Head or heart?

[Ivostas66]

I have been under the weather on and off for a few weeks and noticed an average increase from 6.5 to over 8 in terms of BG levels. I was not at work on Thursday and Friday as my BG levels have been very high followed by sudden drops. Managed to see an out of hours GP on Saturday who confirmed a bad respiratory infection, which I have clearly had for some time. Strong antibiotics and suggestion that I contact my DSNs with a potential return to work by Tuesday (tomorrow).

Spoke to my DSN this morning who confirmed that the spikes and crashes are potentially not being helped/ maybe even caused by the infection. She said that a return to work should be OK tomorrow as long as there is no increased stress. Whilst I was speaking to her an email at work popped up to say that Ofsted are coming in for the next two days for a full inspection and my department (the most stable and successful at the school) is part of their focus. My DSN said "typical" and that even though she could not sway my decision either way, my health clearly comes first. Since I found out about the visit, my levels have been high (a big spike around 14 after reading the email!)

The Head and Deputy have both said the same thing - the decision to come in is mine and they would support it either way.

My 'head' says stay away and concentrate on getting my levels stable and resting so that the infection clears quicker. My 'heart' says I need to be there for my department, students and the rest of the teaching staff. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[zoombapup]

Head, every time. Seriously, education is a long game, not a short term thing. Don't risk yourself for the sake of something as daft as an official inspection. The others will deal with it just fine, these types of institutions are meant to not be dependant on one person, so now's your chance to test that out!

 

[Thebearcametoo]

It’s ok to be off sick. You didn’t deliberately get ill to coincide with Ofsted. You will get better quicker if you rest properly and keep away from stress.

if you do go in then look at managing your insulin according to sick day rules/stress as you will likely be running higher than usual but it’s better if you’re also testing more frequently than usual if using additional insulin so that may not be practical in amongst a busy teaching day.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I think it’s very easy to feel ‘fine’ and even heap self-inflicted guilt on yourself for not returning soon - but there’s a world of difference between beginning to feel OK when off work, and being ready to take on full-on days.

And you’ll not be much help to your team if you are back but only firing on half cylinders.

Give yourself a little more time to get properly better I reckon. 🙂

 

[Bexlee]

I worried about levels when we got ‘the call’ but found my higher levels actually lowered when it came to it and we had Ofsted 3 weeks into term in September.....after massive whole scale changes to a number of things within the school and the new framework which is quite different etc.

I’m sure it’ll be fine either way (we - teachers -all feel so responsible even when ill) if you decide you’re fit for work or not. Only you can decide (will you worry more and make levels worse if you’re not there?).

Best of luck with it.let us know how it goes when you’re allowed to.

 

[Ivostas66]

Didn't go in yesterday, but went in today for day 2. Levels were a bit wobbly and I fended off a hypo around midday, but coped otherwise. Exhausted now though.

The last inspection referred to us as a "very, very good school indeed" and we probably should have been given an outstanding judgement. The new framework means there can't be an immediate change in grading, it just means we will have another visit within 12 months if they think we deserve a '1' or conversely they think we have become a worse school. If we are still deemed good then we won't see them for a few years.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Thebearcametoo]

Glad you were feeling well enough to go in for some of it. Rest now though and take some more time off to recover if you need it.