Wanting to apply to go part-time

[CrochetDiva]

I'm in need of some advice.

I work full-time in a secondary school, as Head of Languages, but want to go part-time for health reasons: I've been off work since January with a balance disorder, and, while I'm now coming out of it, and hope to be back in work before the end of the summer term, the potential for it to recur is high, especially given the high stress levels I encounter in my job.

I've been told I have to apply to the School Governors who have never allowed a HoD to go part-time before, so my letter needs to be perfect.

I also have 2 children who are 8 and 3, but don't know whether to apply for this under the flexible working rules or for health reasons.

Can anybody give me any advice?

Why not apply under both or the health reason first then the Flex working if they refuse.

If the main cause is the stress of your job would they not allow you to drop being a HoD and go part time?

Would working part time as a HoD lead to less stress or doing the same levels of work in fewer days?

I love being a HoD, and the idea would be that ANOther would take on my HoD role during the days I wasn't there.

What sort of things should I write in my letter?

Do you have any advice from your GP to support your request?

I would suggest you work out how P/t working could be advantageous to your employer. How much money would they save? Are you on a TLR as HoD, as this would be pro rated along with the rest of your salary - and don't forget they will save the 14.1% employer's pension costs and around 10% national insurance costs on the salary that you lose - if they are running a tight budget this may be of benefit. Are you on a school with falling rolls - what are your future year intakes predicted to be? (ie could they lose part of your timetable without having to replace it). You need to show them how you would make P/t work - how would you ensure the smooth running of the dept whilst working P/T? How would you catch up with any INSET sessions missed? What about parents evenings - could you be flexible to ensure you attend as many of these as possible?

Good luck with your application

Thank you: this is so helpful.

I do have a letter from the consultant to my GP (well, it's on my record) saying that I would benefit from being able to work part-time - should I include a copy of that in the letter?

I am on a TLR as HoD - do I need to assume that they won't do the maths and point it out to them how much they'll save by my working part-time? And I take it that I should also address things like meetings, parents' evenings and INSET.

I'm in a fairly good position there: although I've been off, I've written my DIP, reports, and have helped out with the exams nightmare from home - whilst officially being off sick. Should I put that I would still be available via email on my days off for any emergency? And should I say how much I've been doing at home?

So basically, you want to job share?
I jobshare. You need to present a business case really about how the school will not suffer from you doing so, Ideally, you need to find a jobshare partner, with suitable experience and agree your opposing hours, allowing for some hand over. The girl I jobshare with has suitable experience for the role, but a very different backgroudn to me so we bring a wide range of experience and ideas to the role.

Saying that you will contactable at home on your days off is unacceptable; either you work part time or you don't.