To think that they can manage without supply cover for the last two days of term?

[ManicUnicorn]

Just that really. I'm a supply teaching assistant who's worked pretty much constantly since the kids went back to school in September. I have along term placement starting in January at a school I know well and like, so not short of work (not bragging or anything, but it's true). I'm a bit behind with Xmas stuff so have decided to take this week to get sorted.

Anyway, Ive had endless phone calls from my agency asking me to go to various schools this week. Including yesterday for just an afternoon which I turned down. Ive had another message just now asking me to go somewhere tomorrow, but I know schools and I know how they work and I know for a fact that they won't be doing any work. It will be either boardgames or a DVD. What on earth do they need supply cover for?! I was like a spare part at the school I was at last week, because all they did was make Christmas cards. I was bored senseless.

I really want to say this to the agency. I'm feeling a bit pimped out by them to be honest, and the last days of terms are usually so quiet. I can only assume they lost a fair bit of commission when it snowed the other week and are desperately trying to claw it back.

A school wouldn't actually book supply for two days before the Xmas holidays would they?

It’s about impressions to parents. If they expect a TA then the School needs to get one in. Easy money if it’s quiet!

Really? Do parents even take notice of stuff like that?

I can't see the problem. If you don't want to work, just say no-that's the who;e point of being on supply. Surely it's down to the school to decide whether they want someone in. If they want to pay someone to make Xmas cards, that's their choice!

You're complaining that they want to offer you work? Wtaf? Statement education kids are entitled to one to one support, as you know, maybe that's what they need.

Just say you're not available as you already have commitments this week.

Schools won't get someone in unless they are needed. Even if the kids are just playing board games they need to be supervised (more so in my experience).

But up to you. If it's not going to jeopardise future work prospects then just say no

This isn't for one to one support.

I work as a temp.
Bloodly agency keep offering work to me that i have the inconvienience of saying no to. Aibu?
Yes Yes you are.

How can you be a supply TA and not understand that yes, school's do need cover when they are short of prople - whatever the activity planned?

You're not U to not want the work.
You're VU to not understand why they're calling

I'm feeling a bit pimped out by them to be honest

You're a temp. WTF do you think happens when a school says they need supply. You don't have to work if you are unavailable, but don't sprout ridiculousness about being taken advantage of, when the actual point of your employment is to go where needed.

I'm two days from the end of year (School year, not just Christmas break) and desperately needed my TA today. Kids are going loopy and fortunately our TA's care more about their jobs than their Christmas shopping.

You feel pimped out because your agency is offering you work?

Im a TA in an Infant School and I was definitely much needed this week.

Numerous trips to local church for carol concerts, christmas parties, lots of tears to dry from tired and emotional children, reading books to change ready for christmas and lots of glitter to be cleared up amongst all the other things that I do everyday!

We even managed to squeeze in some maths and English on Monday as well.

Isn't the whole point of an agency to 'pimp you out' and get you work

Ridiculous. You really think schools want to waste their budget on unnecessary cover?
Don't work if you don't want to but the agency are hardly being unreasonable in offering you the opportunity.

What a ridiculous attitude. Don’t answer your phone if you don’t want the work. But to not bother to understand why a TA is needed? My class cannot function without the full complement of staff so would have required a supply TA on the last day of term if anyone was off sick, just to keep everyone safe.
Do you often get asked back to a school? By name?

Just tell them that you’re not well.

Supply staff are not robots and get ill like everyone else. When I did long term supply, I had to take time off due to genuine illness.

If I was doing supply and didn’t need the money, there’s no chance in hell I would’ve worked right at the end of term - it’s hellish enough when you’re a permanent Teacher.

I know schools and I know how they work

It doesn't sound as if you do.

You sound very silly. Pimped is a horrible expression in this context and totally incorrect. You are voluntarily placing yourself for work and they're finding you a paid position. It's not coercion. Some schools are actually still working very hard academically. But just say no if you don't want to. Very strange post and odd thinking.

Lol you have worked since September constantly - like everyone else.

Just say your not available and that's that.

Yes Parrot. The school I'm going to in January asked for me by name. I get along really well with the class teacher I'll be working with.

I suppose my frustration is with the agency rather than with the schools. A consultant badly mislead me about my placement last week. Anyway Ive told them I can't do tomorrow now.

When I was a TA I wish the school had been quicker to get supply staff in. They never did and so I was left with a class of 29 kids on my own, having done no prep. Agency staff cost a fortune so I’m guessing if they’re calling you they really want/need cover.

The last few days of term can be very difficult for some children including some without a 1-1 which means that schools will want their full quota of staff.

Don't see why you're irritated at being offered work. It's easy enough to say you want to keep this week free for Christmas prep.