Private school potential redundancy

[neverbeenthroughthis]

Hi, I'm a very experienced teacher in an independent school. Impeccable track record. Have been there a decade. I have been told out of the blue that my role is at risk of redundancy due to projected lower pupil numbers than anticipated. Been assured nothing I have done as I am very valued there etc.

To be honest, although I am due to go through a consultation period, this has a) made me feel unsafe anyway and b) undervalued after so many years of service. I have already started looking elsewhere but obviously keeping this to myself. Has anyone been through this process? I am under the impression I should be entitled to statutory redundancy payment of a week's pay per year of service, on top of the usual payment until the end of the summer. I cannot see this discussed anywhere on my contract or in our policies though and even ACAS couldn't offer complete clarity. Would love to know if anyone else has been in the same situation in a private school and what you negotiated? Also any advice on what to ask/say in consultation meeting. I do have some notes based on what ACAS shared. Thanks so much.

Are you in a union? If so then contact them, this is one of the reasons why union fees are paid.

I haven't been for a while as last time I was in one and in dire need of support (a different Indy school and situation) they couldn't offer me much. Can I kindly ask your reasons for this? I am not being facetious - just curious! Thank you.

I've had a consultation meeting and am awaiting further news. Have started applying elsewhere just in case though as I fear that with dwindling pupil numbers I may be better off elsewhere regardless.

Independent school a friend works in were very helpful when redundancy threatened. They could support with procedures to be followed.

I work in a school that has been through the same - everyone was given the opportunity to apply for voluntary severance and had a ‘package’ presented to them if they were successful in their request to leave. Luckily this meant there were no forced redundancies as enough people put themselves forward.
Don’t jump ship too early (unless you want to leave anyway) and don’t take the process personally. It’s the headcount that needs to be reduced, not a process to get rid of specific people!

Thank you. I have my final meeting tomorrow and then it's resignation date on Friday so I'm expecting to either be presented with an alternative role or to be made redundant. It's all fairly horrible and quite frankly scary. As a core subject teacher I didn't expect to be worried about finding another job but these are unprecedented times in the independent sector. I'm having to consider state which I haven't worked in for over a decade and honestly would struggle to return to for a number of reasons. But I have also been applying with no success so far so need to keep options open.

I will have to wait and see what is said tomorrow. Fortunate to have the most supportive line manager who will be attending with me. Otherwise, am dreading it.