Can they do that???

[smudge05]

I currently work in a school, well from home for a school and lately I have had to cancel meetings and other stuff due to my daughter not being full time school yet. The school is getting a bit narked abut it and when I spoke to the boss the other day she told me that I need to prioritise on my work, and make sure I have adequate child care!! I split from my daughters dad back in August and they know ths situation but why should I have to put up with it?? Most meetings are held in the evening and as I don't drive I have to either get a babysiter in (at a cost) or a family friend has her (Then I have to walk home). I have just had enough that I have told thme I am looking for another job. Should I have to put up with it??? And has anyone else ever been penalised due to children??

[buildersmate]

Try looking at it from the point of view of your employer - you said that you were available to do the work according to a set of terms that you discussed, and now you are wanting to change that. Most employers will make allowances for domestic situations in the short term, but expect the employee to work out a solution in the longer term. Schools are generally on the generous side, which is why many female teachers are able to combine being a Mum and running a career.
They are merely questioning your capability to do the job - the same as any other circumstances that stops an employee working - child care, domestic emergency, sickness absence - they are all reasons that prevent capability.

[smudge05]

Yes I know that I said I was available but my daughter only does 2hrs a day at nursery yet when she started there in september I explained and they said they would work around that. It now seems to be a case that between 1 & 3 is not good enough for them that they expect me to get a babysitter to have her whilst I am dealing with stuff that can be done in them 2hrs.
As for my situation, the meetings normally take place at 6pm at night, my daughters bedtime is at 7. Before I split with my ex it was a compramisalbe situation but now, and I have explained that my daughter needs a regular routine as her life has been in upheavel since August. I can do the job, its just them hounding me all the time to drop my daughter and concentrate on them. I wouldn't mind if it was a full-time job and I was getting full time money for it but I am not. That was my gripe and apologies if I have ranted a bit

[buildersmate]

I've tried to give you a rationale answer without apportioning blame (not my role).
I'd now go back and explain the predicament you have
a) meetings at short notice - you really need x hours/days notice and not just drop everything
b) the issue about evenings

If between you and them it is impossible to come to an acceptable compromise, then maybe its not do-able.