Anyone do supply? Advice needed, please.

[VJ1983]

I've just returned to my full-time job after maternity leave. I requested part-time hours (0.8), but I was turned down as my school does not like part-time teachers.
I do not wish to work full-time as I feel like I rarely see DD (12 mo) and I am working until at least ten every night doing work once she is in bed. There are very few P/T jobs in my area and those that are further afield would make the cost of fuel prohibitive.
I am considering doing supply and making myself available 3/4 days a week (obviously I would be flexible and could do five one week and two another etc). This would give me more time with DD and would presumably give me slightly less work to do in the evenings.
My concern would be that I am in the fortunate position of having a F/T, well-paid, permanent job and that it may be complete madness to leave. I am wondering what effect government cuts may have on a school's ability to use supply teachers. I'm also wondering to what extent agencies can 'guarantee' work - we could afford 0.5 type wages but no less.
So...am I mad. I must stress that I am very unhappy at work (as are about 90% of the staff) so it is not only the hours that are an issue, although obviously DD is my priority.
Opinions welcome! Thanks in advance.

Agree with cat, have you spoken to the union? I have just returned from mat leave and the union has been brilliant at helping me defend my rights. I know others who have had your problem and the union really helped. Be very, very sure before you give up a permanent contract.

I haven't spoken to my union as the last two (!!!) teachers to do so were effectively bullied out. I feel that I have an excellent chance of a successful appeal, but I cannot see a future at my school if I were to do so.
With regards to the request itself - I only asked for 0.8 as I knew that anything less would definitely be turned down - less would be better! The last three teachers to request P/T were also turned down and have subsequently left. I really feel trapped at the moment, I hate being away from DD but I'm scared to leave a secure job.

Unless you've got a grandparent at hand at a moment's notice, childcare would be a nightmare.

You also couldn't guarantee the hours and there's no holiday pay so for 13 weeks a year you'd be getting nothing.

I'm afraid to say I think your best bet is to stay put and keep praying for something else to come up soon.

She is being cared for by her grandparents at the moment - so that would not be an issue (they are fully supportive of this). There is another teacher who wants to go P/T (phased retirement) and we have talked about a job share, but as we've both applied recently we can't reapply for a year.
I have emailed the union, I know someone needs to make a stand, but I'm so unhappy there already and I'm scared of making it worse

I'm sorry that you are so unhappy in your present job.

Last July I left my teaching job and decided to do supply. I was very worried about whether I would get any work, but I really wasn't happy where I was and I decided to take the risk.

I suggested to the school I was working in that I might be available for supply and they were really keen! This surprised me as I hadn't been that happy there. But they knew I was a decent teacher, and I knew the children well, and by employing me directly they saved money on a supply agency. As a bonus for me, I didn't have to give an agency a cut either and I still get to pay into my pension (yes, I'm old enough to worry about that!).

Since then they have offered me fairly regular work. Encouraged by this I got in touch with 2 schools where I worked previously, some years ago. Both schools have also offered me supply work as a result.

Combining all three schools, I now work an average of 3-4 days a week, which suits me fine, and it is so much less stressful than being a class teacher (in schools where I know the children and culture, at least). I have had some very lean months (December!), but I just accept this and use the time to pursue other interests and do my housework! Other months can be manic, with everyone wanting me on the same days, and having to turn down work.

I think you have to treat it seriously, like a 'proper job', and accept that schools will never quite treat you as a member of staff (I miss the sense that I know what is going on behind the scenes). But overall I love it, and am seriously considering not looking for a permanent job.

I know many people will say that schools are not using supply teachers any more, but that has not been my experience so far. I would suggest sounding out any schools you know BEFORE trying an agency, as you are better of working for them directly.

Good luck.

off, not of

Woahwoah - I like the idea of contacting schools directly. My current school does value me as a teacher (I'm often wheeled out to be observed by teachers from other schools as an example of 'outstanding' practice) and they don't want to lose me. Perhaps this could be a solution. I love the children and the other teachers, but there have been an increasing number of decisions that have been made that I do not agree with, in addition to the complete lack of work/life balance.
My problem is that this is the only school I have worked at (for six years) so I don't have contacts in other schools. Your post has heartened me though, so thank you!

Ah yes, the decisions you don't agree with! That used to get to me too! Now, I sit in the staffroom and listen to all this stuff and let it just drift over my head - bliss!

To be honest, 75% of the work I do is in one school, so it's probably more important to get one school on board than it is to have a variety. I enjoy going back to see staff / children I used to work with, but the recent school is the one that pays my bills!

The work / life balance is definitely better. I do plan at the moment as I'm covering a few weeks sickness, but I don't do much other paperwork, am not observed (except incidentally!), don't do displays or assemblies, don't run any clubs etc etc. I probably end up doing more playground duties, and I still mark work of course. But I don't have the ultimate responsibility for the children's progress, and I get to do the good bit (teaching!).

If you want to approach your present school, remember to point out the benefits for them rather than you! (I'm sure you would)

I do supply for three schools in my area and have found work to be steady as they save money employing me directly rather than through an agency. Ditto woahwoah. Schools still need good teachers despite some in-house over reliance on HLTA's.

I love supply. Do approach schools as the pay from an agency is much, much lower. Difficult children are easier when you know you haven't got them all year and don't have such responsibility for their progress. And there's nothing hanging over you at the end of the day.

supply? can be really hard work as you can't "relax" with a class.

Definitely talk to your union and pursue the job-share possibility with your colleague. I have job-shared very successfully for 10 years now, and infact job-shared a class for a few years before that while I was working full-time.

At my DS's school there are loads of part-timers, mainly doing PPA - is this a possibility for you?

WHy do some heads see it as so negative?