Are you sending the NEU letter to your head?

[shadowlily]

If your school is remaining open for all pupils, are you sending the NEU template letter to your head? Do you think the majority of your colleagues will or do you think they will go in as usual on Monday?

@SansaSnark Unfortunately the email says that the LA has decided that schools do not need to update their risk assessments.

@crazycatgal that email does not in any way usurp your right to invoking Section 44 though! And honestly, after reading your posts, I'd be sending my Section 44 notice in with glitter sprinkles and a clear conscience!! I'd then be scrolling the job ads!

@crazycatgal just as a comparison...I emailed my lovely head yesterday before I sent mine, to pre-warn her that I was most likely going to do so. I stated my concerns and asked her if she could guarantee that if I did return on Monday, that I would be safe. I am 56, have chronic asthma and a disorder that means I am chronically cold...so the current 'doors and windows open' is debilitating for me.

She replied immediately: No, I cannot guarantee your safety. Do what you need to do. You have my full support, as do the rest of our wonderful team!

Your head, OP, is terrible!

I know people who shout how unfair it is but will still turn up on Monday and the rest of the days, then spend the 7 hours complaining loudly about how shit it is ,oh the joy I cannot wait!

But won’t say anything to management

@BumbleBeegu Your head sounds lovely, perfect response.

I'm only in my 2nd year so don't feel like I've got the confidence to send that letter in when I know that my SLT will be unhappy about it.

@Shadeelane do you mean refuse to go in? Or refuse the letter?

I'm in sen. I'm v torn, mainly as our rates are low now and because we are sen.

If I were mainstream I think I'd think differently.

I'm very glad to hear there are such supportive heads.

I'm not personally, but the majority in my school are. We are almost all NEU in my school including support staff.

[quote crazycatgal]@SansaSnark Unfortunately the email says that the LA has decided that schools do not need to update their risk assessments.[/quote]
So, how can they prove your school is safe in light of the new strain?

I would say they can't!

I know it's a really tough decision, though!

BTW, our head has moved tomorrow's INSET online, and there will now only be rota'd staff in for the rest of the week (secondary) following our rep sending in a group letter.

He has said he is awaiting further advice from his union (NAHT) about having Y11/13 back in next week.

I wouldn't say his email was supportive of staff as such, but I think he has had an awful Christmas break.

I am worried about sending it but terrified of the new strain. I think I will but I hope it’s not just me.

Our school NEU reps recommended we contact our Head with our concerns first, and to say we are considering sending the letter, then hope for a supportive response. Then send the letter later if we are unhappy with the response.

Can someone hold my hand please?

I’ve just sent in the letter, in a small early years setting where no other staff (as I currently know) are joining me. I do not feel safe and all SLT have said is they expect us back tomorrow and we should let them know if we are not going to be in.

I am terrified of reprisal and crying right now out of worry about it, but feel that to do nothing would put my health and unacceptable risk. I didn’t want to do this. I care about my pupils but cases are so high in my area that I can’t stand by and attend work in these conditions. Primary schools are also closed where I am.

@picklespark

Can someone hold my hand please?

I’ve just sent in the letter, in a small early years setting where no other staff (as I currently know) are joining me. I do not feel safe and all SLT have said is they expect us back tomorrow and we should let them know if we are not going to be in.

I am terrified of reprisal and crying right now out of worry about it, but feel that to do nothing would put my health and unacceptable risk. I didn’t want to do this. I care about my pupils but cases are so high in my area that I can’t stand by and attend work in these conditions. Primary schools are also closed where I am.

What you've done is really brave and well done for doing it!

If primary schools are open, no way you should be open as normal.

Maybe you joining the action will help others join too?

@BustopherPonsonbyJones you will be supported wholeheartedly if the school try a d take action. I very much doubt they wil. Thousands of teachers are sending them.

[quote NeurotreeWenceslas]@Shadeelane do you mean refuse to go in? Or refuse the letter?

I'm in sen. I'm v torn, mainly as our rates are low now and because we are sen.

If I were mainstream I think I'd think differently. [/quote]
Refuse to go in. Our case rates for our area are stable but if I was in mainstream I'd be considering I think. My mainstream friends have had emails saying open as normal, risk assessment updated and continuing to monitor. All glossing over the unions input🤷

I'm in GMB and haven't had any communication from them at all and can't log on for some reason. Is anyone else with GMB on here?

@picklespark

Well done for being brave

[quote SeldomFollowedIt]@picklespark

Well done for being brave [/quote]
Thank you

Thank you for the support! I hope so, I shared both UNISON and NEU advice with my colleagues. A colleague did want to join me but was too afraid to, I worry that they’re just going to convince everyone it is safe tomorrow.

Thanks @Shadeelane.

Our case rates for our area are stable but if I was in mainstream I'd be considering I think.

Yes I feel exactly the same.

Hi all. Sorry if a stupid question. If your school is already closed. Do you still need to send The NEU letter in? I’m assuming no.

I am in two minds. I don’t believe primary schools are safe to return. It is a complete nonsense. My head and SLT are very supportive, no ideas about the governors. It has been an odd situation since September. I work in KS1, effectively with 60 individuals.

Am probably going to email head my concerns and follow up with the letter if needed. I don’t know if this will tip the balance. My concern what will happen after we return to 30 children with no real concept of social distancing.

@ImperialLeather00

Hi all. Sorry if a stupid question. If your school is already closed. Do you still need to send The NEU letter in? I’m assuming no.

The advice form the NEU is to send the letter in in solidarity, but it will only be a week till this kicks off in secondary schools.

The NEU says sooner rather than later.