The information you seek is in the Changing of School Times (England) Regulations, SI 2733 1999. Similar rules apply in Wales. If you are proposing to change the time of the start or end of the school day, you may only do this in September. Other changes, for example of the lunch break, may operate from the start of any term.

You must give three months’ notice of changes to the beginning or end of the day from the date of their formal publication by the governors, after completion of the stipulated consultation with parents, all staff and, where appropriate, the education authority. For other changes, the notice period is six weeks. The LEA has the right to add comments to any proposal.

A teacher has been off sick for a long time and, as head, I contacted him to enquire about his progress and ask if he knew when he was likely to return. His union representative has accused me of harassing his member. Have I done wrong?

I don’t think so. It is reasonable for an employer to make enquiries about the prospect of a return to work, so cover can be arranged. Of course, if you had hinted that this person was malingering or endeavoured to put undue pressure upon him, the union might have a point, but making the enquiry does not constitute harassment, even if you repeat it at intervals.