I’m following this whole thread very closely.
I’m a type 1 teaching assistant in a middle school. (Years 5 to 8.)
My head fought with staff all throughout the summer about mask wearing, basically refusing point blank.
I sent numerous emails saying how much more vulnerable I am and he still said no.
In the end I asked my diabetes consultant to write to him insisting he allowed me to wear a mask.
This was still a problem for my head, he phoned saying he needed to discuss it further.
He knew in May my intention of returning to work in September, under the condition I wear a mask.
He did not carry out a risk assessment until yesterday, breaching the Union’s advice.
Then at the last minute, he said masks were optional in corridors but MUST be removed in class rooms. (Due to the government’s last minute guidelines.)
Four staff, (all in the NEU,) decided to start as we meant to go on and wore our masks on teacher training day. We did not remove them, making a point.
The head didn’t bring the matter up, we believe he realised he couldn’t do anything.
All staff move around school and the children stay in the same classroom throughout the day.
The classes are small and poorly ventilated, (old building,) all classes have 32-34 children sitting shoulder to shoulder, the teacher and a TA.
It’s very difficult to stay 2m away, I’m unable to support the children and I am following the ‘2m guidelines’ stringently.
All the other TA’s are ignoring the guidelines, they sit right next to the children and there is no social distancing between staff.
I brought this up with he head and he sent an email asking staff to remember to the 2m rule. It’s not made any difference.
He asked me what the school is doing well, I had to think of something. I told him hand sanitizer was a small bonus but it’s cancelled out by everything else.
I’m mixing with almost 300 children throughout the day, hot seating with their year group bubbles.
Following my meting with him (my union rep supported me) I went into the school office to get the laminator and the bitchy office manager and business manager said if I was so “scared” they would pass the laminator through the window.
They then told me I want allowed in an empty classroom to laminate as it was not scheduled to be used or cleaned until Monday.
I told them I would wipe down everything I touched in the classroom.
On return to the office with the laminator, the office manager literally threw the wet wipes at me and told me to wipe the laminator down. I told her I already had, and she replied, “yes, but you had to carry it down the corridor.”
This was uncalled for and since it happened right after my risk assessment meeting (the business manager took notes,) I feel the conversation i had in the meeting room has been discussed with the office manager, therefore breaking confidentiality.
I have used the laminator previously and was not asked to clean it, nor are any of my colleagues. We are all touching photo copiers and door handles constantly, and we all must remember to clean out hands as much as possible. It’s impossible to keep ‘clean’ 100%.
I’m extremely anxious and feel I’m the only one who cares, other than my union members and rep.
I mentioned what the office staff had said to my friend/colleague (who is also my union rep.)
She immediately said that was a union matter and low level bullying which could escalate. I gave her a full and detailed account of what was said and how I felt and she emailed my head on my behalf and as union rep.
He won’t accept the email unless I have an informal conversation as per the grievance policy. I told him I was not going to discuss it informally without my union rep. He won’t do it and said if I want it resolving it must be done as per the grievance policy.
Due to my fragile state, anxiety and stress, I do not want to have to go over things again and again. My blood sugars are all over the place, every say I go to work and something else happens.
Sadly, I don’t have the “fight” in me to peruse this grievance informally so the office staff have “won”.
This is not me, I fight for my rights.....
I just want peace.
****** hell, I can’t believe how much I’ve written...... if nobody reads it I can wholeheartedly understand. It’s get it off my chest so I suppose it’s been of benefit.
I want to see my GP and attempt to be signed off for anxiety. I feel physically sick, I can feel my heart beating in my throat, I’m shaky and can’t sleep, focus or smile. I’m so disengaged.
Happy weekend.....
Post edited by moderator in line with forum rules on acceptable language
