Page 22
Ask the Union
Q I am a deputy head teacher currently looking for a suitable headship post. A colleague told me that teachers applying for headship posts no longer require the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Is this true?
A It is true that, due to the removal of regulations by the Government, it is no longer a requirement for people applying for a headship for the first time to hold the NPQH. On 8 February 2012 the NPQH became optional.
The reason the Government gave for the change is to allow schools more flexibility in choosing leaders.
Governing bodies recruiting a new head may still wish to state a preference on the job specification that candidates applying for the post should have the NPQH. They may choose to prioritise candidates who have the NPQH over those who do not.
Current participants in the NPQH programme should complete their course as this is not affected by the change. The NPQH will continue to be recognised as a professional qualification although applicants for the autumn 2012 course will begin a redesigned programme.
Further details about the changes that have been made to the NPQH can be found at
www.nationalcollege.org.uk
Q I will be returning to work from maternity leave in three months’ time and intend to carry on breastfeeding. I would like to be able to express milk twice a day while at school. Is my school obliged to provide facilities to enable me to do this and am I entitled to ‘breastfeeding breaks’?
A Employers are legally required to provide a place for breastfeeding mothers to rest, including, where necessary, somewhere to lie down. Although there’s no legal requirement to provide a facility for expressing or storing milk, it’s clearly good practice and some employers have policies that cover the provision of a comfortable, private room and a secure, clean fridge.
Continued on page 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52