Contact Appropriate Body
The director of the OTSA appropriate body is Geraldine Thomas and the administrator is Kate Baker. You can contact Geraldine or Kate with any questions or concerns.
Geraldine Thomas
Geraldine is the appropriate body's named contact. ECTs, induction tutors and headteachers should contact Geraldine for advice and guidance about the ECT induction process and to raise any concerns that they are unable to resolve. Geraldine is also a serving teacher and therefore may not be able to reply immediately, however, she will usually get back to you the same day.
Email: gthomas@chippingnortonschool.org
Kate Baker
Kate is the Senior AB and ECF/ECTP Administrator and can answer most questions about statutory induction or the ECF/ECTP.
Email: ect@otsa.org.uk
Diane Jones
Diane is the Senior OTSA/OTSH Administrator who has an overview of all of our areas of delivery. Diane will be able to help if you are not sure who to contact. If your question is urgent she will alert the relevant person and ask them to contact you as soon as possible.
Email: info@otsa.org.uk
Phone: 01865 647 999
Concerns
Some ECTs have worries or experience difficulties at some point during their induction period.
Concerns about Statutory Induction
ECTs should raise any concerns about statutory induction with their induction tutor. If the matter is not resolved, they should talk to their lead induction tutor or headteacher. If the matter remains unresolved please contact the appropriate body and we will contact you directly to discuss your concerns. Everything we discuss with you is confidential, unless we become aware that you or others may be at risk of serious harm. The contact details for the appropriate body are above. If your situation is urgent we will always aim to contact you by email or telephone within 24 hours, during term time. Outside of term time we will contact you as soon as one of the team is available.
Concerns about the Early Career Framework (ECF) and Early Career Training Programme (ECTP, also known as the ITTECF Programme)
If the concern is about the ECF or ECTP (also known as the ITTECF Programme) please contact the organisation responsible for delivering the programme. In Oxfordshire, this is the Oxfordshire Teaching School Hub.
Concerns about the employing organisation
If the concern is related to school or organisation policies or practices beyond the scope of statutory induction, the ECT should talk with their line manager or a member of the senior leadership team, and if the matter is not resolved they should consider contacting their union.
Union Support
Depending on the nature of your concern, you should consider contacting your union. Your union representative will be able to offer confidential support and advice. The contact details for the main teaching unions are on the union support page of the OTSA website.
Education Support
You might also consider contacting Education Support. Education Support is a charity committed to the success of the education sector. They offer a wide range of support services dedicated to ensuring individuals, and the organisations they work in, function at their best. They champion the mental health, wellbeing and effectiveness of teachers, lecturers, school leaders and support staff throughout their careers and during retirement. Education Support provides independent, confidential support, to help people deal with stress and anxiety, bullying, career and money worries, and a range of other issues. Education Support's free and confidential helpline is available 24/7 to help with any issues, personal or professional, to get you back on track.
Helpline: 08000 562 561
