Applying for primary school jobs - school visit?

[AliceHurled]

My partner is currently looking for his first primary school job. We've noticed that they often talk about a 'school visit' prior to application. If you're already working, so busy during school hours, how do you do this kind of visit? We're mystified....

Umm you take some time off??

It is an important decision so you do need to see the school in action during the school day. You need to take time off to look round the schools you are considering.

You HAVE to make a school visit - you really won't be considered as a serious candidate unless you do.

Thanks girliefriend. I didn't realise teachers were allowed time off. I thought they had to take holidays in term time? - is this an exception?

It's very difficult if you're already working in a school. Not meant to be part of the interview process of course, but impressions are formed (both ways). Good to go if he can, just to make sure the school is right before the arduous application process .

I've been shortlisted for teaching jobs without visiting a couple of times, some schools do put more weight behind applications and understand that you can't always visit the school, although I do know of some schools where applicants aren't even considered if you don't visit.

If he's already teaching, could he ask to use his PPA time?

Teachers are entitled to time off for interviews, but not for general visits. Some heads will ok it, some won't.

Thanks all. That's useful to know what's considered 'normal.

Speaking to my ds's headteacher recently about general levels of effort that people put into all sorts of things these days, including job applications, and he said he wouldn't shortlist someone who hadn't made time to look around the school, unless there was an exceptional reason, eg, really out of area, but had phoned for a chat and to explain.

If the school is nearby then can't he go after school? My dds school recently had vacancies and lots of potential teachers were shown round after the end of the school day.

i went for a look around and it was only a support job, think it's great if offered and people should definitely make the effort. he could look at it as interviewing them too, what if he didn't like the school. could happen!

Ah so after school might be an option? I'd assumed it was when it was in action as it were.

I think he would like to look round too, it's just the logistics we were struggling to get our heads round. I'm probably thinking worst case scenario, but you hear of over 100 people applying for jobs which then suggests that's going to be a lot of applications. So if you're taking time off for each school visit, you'd end up taking a lot of time off, and I couldn't quite figure out how people are managing to do that.

Tell him to visit, be very charming to the office lady (me!) and it will make a difference. Honestly the Head does take account of what the support staff say.

He is naturally genuinely very charming, including to all office ladies . Thanks for the tip

Interesting thread. In a similar dilemma, DH applying for jobs in an area which is a 4 hour drive away but feels embarassed to say he can't visit because it's too far and too expensive to travel, especially with having to be in school during the week too. And to top it off he now has an injured foot and is meant to be resting to avoid surgery, so also feels that saying he can't visit because of an injury makes him sound wimpy... He's been apologising and making a reference to the injury in cover letters but is very worried that he isn't even being considered as a truly interested candidate if he can't visit.

How do schools view long distance travel and health problems stopping people from visiting?

We don't invite visits until we have short listed because dozens of people looking round is disruptive and unnecessary

That seems wise, mrz, and would certainly be the way I'd do it if I ruled the world But so many of the primaries that we've seen recruiting "strongly encourage" visits before the closing darpte.

What about phonecalls? What would be good questions to ask?

Closing darpte?? No, no, I mean closing date!

I have gone in PPA time when the school I was working at knew I was looking for a new job. When they haven't I have arranged to go after school.
I have never had a school be difficult about the fact I need to come after school hours.

Also I have been given interviews having never visited. So don't panic!!

Generally I've been after school. It's a very important thing to do - I've decided not to apply based on a look round and chat with the HT on more than one occasion, and on others, it's influenced what I write on the application form.
I guess nowadays you might be able to arrange to go in PPA time. Some HTs will be more helpful than others of course.

I am applying this year. I plan to find as much as I can from colleagues and websites etc before applying, and visit whenever shortlisted, as a minimum. You do find out a lot from hearsay, and although it's no substitute for a visit, I agree it's difficult to find time. So far I've applied for 3 and was shortlisted for one, which I visited subsequently to application. Good luck to your dp!

Thanks all. And good luck to other applicants