Rarely cover...

[fourcorneredcircle]

... am I having a brain fart? It is inappropriate for a teacher to be asked to cover a lesson when there are foreseen circumstances e.g. trips, illness (phoned in the day before), moderators in etc. is it not?

Do you work in a state school?

Yes - does that make a difference? Can my private colleagues be asked to cover then?

I think generally that for the last few years since rarely cover came in it has been a no no. However I am not sure of the actual legalities. Sorry. It may also be union dependent. I think I read something once about independent schools not being covered. But I may be making it up.
I know in the school I work in teachers have not had to do any cover for quite a few years now. Apart from SMT in serious emergencies last minute.

Most schools give just over your minimum allowance for ppa so possibly only 3/4 free periods are protected, the fourth isn't. I haven't had to cover for years but wouldn't be too out out for a one off.

Teachers are not supposed to be asked to cover for something that was known about in advance and neither are we supposed to cover during gained time after yr 11/13 leave.

HOWEVER...

If you teach in an academy, free school or independent school, the rule book went out the window quite some time ago . Thank you Mr Gove.

Thanks!