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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.

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