Deflated

[Mystical37]

Hello,

I have been having some work related issues. I was employed as a LSA, the beginning of this year. My probation period was up before this summer break (that would have been my 6 months). Fast forward to a week or two ago, they told me that they were going to extend it by 3 more months after the summer break, as they felt I needed a little more training, and for me to set some goals, which I did. My manager even said that my goals and ideas were very good. Anyhow, a week ago, I got called in again to be told that they were no longer going to extend my probation period and that they will pay me up until after the summer break—literally a space of a couple of weeks.

This has left me feeling a little baffled, and confused, as there was no negative feedback, not even in my training. The pupils parents have not yet been informed of my departure either and school finished last week. Could there be something odd going on here?

My guess is they can’t afford it and didn’t want to tell the parents, so sorry this has happened to you

But the parents pay for their child x

Lack of money in school generally and you’re the easiest target?
They will presumably move another LSA over to work with the child you’re currently with.

I would ask about holiday pay…surely you are paid pro rata up until 31st August? Have you got the original advert? Suggest that otherwise it might be below minimum wage?

I assume if the parents pay it's a private school. If that's the case could it be the child is leaving or no longer requires support. Did you ask your manager the reason? Is it possible the parents have put in a complaint about you.

I contacted the parents wishing their child all the best for the future. They had no idea and said they were really happy with the work that I had been doing with their child.

I imagine they will be getting a cheaper, potentially apprentice, in to ‘train up’ but ostensibly a member of staff whose wages are paid by elsewhere, freeing up the EHCP funding of that child. Unless the parents are making direct payments to you, the school pays your wages. The ehcp funding is for all aspects of that students accommodations, including but not limited to 1:1 TA support. It rarely covers a full TA wage unless the child has very significant needs and disabilities.