Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

Informal capability

13 replies

Myusername2015 · 08/04/2023 17:29

I’m first year in an independent and having an awful time..I was suddenly hospitalised on and off for nearly three months recently and it didn’t go down well. I don’t get paid sick pay anyway but they are unhappy I didn’t write cover whilst being sick (and not getting paid other than SSP) although I had a great lesson ob they threw informal capability and drop ins at me starting after Easter. Im on a weeks notice either way; I’m disabled which is why I suspect they aren’t going down absence management route instead..does anyone know if informal capability has to be disclosed on references? Would you try and get out asap?

OP posts:
BeeMe · 08/04/2023 18:23

Informal capability does not have to be disclosed, but formal does. When I was put on informal capability , I left as soon as I could as it made me so stressed. Wishing you luck, it all sounds very unfair.

Teapleasemilknosugar · 08/04/2023 22:05

Get out before it becomes formal.

TortolaParadise · 09/04/2023 00:21

Teapleasemilknosugar · 08/04/2023 22:05

Get out before it becomes formal.

This.

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 09/04/2023 10:39

I would speak to your union rep, and also seriously consider looking for a new job.

Your rep should be able to negotiate an agreed reference.

Frost1111 · 09/04/2023 19:15

Everyone always stays get out but as others have asked in the past, has anyone actually passed informal or formal capability?

Original poster
Myusername2015 · 09/04/2023 19:36

I’d be really interested in that too…I’ve never heard anyone say try and meet the targets on a support plan it’s always run as fast as you can. I’ve applied for a few jobs today so fingers crossed (although I can’t imagine my reference is going to be much cop)

OP posts:
TortolaParadise · 09/04/2023 22:44

Myusername2015 · 09/04/2023 19:36

I’d be really interested in that too…I’ve never heard anyone say try and meet the targets on a support plan it’s always run as fast as you can. I’ve applied for a few jobs today so fingers crossed (although I can’t imagine my reference is going to be much cop)

I think the advice to run as fast as you can is embedded in the wider culture of employer/employee systems (some fair, some institutionally corrupt...). Once; your card is marked, their is a campaign against you, your face no longer fits, you will be managed out.

Some targets set are simply unrealistic and can be deliberately designed to be this way. I have seen this many times. CPD and appraisals should all be taken into account often there is no triangulation.

I once got roped into a colleagues capability procedure (to act as a mentor!). I must admit said colleagues teaching was 'not great' however, I really don't know what I was supposed to do about it. Thank goodness we both left but I always wonder how I would have been held to account if this colleagues teaching did not improve. 😕Colleague ran and is doing nicely.

Your reference needs to be satisfactory; it doesn't have to be glowing. Hoping everything works out for you OP.

Teapleasemilknosugar · 10/04/2023 13:04

*Once; your card is marked, their is a campaign against you, your face no longer fits, you will be managed out.

Some targets set are simply unrealistic and can be deliberately designed to be this way. I have seen this many times. CPD and appraisals should all be taken into account often there is no triangulation.*

This was my experience of informal. And the targets were changed, and a support plan put in place but only for a single day before it was pulled, so they could say they'd tried and I'd failed. My observations and appraisals before were all positive!

So yes, get out while you still can.

The union tried to agree a reference. All they agreed was to confirm the dates I worked there, in the end.

TortolaParadise · 10/04/2023 16:03

@ Teapleasemilknosugar - glad you got out in time. .

Teapleasemilknosugar · 10/04/2023 16:35

@TortolaParadise ironically the Head was managed out as well less than 6m later. That was so satisfying to find out! 🤣 I've not had any issues or threats of capability in any of my roles since, either. Face definitely didn't fit that time.

MercuryRising · 19/04/2023 20:24

I had a hell of a year 2020- 2021. My dad died, my partner of 17 years left leaving me a single parent of 4 children, my youngest was only 3. My job was the least of my concerns my teaching suffered and I was placed on informal capabilities. For me it was a positive process. It refocused my mind and improved my teaching. Since then I have had 2 positive appraisals and am happy at the same school.

TortolaParadise · 19/04/2023 21:19

Well done to you. Glad you are now in a good place.

Frost1111 · 22/04/2023 00:03

MercuryRising · 19/04/2023 20:24

I had a hell of a year 2020- 2021. My dad died, my partner of 17 years left leaving me a single parent of 4 children, my youngest was only 3. My job was the least of my concerns my teaching suffered and I was placed on informal capabilities. For me it was a positive process. It refocused my mind and improved my teaching. Since then I have had 2 positive appraisals and am happy at the same school.

Thank you for sharing. It's good to see a positive outcome from capability posted.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread