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?

The agency can’t ‘pimp you out’ they can’t create jobs unless schools request them. Schools are massively stretched financially and wouldn’t get staff unless they needed it and wouldn’t be solicited by agencies! What a bizarre reaction to an offer of work that you signed up to and you’re entitled to turn down anyway!

You really don’t sound like you have spent much time in schools!

I’m interested by how much contact you are having with your agency this week that you are feeling ‘pimped’ by them? Surely you ring them up, say ‘I can’t work Wednesday and Thursday as I’m busy’ and they say fine. Then if they ring you and offer you work, you say-no, I’m busy, remember?

How many times have they rung you about these two days?

At a guess they need a supply because of staff illness, children need adult supervision even if they are only doing Christmas activities. My sons week before Christmas is filled with Christmas party, pantomime visit, school concertx4. All these still need the correct level of support.

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

I don't really think supply sounds like your thing tbh, if you take the arse when potential clients offer you work.

There are legal requirements for the number of children per adult in EYFS so they may need the TAs to meet the legal requirement.

I don't really see the problem tbh. I do (some) supply (around my very part time actual teaching) because it is convenient and flexible. I can turn work down whenever I want. I don't have to give a reason or have an excuse or question why they want me that day. I just say "Yes I'm available" or "No I'm not available". If I wanted to work full time, I'd get a full time job and a full time salary to go with it!

Can’t you just record your answer phone message to say you are away until 23rd, please leave a message and you’ll return the call on your return.

This lets them know you are not available without you having to answer and say again you are not available.

I supplied till 12 today at a school that was closing after lunch. I had 3 additional offers of work by 7:40am! I was surprised but don’t look the gift horse in the mouth!

In our area TA posts are being cut massively due to budget cuts. I doubt being offered too much supply TA work will be a long term issue.

Bizarro.

You're a temp - you can decide when to work. Just say no.

The schools decide on their staffing levels and whether or not they need an extra TA. They call the agency.

The agency needs a TA. They call you (or someone else).

Everyone is in charge of their own bit of the process, for which they receive or pay out money.

No one is misleading you or forcing you to do anything. Be flattered you're in demand, enjoy your time off, and be nice to the agency staff because it's stressful and you may need them in the future.

I don’t understand your AIBU. Want to work and have some extra cash? Go for it. Want to do Xmas shopping? Go for it. You’ll be singing a different tune next term when you’re busy on long term contract, no doubt.