies as we will be moving from a four to three firm entry, we have used this as an opportunity for staff to move classes this year before the big change.

Staff were consulted about which class that they wanted to move to... I would be asking questions if an EYFS teacher was being moved to Yr6. I would also want to know that training and mentoring was in place.

There are two things that you can do, apart from making sure your union fees and CV are up to date, horizon scan for all the training you will need and inform the HT. Or, say brightly, "so glad you have suggested this, it has given me the impetus to apply for a couple of EYFS leadership roles that I have been approached about as I know that is where my skill set and heart lie. I wonder how I will manage to get all of my personal resources home." As a Chair I would be very interested in the content of our exit interview.

[EchoLimaYankee]

They want you out. I’m sorry.

I have SLT friends and that’s often the way they do things.

Fuck helping the new person out! Speak to your union.

[missfliss]

Hey OP - are you getting a chance to think it through over half term? Sending best wishes

[mintich]

Are you sure it isnt the year 6 teacher being managed out?

[InescapableDeath]

Any news OP?

[Sushiroller]

I work in a different industry but read that and thought.

Nah, fuck that shit.

Doesnt matter what the reason is... not your problem. And it doesn't work for you.
Start job shopping and do what you love.

[carrottopper]

TheSquitz- what do you mean about moving from ups2 to ups3 putting you more at risk??? Risk of what?

I've been moved from ups2 to ups3. I constantly feel paranoid about being managed out but surely it is illegal to do this

[carrottopper]

It wasn't my request to move me to ups3 in Sept, it was our new head teacher who automatically did it based on my last years performance

[RainMinusBow]

I think we're going to see more of this in teaching and a huge amount of it is down to budget.

I was "managed out" of a school I'd taught at for a considerable number of years because I was simply becoming too expensive. Horrendous experience.

I'm currently working ft as a TA (plus some group teaching but getting TA wage). If I'm being honest I love not having the pressure of teaching but so hard to manage on almost minimum wage.

Applied for loads of teaching jobs prior but nearly always NQTs or less experienced teachers chosen - again due to budget.

Also, schools are now using TA'S to cover PPA/teacher absence more and more so this also means teachers (esp more experienced ones) are finding it harder to secure employment.

[TheSlipperSchlepp]

Surely a good manager places people according to their strengths and experience?

It's madness to move an EYFS specialist to Y6. It's a whole new curriculum, not to mention different behaviour management, marking and feedback, assessment etc etc.

As another PP says, I would meet with the head and have a professional discussion, with the whys and wherefores all documented.

I would be highly suspicious of their motives, especially with you being one of the highest paid.

[TheSquitz]

carrottopper
I just mean that UPS3 is more money and carries greater responsibility.

[RainMinusBow]

@carrottopper It is illegal, but there are some sneaky ways around it. I was having observations at least once and week and expected to attend staff meetings on my days off etc.

[Snog]

Do you have an update OP?

[Tiggering]

Good luck OP. This sounds awful.
I used to be a primary teacher in the UK. I mostly taught year 2. A couple of years ago I moved abroad to teach in a private British school and it was full of extremely experienced teachers who had similar experiences to you. When I left the UK, I’d been teaching 5 years and that made me the most experienced teacher in my school. I was suddenly the least experienced when I arrived in my new country. Is that a possibility for you? I moved to a developing country and the lifestyle change was too much for me, but the job was amazing. I now live in a Scandinavian country known for its amazing education system and it’s the same story.

[Tiggering]

Lolasmiles EYFS is a totally different ballgame than the rest of primary. It’s a different specialism. They even have different ways of assessing and planning. It would be more similar to a secondary school moving a history teacher into the maths department because they were too comfortable.

[ErinReagan]

Thank you for all the kind words. I have decided to hand in my resignation. I still cannot believe it came to that and I’m not sure what do next. HT’s reply confirmed everything I was thinking so 😢

[ValancyRedfern]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear things were as you feared op. I hope another school snaps you up.

[AnduinsGirl]

Bloody hell. Sorry to hear that OP. Really hope you find somewhere that appreciates your skills and experience.

[DICarter1]

Oh @ErinReagan I’m so sorry

[missfliss]

i'm so sorry OP. Staying with that HT would have been unbearable over time. I hope you find something better and happier soon. It must feel very isolating - all my best

[ExplodingCarrots]

I'm so sorry OP.
With your experience though I hope a school will take you on quite quickly

I find some new HTs are awful for stamping their authority and making a name for themselves. I recently had to leave my job in a school because the new HT decided to throw their weight around in a negative way and upset a lot of staff, some who had been there 20 years :(

Good luck