[senco-forum] Judged after one year

Greg

I am a reasonable experienced SENCo in a large secondary school (1300+
students, 11-16) in the North West.

I was appointed as a non-teaching SENCo 6 years ago and have always picked
up a few classes - now, in a 2-week timetable, I am with students for 14
lessons out of 50 - only 4 of these are whole-class lessons though.

I have a large team of support staff, a full time secretary and three senior
Teaching assistants with managerial responsibility, along with 2 specialist
teachers.  I still do not have enough time to conduct things as I would like
- 3 hours per week is totally unreasonable.

On a different note I was the subject of competency proceedings last year,
under a different regime than I have currently.  Needless to say there was
no foundation to any of the case points .... however it did not stop the
sleepless nights, and even thought I am a strong character - occasions when
I broke down.

I am now much stronger for the experience - but if you can avoid having to
go through anything like what I had to you should try at all costs.

My advice, having been through similar experiences recently are to consult
your UNION immediately.  Document everything - have these 'issues' been
brought up in line-management meetings?  Were you given opportunities to
address their perceived issues as the year progressed?  In my case
line-management meetings were virtually non-existent - a useful source of
evidence.

Take their advice (UNION) to the letter - my bloke was superb - met me at
school for meetings at 07:30 to brief me and then came in with me and did a
really good job.

What I found really hard was not getting into 'petty arguments' - even if
you were right it is better not to get into the 'but this happened, then you
did that etc....' argument.  Stick to the main facts and take the advice of
your rep.

I was lucky enough to also have the support of some [quite senior] Local
Authority officers - this really got the old Head's back up!!!  But added
weight to the unfounded nature of the proceedings.

Can you get the support/backing of any LA officially and/or Advisors?

Are their other SENCos in your Authority who can assist with the percentage
teaching they do etc?  Maybe they can offer you support more directly?

As with any of these sorts of issues - we talk in terms of risks to our
mental health - for every risk we need to show resilience.

This resilience, for me, came from friends and colleagues - I chose not to
involve my family much, although with close families this is an important
factor.

So many of the staff were supportive of me - another thing the Head didn't
like - especially as he said no one else should know!!!

Make sure you use the support of colleagues and friends [and family],
document everything and keep a clear and as un-emotive head as you can.  My
union rep. was pretty amazing at 'reeling me in' and keeping the case to the
factual points.

I know it is hard - I have been there and through it - try and keep things
in perspective and if there is anything further you feel I any be able to
help with please do not hesitate to let me know.

Gareth

Now under new regime and flourishing - there is light at the end of the
tunnel!

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Greg
Sent: 03 February 2008 12:23
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: [senco-forum] Judged after one year - normal?

Hi,

I have been in post (SENCo) for one year. The head and assistant head
consider that was enough time for me to learn the job, which was new to me.
After working all the hours god sends for these disadvantaged/low attaining
children, (not complaining - I enjoy doing it!) this is not enough for the
head and assistant head. They want me out. I teach 18 hours a week - they
have given me 3 hours a week to do the job (they are adamant that is enough
time) - I do have an admin assistant, 850 on role - 84 on SEN register.

So, the question is: is one year the normal length of time for judging? 

Greg