Acting up - what is reasonable

[stripystars]

I am 'acting up' due to the illness of my hod. Ours is a core subject and we are expecting OFSTED having had some disappointing results so there are a fair few tasks to be done as HoD. I am happy to be having the chance to show what I can do (would love to be HoD one day - not yet!) but, the longer it goes on I feel increasingly stretched as I'm not being given the extra free periods. What is usual in these circumstances? The HoD has been off since Sept and she could be back imminently, but this has been the case since before half term.

How long should I just carry on on this basis for?

IME it would be sensible to go and talk to your DOL or SMT. If you are expecting the O word they should fall over themselves to support you as Leadership is the first on the frontline. Also I would flag this up to the Union Rep.

Talk to your line manager. They need to free up time or agree on all the things you can't do as there isn't enough time.