AIBU to feel like they are being unfair

[everythinghippie29]

Last December I applied to the new Schools Direct programme and was successful. Basically it means teacher training whilst on the job and also attending university to obtain my full qualifications. It is essentially a paid PGCE where I have a fixed term contract up until August next year.

Unfortunately (but fortunately) , the fates seemed to have other ideas and after being told I would never conceive naturally I found out I was pregnant. As soon as I was out of the danger zone (or so to speak) after my 12 week (turned out 13) scan, I contacted both the school and university to advise and ask for further guidance regarding what my options were. I had great difficulty speaking to anyone and they both kept telling me the descision would be with the other party and to deal directly with them.

I waited long periods of time, and chased them up all whilst really poorly with severe morning sickness and still didn't have any answer before the schools broke up for summer, making communication even more difficult.

Today ( the day I was supposed to be starting) I finally had a meeting to be told I can start straight away but would only be able to take two weeks maternity leave.

Or reapply and be looked on favourably...the full day interviews being set on or around my due date. I've had to turn down their offer if starting now as I def want more than two weeks with my baby and haven't had the easiest of pregnancies so may possibly be induced early anyway, causing further issue.

The school have told me it was the universities descision not to defer and that they would have been happy to do this but the university have said the money (aka my wages) may not be available next year so they won't do that. ( I don't really understand as if it available now surely they could just keep it until next year?) They can't even tell me if there will even be a placement for me to reapply to at this stage.

I appreciate it is not a straight forward situation and there is probably red tape in the way but I feel like the second I revealed I was pregnant I've been brushed off, passed on and basically written off and they have done NOTHING to try and accomodate apart from offering two fairly crap options really late I. the day.

I'm probably just disappointed but at the moment I feel angry too. I'm not sure if IABU and entitled or if its justified.

So sad to have lost this opportunity.

I'm sorry this has happened, OP. No insights to offer, and it does sound as if a lot of buck passing has taken place between school and university.

However, on the funding and deferral issue, I am an academic who runs an MA programme, and while I could defer a place till the next year, I couldn't defer the funding. I have an annual budget, and anything not spent within that financial year is reabsorbed with no possibility of carrying over. And the possibility that the same funding may not be available next year is all too familiar in my institution.

No advice, as my institution is not UK, but congratulations on your pregnancy.

Thank you!

I think im just disappointed and have had had to do all of the chasing to be given such a crappy ultimatum.

I can appreciate the funding issue but don't really see if they are still happy for me to start why I should have to reapply and re interview if there are places available. I don't really see why I can't be given a place given that it would essentially save them having to advertise it/reinterview for it.

Bleh, just bad timing I guess.