To wonder why my work has suddenly gone funny with me?

[HangingBasketCase]

To put this into perspective, it's a school.

I've been there since October, and it was only ever meant to be temporary but they kept keeping me on and keeping me on, and they even extended my hours at one point. Anyway I was really happy there until a few weeks ago when suddenly something changed, they'd always been friendly and inclusive with me until this point but a few members of staff started to be distant, stopped chatting to me in the same way and stopped including me in stuff. I'd say only two members of staff really talk to me now. I suppose I started to feel a bit pushed out and ignored.

I wondered if I'd imagined it to begin with but then I noticed other "temps" being sent on courses and I've not even been asked if I'd like to go along. Mid last week I was suddenly told, very matter of factly, that I was no longer needed as of next week due to funding cuts. Today a member of staff was very short with me because I was unable to stay all day due to a medial appointment I had earlier this afternoon, I'd arranged it last week when they cut my hours!

Ive tried to put my finger on what I've done wrong and the only thing I can think of was saying no to a request to help out at the breakfast club when a staff member was off sick. This was not because I didn't want to do it but because I genuinely couldn't due to travel issues etc! I made this clear and didn't think it was a problem, but it's the only thing I can think of.

Surely I have the right to say "no" if I am unable to do something?

Could it just be that they genuinely do need to cut your role for budgetary reasons and people did know, didn't know if you did, and were just a bit socially awkward in handling the situation?

If you can keep calm is there anyone you could ask for direct feedback from?

Of course you can SAY 'NO' !
The only way to find out if there is a problem is to ask whoever it is you usually report to.
Don't beat yourself up guessing and worrying. You have a right to be told and you certainly have a right to be treated fairly.

I really doubt it's the breakfast club thing. Possibly colleagues could have been off with you if they felt threatened by you, felt their jobs were at risk? But the not being sent on courses would perhaps be because they knew your contract was going to be up. The only thing to do is make an appointment with whoever your immediate superior is, and politely ask for feedback.

I think it's possible that they genuinely do need to cut my role due to budgeting issues. I suppose what upset me was the fact that i was told in a corridor at lunchtime with staff and pupils nearby! Surely that conversation should have been had in the office or at least somewhere private?

Part of me feels like not going in tomorrow. I know it sounds ridiculous, but what's the point?

It absolutely should, and that's just basic manners. I am sorry you've been treated badly.

My experience of schools is that the "in crowd" can change in a flash; I wouldn't worry. I was the golden girl at one school I taught at and then had the audacity to get pregnant!

Don't worry. You are good at what you do hence being asked to stay on - their loss!

Told in the corridor?? Thats awful! I don't think I would be going in tomorrow if that is the way they treat people.

Try not to take this to heart / personally. In 27 years' teaching in 5 organisations, I've seen very little appointment or promotion based on merit; the vast majority of decisions are made from financial and/or political motives. I think TAs suffer particular injustice. You are better off working elsewhere, good luck with your search.

Sounds like incompetence rather than some Machiavellian plot. Sorry you've been on the receiving end of this. Hope things get better.