Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5

Original poster

Can they sack me?

122 replies

dangermousegoesswimming · 17/08/2018 16:12

I work in a SEN school. I have 3 children. Monday, we go back is an INSET day for both of use, then I have my youngest starting school on half days all week.
My mum is away and my childminder is not working that week.
I am absolutely stuck for childcare. Have rung around several (if not all) in my area. INSET days days cost me about £100 for the three of them and I was willing to do it for my job, (even though that's about double my day's wage).
Also my boy's home visit from his school is on the Wednesday and they 'can't change the appointment'.
A colleague had the same problem a while ago and they took her into the office and really had a go at her about not sorting it out. She was really worried they'd sack her. They sent a letter around to everyone afterwards about taking time off.

What choice do I have?

I don't have any friends who I could ask.
I don't know what to do really.

OP posts:

Rosemary46 · 17/08/2018 19:18

No she must be in north of England because she’s 3.5 hours from London and Scotland doesn’t have INSET days

Passmethecrisps · 17/08/2018 19:21

Yes it does. We have just had two inset days this week

TittyGolightly · 17/08/2018 19:28

He'd originally asked for annual leave and when it was declined he asked for parental leave. In his case they were shits and always refused his holiday and I think they realised he was putting his foot down.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Childcare & nursery Families

Mistressiggi · 17/08/2018 20:04

Scotland has inset days, or were the two I did this a cruel and unusual nightmare?

SillySallySingsSongs · 17/08/2018 20:06

No she must be in north of England because she’s 3.5 hours from London and Scotland doesn’t have INSET days

Completely wrong.

North England is still in the middle of holidays and Scotland do have inset days.

dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 20:07

Scotland does have inset days although I call them in-service days. Why would you think we didnt get them too?

dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 20:12

I think most schools in Scotland are back to school now too

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 17/08/2018 20:15

Scotland have Inset days - called In Service Days officially.

We also don’t have the ability to “insist they do full days from day 1.”

Unfortunately I have no other suggestions than a nanny agency.

dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 20:18

The school my 2 went to in Scotland did full days from day 2 which suited me fine

Squamish · 17/08/2018 20:23

Sitters?

Livinglavidal0ca · 17/08/2018 20:28

Eeeeek I know where you are OP I saw your post on Facebook! The lady that was commented underneath your post, her son babysits and he’s been fully checked. He’s only 17 though so not sure if he could have all 3 kids!

Livinglavidal0ca · 17/08/2018 20:28

Embarrassing actually if you’re not her and I won’t out where we live unless you do!

Mumashark · 17/08/2018 20:52

I really feel for you op, I think many people don't realise what it's like to be in the position of having no family or support network.

Advice to get a nanny to cover or to use sitters etc all depends on where you live. A quick search on sitters for my area shows just 3 profiles that don't actually appear active.

I would ring your head asap and explain the situation, ringing in sick is too risky I think incase you're seen out and about.

Schools really are one of the least family friendly places to work.

aNutAboveTheBreast · 17/08/2018 21:42

Not sure if it's been suggested already, but our school has a Facebook group for parents and I know some have email groups etc. Could you post on there asking if anyone can recommend someone?

QueenoftheNights · 17/08/2018 22:10

I don't think the OP means they go back to school THIS Monday, she means they go back ON a Monday etc etc etc.

dementedpixie · 17/08/2018 22:25

I don't think she starts back until September so still had a few weeks to sort something

3boys3dogshelp · 18/08/2018 00:38

I’ve just seen you’re 3 1/2hrs from London. Where are you OP?

Labradoodliedoodoo · 18/08/2018 02:41

A teen baby sitter sounds ideal. A 17year old would be fine with 3.

Kezzie200 · 18/08/2018 04:57

Student about to start Uni? Is that allowed short term. Like daytime babysitting?

Rosemary46 · 18/08/2018 08:34

Scotland has in service days, they are called INSET in England .

Mistressiggi · 18/08/2018 09:47

My school call them inset. Used to be called ISIS days until, well, you know..

DriveInSaturday · 18/08/2018 11:51

Op, I sympathise. I've had this situation myself. Only one DC but with SEND and medical needs so difficult to just ask other parents.

Posters don't realise it's not possible to just take your DC with you to Inset days any more.

And I know Mumsnet is not a hive mind, but around this time of year there are usually threads about the whole family taking a day off for DC's first day at school and what an important milestone it is, yet on childcare threads many posters think it's ok for your child to be taken by a stranger.

Not to mention the numerous threads calling parents of classmates CFs for asking for childcare.

And our Inset days are not set a year in advance, not at my school anyway.

Since going part-time, I've been able to swap some Inset days for other days (not 3 at once though). My school was quite happy to do this because it meant I was a familiar face and an extra pair of hands on the first day that the children started reception. But I appreciate that's probably not an option for you.

(There's always the possibility that you actually miss something important on an Inset day...)

Flip

1 2 3 4 5

Swipe left for the next trending thread