Without wanting to state the obvious, this was something for discussion at the point that the contract change was agreed.

When I issue part time contract variations, I include some wording like this:

While we are able to accommodate your request for part time hours, I must be clear that in so doing we must not compromise on the education provided to our pupils. In the same way as full time members of staff, you will be expected to participate in parents’ evenings, co-curricular activities, training, meetings and events. These may not always fall within your usual working days/hours, but we will endeavour to give as much notice as is practical of these core commitments. You will also need to check and respond to emails in order to fulfil your role in the school.

In practice, there will be some staff meetings that are essential, some that your teacher might be able to dial into on Teams (while we meet in person most weeks, we always have a laptop open with Teams, so that those who need to join remotely can do so), and some that they can catch up on with their manager the next day. Being clear about which are which, is the key.

Hope that helps.

Nina

Hi Naomi

I agree with Nina's stance on this - we create a directed time calendar for all part time teachers and agree those essential task/duties outside of their part-time hours in advance, and whether they can accrue TOIL or are to be paid.

But to answer your question, if you have contracted hours specifically stated in the contract e.g. 8.30-12.30 / mornings, then all you can do is ask if they'll attend and compensate them accordingly for their additional time if deemed directed time for a full time teacher. They can of course refuse to attend, and there is nothing you can do other than allow them their prorated non-contact time to catch up on anything they have missed.

In reply to Nina Waters:

Hi,

Thank you for this - it is really helpful. I will go back to the school and ask what was agreed verbally and what was put in writing, if anything, regarding directed time.

I don't know if it puts a slightly different spin on it, but the change was made following a phased return after a long-term sickness absence (mental health condition). I believe it was quite a delicate situation, however, as you say, it should have been part of that conversation and agreement.

Thanks again,

Naomi

In reply to Kimberly:

Hi,

Thank you very much for this, it is really useful information. I will get a copy of the contract from the school and check the exact wording.

Thanks again,

Naomi