1st year RCT teacher, no support, told to resign!

[Sam900]

Hi,
Really need some advice.
A friend of ours is approaching the end of their first year ECT. The school they went to as their first teaching post, had never had an ECT.
Their support has been very inconsistent, frequently not getting feedback till very late, Senior staff not being aware of progress etc.
They are such a lovely person that is in early and stays till 6 frequently but the pressure they have been put under has made her lift he'll where it should be a positive supporting environment.
Their support plan has been very picky and even the ECT people are saying they are exactly where they should be at this point and if anything, ahead.
They have now pulled them to one side and told them they should resign as otherwise they will start official HR capability that they say will go on their record. They have said that their last day would be end of this month. That also means they won't be paid for the holidays of course hence no doubt why they are saying this now.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

They need to speak to their union and their appropriate body urgently

I don’t mean to sound harsh, but just because they are a lovely person and are in early and stay until 6pm, does not make them a good teacher.

That said, it sounds like their school haven’t really been very helpful. When you say “the ECT people” who are you talking about there?

Are they in a contract for the year? I don’t think the school can just terminate their contract early, but then depends what sort of basis they were employed under.

I don’t really have any sound advice but they could seek union advice or go to someone trusted in the school. Although I imagine they wouldn’t want to carry on working there after this. I feel for your friend, I really do, schools can be so tough, and from my experience new starters aren’t usually treated very well, which is awful. So yeah I’d suggest they gather all their evidence, write up everything they’ve done, the lack of support etc etc and seek some union advice.

They need to speak to the appropriate body and union urgently - they should do nothing without advice from them.