The guilt is overwhelming

[desperate4spring]

My school have Ofsted in at the moment and I've just had to call in sick due to a massive asthma flare-up. PCR was negative but I'm coughing so much, I can barely have a conversation. The guilt though. How do others deal with it? I know that I would be worse than useless if I went in (and would probably raise some eyebrows) but I can't shake the awful feeling that I'm letting everyone down 😢

Don't feel guilty. Your health is far more important. Earlier on in my career I would have felt like I was letting people down but, quite a few of us have realised that you get no more thanks for working all hours. At the end of the day it's just a job.

I hope your feeling better OP.

This happened to me with my first Ofsted inspection. Felt rough the Sunday night and actually phoned my head to warn them. Saw Dr on Monday morning and got signed off for the week. Phoned head to let them know to be told Ofsted had called and were in the next day! She dealt with that fact very badly.

The guilt is awful but you need to focus on getting better. It can't be helped.

Like you said, you couldn't hold a conversation let alone teach.