If you were my manager would you think I’m taking the piss?

[Napqueen1234]

Hello,

I’m a teacher on mat leave with DC3. Obviously it’s been a crazy time for all of us and it finally feels like it’s settling down and I’m due back to work in September (originally going to take 6.5 months mat leave +A/L). I applied as per the flexible working policy recently to reduce my hours from 0.8 WTE To 0.6 WTE which has been approved. However I am now considering extending my mat leave until mid nov. This is so I can settled my other two DC into their new settings and have a bit of time with DC3 before going back. I’ve written a v apologetic email to my manager asking if it’s possible to extend and the reasons for this. I also offered to use any KIT days to come to important meetings/briefings at the start of term so I’m ready in Nov. Would you think I was messing around? I feel anxious in these covid times of job security etc and don’t want work to see me as being difficult. Thanks

You can’t get this time (maternity leave) again and so I wouldn’t worry what anyone thinks. Do what you want/need to and if you can afford it go for it.

Lots of people worry about things like this but when it comes to it, the same level of concern doesn’t seem to work the other way around no-one will even remember either way in a couple of years. Yes it’s inconvenient but agency staff can be used if necessary to fill the gap. You won’t be thanked down the line for having forsaken extra maternity leave. If the head had to suddenly cut her staff budget I doubt she would have sleepless nights about reducing people’s contracts, if she could.

@Treacletoots

I don't quite get why schools can't recruit over summer. Have I missed something? OP hasn't given them 2 days notice, but rather 2 months. In the world outside of education she's been perfectly reasonable.

Teachers have to give a terms notice. So essentially any teachers looking for a new job will have already have had to give notice. That leaves schools recruiting from supply, teachers back from abroad or returners perhaps. The job appears to be only available until November whilst September us one of the busiest, tightest months with high expectations from all.

The pro rata thing us bollocks. Teachers get the exact salary advertised. Support staff don’t. Even though they couldn’t work the holiday if they wanted to. Many support staff can’t even get full time hours because the are only needed when children are in school. Take off a bit for lunch and 32 hours is part time and pro rata kicks in.

Totally taking the piss IMHO...

Totally agree with posts saying you won't get this time back on maternity leave.
I've took 13.5 months off in total and going back part time and still don't feel ready to go back!
Glad your manager has understood.

I’m a teacher and would think you were taking the piss if you were in my dept.

Yes you probably have the right to unless you elected to return first day of holidays....but without revealing why..people like you piss me off and I don't object when it is held against them. Don't be surprised when you dont get your own way in future,

I would ask. Your manager can only say "no". I would not worry about your job, assuming you are permanent. Teaching is quite a secure job.

I think you should resign and take another 3 years off if you can manage it. You'll never have this time again.

I know it is a very personal thing but do consider telling the school about your health difficulties. I know it varies a lot from school to school but mine has been fantastic,I have a weekly appointment with the school counsellor (by zoom) and zero judgement but a lot of understanding.

I think as you are writing this then you think you are. That's not to say you are entitled to ask. As you know it upsets the class dynamics if you start back part way through the term, but hey ho there is all that Christmas's stuff going on rather than learning.

@Treacletoots because you can't see them teach as there are no children there! You can't really hire a teacher without seeing them teach...