Day to day supply cover in schools.

[GLASGOWOODS]

Toilet breaks are mentioned so frequently because many teachers don't have the time to take them, whether you find it "incredible" or not. It might seem surprising to many people who work in areas where they can relieve themselves at will. The very fact you've mentioned contract-based conditions shows how little you know about a profession where contractual obligations mean nothing.

 

Haha! My contract comment was 'tongue in cheek.' Why bother signing a contract if it means nothing? Not a smart move in my book.

 

Anyhow, I shall ask again...Why can't teachers find a few minutes to visit the toilet?

[Becky B]

Toilet breaks are mentioned so frequently because many teachers don't have the time to take them, whether you find it "incredible" or not. It might seem surprising to many people who work in areas where they can relieve themselves at will. The very fact you've mentioned contract-based conditions shows how little you know about a profession where contractual obligations mean nothing.

 

I'd just like to dip into the thread hear to point out it's not just teachers that don't get toilet breaks (or lunch breaks) - it happens to other professions as well.

 

Professions that also have to train for several years to get into a job, and don't have time to continue their professional development, regularly work over their contracted hours and attend training on days off.

And they may only get (a generous) 5-6 weeks annual leave...

[amazon123]

I'd just like to dip into the thread hear to point out it's not just teachers that don't get toilet breaks (or lunch breaks) - it happens to other professions as well.

 

Professions that also have to train for several years to get into a job, and don't have time to continue their professional development, regularly work over their contracted hours and attend training on days off.

And they may only get (a generous) 5-6 weeks annual leave...

 

They should be challenging their working conditions then.

[Becky B]

They should be challenging their working conditions then.

 

To what purpose? According to the managers it's their own problem if they don't get a break. There's not much that can practically be done to change the working conditions/environment, and they all chose to do that job.

 

I was just making the point that it's not only teachers who have to work hard...

[jemson]

 

Anyhow, I shall ask again...Why can't teachers find a few minutes to visit the toilet?

 

Often teachers may be teaching several lessons consecutively all through morning or afternoon. Break-times usually involve speaking to students or duties. You cannot leave young people unsupervised.

[alchresearch]

Often teachers may be teaching several lessons consecutively all through morning or afternoon. Break-times usually involve speaking to students or duties. You cannot leave young people unsupervised.

 

I find it hard to believe that there are no opportunities for a break in all that time. The usual timetable is a couple of lessons then a 15-20 minute break, two more then lunch, then one more to the end of the day. The unions would have a field day if someone wasn't getting their dedicated break.

[jemson]

Believe it. As i wrote, break times are often spent with students who may be finishing off work, meetings or doing detentions. Having lunch can also be difficult. The pace of a day teaching is something that many people do not appreciate. The number of social interactions is huge and often intense.

[Hesther]

I find it hard to believe that there are no opportunities for a break in all that time. The usual timetable is a couple of lessons then a 15-20 minute break, two more then lunch, then one more to the end of the day. The unions would have a field day if someone wasn't getting their dedicated break.

 

The unions are fully aware of the situation.

[Annie Bynnol]

I find it hard to believe that there are no opportunities for a break in all that time. The usual timetable is a couple of lessons then a 15-20 minute break, two more then lunch, then one more to the end of the day. The unions would have a field day if someone wasn't getting their dedicated break.

 

There is no legal or contractual entitlement for any breaks* for teachers in the morning or afternoon sessions also teachers are required to be at work for twenty minutes every school lunchtime.**

 

*Historically teachers have covered the children's play time by a rota, giving some of their colleagues a break.

Head teachers can and do often require/instruct teachers to supervise the childrens' breaks outside this rota.

 

**The minimum contract a teacher has requires that they work 10 minutes before the morning session to 10 minutes after the morning session and start 10 minutes before the afternoon session to 10 minutes after the afternoon session. Since legal minimum lunchtime is twenty minutes a school lunch should last a minimum of forty minutes.

 

One of the biggest headaches unions have is sorting out problems associated with teachers missing break cover.

 

Teachers also volunteer to do 'twilight' training when not required to and attend more than one meeting a week when most are not require to, fail to claim travel allowances for parents evenings and similar events etc.

[ez8004]

Doctors are overpaid.

 

Apparently not. Doctors are paid what they are worth. If they were overpaid there would be pressure to decrease their pay and it would happen. Since it hasn't happened it means that the NHS deems it reasonable to pay them as they are.

 

Teachers on the other hand are paid what they deserve. If teachers don't like it, do what everyone else does when they are in a job they are dissatisfied with and quit. There are others who will fill their place.