Email to head teacher... suggestions??

[PartTimeTeacher]

For context, I applied (informally to reduce my hours from 3 to 2 days per week). My Head denied this. I then received an email to say the school would be changing my working days to include a Thursday.

I've spoken to my union and upon their advice drafted the following email to respond to the changes:

Good afternoon XXX,

I am writing to you in response to the outlined changes to my contracted working pattern.

I would of course like to accommodate the needs of the school and appreciate the reasons for the proposed restructuring of my hours. However, the additional hours on a Thursday aren't convenient for my family needs and childcare requirements. In addition to this, I think that the additional working day would cause added stress and also anxiety about my child's well-being as a result of losing this morning with him. As my current contractual days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I hope to keep these as my working days upon my return from maternity leave. If this is not possible, I would like to request a consultation to discuss the matter further.

I would also like to take this opportunity to assure you that I am a dedicated member of staff at XXXX Primary School and that I am committed to raising standards across school and within the UKS2 unit. I am looking forward to returning to my position in the coming months and continuing my role alongside the other hard-working staff at XXXX.

It is therefore my aim to come up with a solution that fits around my new and and increased childcare responsibilities and costs while continuing to support the the school. I would, for that reason, like to propose the folllowing solution with the previously made considerations in mind.

I propose the following working pattern, which would maintain the integrity of the core subjects:
Monday 8:30-12:30 4hrs
Tuesday 8:30-12:30 4hrs
Wednesday 8:30-3:00 5.5hrs
This would equate to 13.5hrs in total. I would be happy to negotiate an additional 15 minutes of directed time to increase this to 50% (0.5) equivalent.

I would like to confirm that both my previous and current requests are informal and I have not yet made statutory flexible working request in line with Flexible Working Policy.

I am hoping we can come to an agreement before I return to work on 20th May because, as always, I am dedicated to ensuring that the the needs of the school are being maintained.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

XXX

I am confused. So you've gone from 3 days wanting 2, and now being asked to up it to 4, and now begging to stay on 3?

Why isn't your letter discussing the fact you put in a 2 day request so why ask me to do 3??

I hate to give you anxiety, but i wonder if they are trying to make you look difficult / not appropriate for the role anymore so you agree to leave?

I would remove all the emotive content about your child's wellbeing in para 2 and your increased childcare commitment in para 4 because (a)they don't care and (b)you are giving them additional information that they could use for leverage against you.

Ask for what you want, give supporting facts (not emotions), reiterate that you are committed to the post and leave it at that.

You need to address this point-

"I would like to confirm that both my previous and current requests are informal and I have not yet made statutory flexible working request in line with Flexible Working Policy."

@workoholic, I went to 3 days (0.6) around 3 years ago when I had DC1. Before I return to work with DC2, I requested a reduction to 0.4 from my current 0.6.

They told me they'll be spreading the hours to include Thursday mornings (by removing Tue/Wed afternoon from my timetable).

This change doesn't suit me at all, so I'm
trying to compromise with them.

My union agrees it's unfair and I have their backing.

You should have updated your existing thread so people would have the context.

Did your union advise you to make the comments about childcare, wellbeing and anxiety?

Was it their advice to counteroffer 0.5 when you're currently 0.6? Is that wise to propose a contractual change when your argument is that you want to protect your existing contractual terms?

@workoholic, maybe they are... if they are completely unwilling to accommodate my requests then I'll assume that's the case. I'll see when I send the email and hopefully they'll be understanding of my position as I don't actually want to leave! 🤞🏻

@Piffpaffpoff, I read that this is a good thing to include in flexible working requests. If that's not the case, I'll remove it!

Their position was they still needed you at 0.6 albeit different pattern.

Is it a "compromise" to say you won't work the Thursday and you also still want to reduce your hours?

What are you giving them here? You're taking away the Thursday and taking away 0.1 FTE.

@PTSDBarbiegirl, sorry my brain is mush as the moment. Can you clarify what you mean?

Why isn't your union advising you on the content of this email rather than internet randoms?

Your boss doesn't care about your family needs, childcare arrangements or your kid's well-being. Take all that out.

@freezefade, I spoken to advisors over the phone who have answered my questions and made suggestions. I have been referred to a case worker but one hasn't been in touch yet.

I'm just trying to do my best to come up with a soluation, but I seems this isn't it from the responses.

I'm anxious and stressed at the moment and at a loss.

Why haven't you triggered the flexible working policy already? Any union would advise this route. Anything else is really just scoping out your HT. Under the T&C's of your contract the FW policy will be an option but obviously you need to follow whatever procedure is agreed, otherwise you're not really 'applying' for anything. Contact your union again.

@PTSDBarbiegirl, they've said informal discussion at this point it ok and I should make clear it's not a formal request because you obviously only get one of these per year.

What is your role at the school? How flexible is it possible to be in the role?

@workoholic, I'm part of team of 4 teachers shared between two classes. 3 are full time teachers and I'm currently on 0.6.
There is xx another unit in school that is the same as ours but PT staff member is 0.4.

I wonder if any of them are trying to change their hours which is why?

That's good but if your HT is responding with offers I'd just use the FW policy right away, other considerations can be factored in (family needs etc) by looking at Health, Safety & Well being at work aspects. Your union should have a trained person in their branch office or HQ. I'd speak to them before taking any other advice. It's confidential and if your not happy ask to speak to the national member.

@workoholic, it's because they don't need me to be available in the afternoons for teaching foundation subjects (arts, humanities etc.) and instead what me to provide further support during the mornings for core subjects. The new schedule would mean smaller groups for children Monday - Thursday rather than Monday - Wednesday.

@PTSDBarbiegirl, the new working pattern want related to my request at all. They said they'd consider it, denied it and then separately emailed (quite a few days later) to update me of the changes.

I'll take this on board and will hold off emailing just yet. I'll try to speak with my case worker before I submit anything further. I'll try to call tomorrow.

Guessing when they refused your request they knew this update was coming then as was probably already in discussion.

I disagree with some of the above posters because a school should really be quite hot on children's wellbeing. It might well piss off any SLT who work more full time with kids, though.

I would be tempted to throw in something like "having consulted with my union".

I don’t understand why you have made two informal requests?

Surely the best way to resolve this is to make a formal request.

The HT is not responsible for the decision. Governors ( or trustees in a MAT) will make a decision based on the best ‘business case’ (needs of the school).
The employee needs are not relevant, only the needs of the employer. Decisions taken are not personal, just an objective view of need, following the policy for a formal request.

ACAS outline the process and rights regarding flexible working.
https://www.acas.org.uk/flexible-working

I found it really confusing. Seems like you are going from 0.6 to 13.5 hours a week which is what? 0.2?

@IsthisthereallifeIsthisjustfantasy, I thought the school would have a responsibility to take this into account. I don't want my head to be put out by the comments so I suppose I'm better sticking to the facts of childcare not being compatible. There's a clause in my contract that makes it possible for them to change my hours so there may be nothing I can do in the end but want to try my luck and see if there's any flexibility to what they're suggesting.