Ppa Time

[Guest]

Hi there,

 

Just wondered if anyone could help. I am a FT Reception class teacher in a primary school. Every week I receive my appropriate PPA time (half a day) and up to quite recently have always worked at home. The value of this uninterrupted time is an essential lifeline to me - I really don't know what I would do without it. Even with it, I am working every evening, all day Saturday and at least four hours on Sunday.

 

I am becoming more and more frustrated as my PPA time seems to be becoming more regulated by the HT of late. She arranges meetings for me during this time (in school), stipulates what must be done and says when I should stay in school instead of coming home.

 

I am SO cross, just wanted a rant really, but does anyone know what the guidelines for PPA time are. Should the HT be able to stipulate what we should be doing and where? I know I am perhaps lucky that I am allowed to come home to work - but still feel this is my right. Anyone know please?

 

Thanks

[AnonyMouse_4544]

You head can insist you remain in school but can not schedule meetings for your PPA time without reimbursing you the time spent attending.

[AnonyMouse_73]

Hi Centurians

 

I don't think you have the right to insist that you work from home, we always had PPA with our year group partner so we could plan together. But your head should not be planning meetings in this time for you to attend.

 

Perhaps others know more?

[AnonyMouse_73]

Ahah great minds Marion..

[AnonyMouse_4544]

Guaranteed PPA time must be used for planning, preparation and

assessment – these duties are contained in the relevant paragraphs of the

Document. The time must not be encroached upon, including by any

obligation to cover for absent colleagues. It is for the teacher to determine the

particular PPA priorities for each block of guaranteed PPA time, although that

does not preclude them from choosing to use some of the time to support

collaborative activities.

[AnonyMouse_79]

I dont think your head can make demands on this time in any way, it is for you to use as you need for planning, preparation and assessment, although you can be asked to stay in school.

[AnonyMouse_1195]

Absolutely right. Look up the STPCD and also have a look at you union guidance. It is up to you to decide what to do within this time, and you cannot be told what to do. Of course you should be using it for its purpose. If your HT says you should be on the premises then you have to be. Some schools allow staff to stay at home and others don't, as there could be problems with you working at home, say if you had an accident, as you are 'working' so there could be insurance difficulties (so I'm told). This time has to be time-tabled but sometimes you do have to be a bit flexible.

[Guest]

Apparently, your Head cannot stop you working at home, so I was told last week by a NUT.

[AnonyMouse_1195]

I don't think your advice was correct, PPA time is part of your directed time (1265 hours)and the HT can tell you where that time should be spent.

[AnonyMouse_4544]

"PPA time is for teachers to organise and plan their teaching work. It is for the teacher to determine the particular PPA priorities for each block of guaranteed PPA time, although this does not preclude them for choosing to use some of that time to support collaborative activities. The Headteacher, therefore, cannot mandate what is done during PPA time, but should be interested in the outcomes and impact on standards. However, PPA is part of the 1.265 hours and headteachers direct this time. Consequently it is up to the headteacher where PPA takes place. Headteachers may allow teachers to undertake PPA outside of school if they believe this will be helpful to the teacher and practicable for the school."

 

remember too the NUT isn't part of the workforce agreement

[Guest]

We've certainly always had to stay in school except for extenuating circumstances, otherwise there aren't enough teachers in school for the number of children. Plus our PPA is 10-12 so it would not be possible to be at home!!!

[Guest]

Hi everybody,

 

Thanks for those gems of advice. I will just have to grin and bear it though, because I'm not one for "rocking the boat", but it is nice to know the official guidelines.

 

Thanks again.