[CooperUK]

Well, it's back to the coalface tomorrow following my time away from work.

Some of you may have seen my thread about my dad and other family/health related issues.

I am very nervous at the moment, worrying about the reaction of staff and students alike, but am determined to get back to 'normal'.

Also, still worried about my dad, who is still in hospital, having had his kidneys go bung to add to the rest of his troubles.

Wish me luck.

I remember reading your other thread, and the overriding impression I got was that you not only love teaching, but that you are very good at it. Hopefully you will get some understanding from those around you, colleagues and students. So I reckon look at the situation as your chance to get back to what you like and have some fun! As I'm sure you do, take pride in your teaching, and enjoy it! It'll be a chance to feel good about yourself. Good luck!

Best of British, mate!

[The Dude]

Coop, based on how much worrying about it you have been doing recently, I'd wager a fair amount that you'll find actually being back at work comes as a huge relief.

[Battlestar]

Mate, I deal with over 1000 students every day in my job, its not easy and you have my sympathys. Good luck and lets us know how you get on

[rdt123]

Good luck mate. In my experince as a teacher most students are pretty nice really, and most staff are professional, supportive and understanding

best wishes

GL mate, remember you can't fix everything that will have inevitably not been done whilst you have been away, straight away. If they start pushing hard straight away, then don't be afraid to push back.

Take it one step at a time, and I'm sure you'll be getting back to normal soon enough.

Prediction - your first day back will go very, very quickly

[eviljohn2]

Best of luck mate, go and help prepare some students for the real world.

[la gran siete]

good luck . We'll all be rooting for you

[Miyazaki]

Isn't it half-term this week up there?

[Pbryanw]

no, that was last week.

[Bernard Barnett]

If you weren't nervous you wouldn't be any good at what you do. Many years ago I knew a famous writer who once said "I never sit down at the typewriter without thinking 'this time I am going to fail'."

[CooperUK]

Taught four lessons today and they went quite well.

Apparently (according to a colleague) some of my GCSE students were very excited and happy that I was back.

All in all, a good start on the road to recovery.

Staff either ignored my being away (which I thought was good) or were actively supportive (which was also good).

[MonkeyKnuckle]

where do you teach in Hampshire?

[CooperUK]

Possibly best not to mention that.

[lynx]

I'm glad to here your return went well.What support mechanisms are being put in place by your employer to help and assist you with the situation at work and are you continuing to pick up the workload of one of your colleagues?

[Bristol Pete]

Coop,

Glad things went well today. Good luck for the rest of the week. Hope your Dad is doing ok too...

Pete.

[CooperUK]

Originally Posted by lynx

What support mechanisms are being put in place by your employer to help and assist you with the situation at work and are you continuing to pick up the workload of one of your colleagues?

Not doing the other colleagues work at the moment, and have no intention of doing so again at present.

My doctor advised mornings only (50%-60%)for a couple of weeks - the school cut my timetable by 20%.

No support mechanisms in place other than, welcome back, get on with it.

I have written to some senior colleagues and my union rep to find out what should be going on.

Anyone out there know what sort of support I should be getting?

[Digger]

Originally Posted by CooperUK

I have written to some senior colleagues and my union rep to find out what should be going on.

Coop. Dont wait for the union rep to reply. I would ring them. From my own observations of a friend's predicament, they should be able to give you some good advice, reasonably quickly, as well as meet with you face to face, if you wish. It was probably a different union to yours, so speed of response might be different.

[lynx]

Originally Posted by CooperUK

My doctor advised mornings only (50%-60%)for a couple of weeks - the school cut my timetable by 20%.

No support mechanisms in place other than, welcome back, get on with it.

Anyone out there know what sort of support I should be getting?

Have you been referred to occupational health? If not consider self referring anyway.Hopefully your phased return is at no detriment to either your earnings or annual leave entitlement - it shouldn't be provided you haven't exhausted your sick leave.
Support would consist of taking reasonable measures to ensure you are not exposed to stress trigger points unnecessarily,ensuring your workload is monitored and kept at reasonable levels.You really should speak to your union rep and H&S rep as they should have training in dealing with these issues.
Two other points, under H&S at work Act 1974, your employer has legal obligations to ensure your safety in the workplace. The effects of your stress may have recognition under the Disability Discrimination Act, occupational health and your union can advise on the specifics.

You may find this useful...http://www.hse.gov.uk/sicknessabsence/index.htm