Ask the union

Parent friends on social media

I’M friends with the parent of a child I teach and we recently connected on social media. I’ve been told this is unprofessional by management, but the school does not have a social media policy. Surely I’m entitled to a private life?

Of course you are entitled to a private life, but it is important, for your own protection, to be aware of professional and social boundaries.

It is not advisable to accept or invite Friend requests from pupils, their parents or ex-pupils under the age of 18. Even if the friendship developed out of school, caution still needs to be exercised.

Rather than criticising you, your school should instead work constructively with staff and union reps to develop a social media policy that everyone understands and supports.

n Visit neu.org.uk/advice/social-media-and-

online-safety

’Not needed’ now pregnant

I AM a support staff worker on a fixed-term contract. The school led me to believe I’d be kept on next year, but I recently found out that I am pregnant and now am being told I’m not needed anymore. I’m really upset as I love the school and was hoping to stay there. I’m also worried about my lack of income.

If you notified the school of your pregnancy and its change of position regarding you being kept on next year followed on from that communication, you may be a victim of pregnancy discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. The ending of your fixed-term contract might be an automatically unfair dismissal, particularly if there is an ongoing need for the role to continue beyond the end of your fixed-term contract.

Speak to your workplace rep or contact the NEU AdviceLine. Be aware that time limits in discrimination cases are very short: only three months less one day from the date of the act complained of.

IMAGE by 13_Phunkod

Fixed-term contract

I WAS offered a fixed-term contract for what appears to be a permanent vacancy – a colleague left their position and I applied for the job. It feels like the school is ‘testing the waters’ with me. Is there anything I can do?

Unless there is a legitimate reason for a post to be offered as a fixed-term contract – for example, sickness or maternity cover, or timelimited funding – your employer shouldn’t be offering a contract for an ongoing post on a fixed-term basis. Query this with human resources and ask whether it is a mistake.

If you have been employed by your current employer for longer than two years before taking the new role, you have the right not to be unfairly dismissed regardless of whether the fixed-term contract has an end date. So there is little point in appointing you via a fixed-term contract as they would not be able to lawfully end your employment when the contract expires without risking an unfair dismissal claim.

If this remains unresolved following your contact with HR, speak to your NEU rep or call the AdviceLine if you do not have a rep.

n Call the NEU AdviceLine on 0345 811 8111

Please email your questions to

educate@neu.org.uk

Free CPD webinars for all NEU members

NEU members have exclusive access to our continuing professional development (CPD) webinars. Here are some of the courses coming up.

Primary: support for children with speech and language challenges

Tools and approaches for primary educators and support staff to help children’s speech and language development, including how to plan for pupils needing a more targeted approach, and how to involve and support parents. 24 January from 3.45-5pm

Early heads/deputies coaching development programme

A five-month online development programme for aspiring deputies and heads in the early stages of their career. One-to-one coaching and group sessions build confidence and purpose while exploring psychological changes that accompany the move into leadership.

1 February-8 June

Supply members – Educare bundle

The NEU has partnered with Educare to offer a range of accredited, online courses for NEU supply members. Topics include safeguarding, student mental health and wellbeing, first aid essentials, and tackling bullying. Each course can be completed when convenient to you.

Available until 31 March

n Webinars are recorded and made available for seven days afterwards for those who have registered, to view at a convenient time. n To book or for more information, email cpd@neu.org.uk or visit neu.org.uk/national-cpd