Applying for jobs whilst doing maternity cover?

[SomeoneHasMyNameAlready]

Hi. I'm thinking of applying for a maternity cover post that would very likely result in a contract ending in October. The post would provide fantastic relevant experience for quite a specific role relevant to my long term career plans (don't want to out myself by giving details) but would probably mean missing the boat for September jobs, which is obviously quite a big deal.

Is it a complete no-no to apply for another job whilst doing a maternity cover? And if so, are employees just expected to suck it up, in term of impact on employment prospects for the new academic year?

There are some specific details about the post / pay grade/ contract type that may be relevant to the answers, so if anyone wants me to PM them, I'd be delighted to chat.

Many thanks.

I think most schools would realise/appreciate that someone coverings maternity leave would look for a permanent post for the next academic year/term.

Apply and see what happens. If you get the post you can accept it and then start looking for September jobs later in the year. You will still be there until the an of this academic year and if you end up leaving in summer they have time to man plans to cover the last half term of the contract.

Thanks very much, Pumpkin. It's interesting that you say that. I have a good friend who told me about the post and she thought that I would have to see the contract through to the end, otherwise the HT would take a very dim view about it. And she's very experienced so assumed this would be the case / the norm.

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The HT would not thank you for leaving them in the lurch. You would be unlikely to be employed by them again.

I personally don't think that you'll gain enough experience in 2-3 months to be able to use that as good interview/CV material. It would look far better to complete the 6 months/ 9 months (plus you won't have broken your contract).

Hi laminated. Thanks for your input. Tbh, I can see that many HTs would feel that way but I do think there’s a fairness issue about writing off my opportunities for September. Not sure where the 2-3 months comes from- it would be at least double that. Good to get a range of views.

There is an additional factor as well ( but I don’t want to out myself).

Not sure where the 2-3 months comes from- it would be at least double that

But will you get enough quality experience in that time to use on your CV/ at interview? Enough to justify breaking contract?

If it is that fantastic an opportunity I can't see why you wouldn't stay and maximise your experience, while keeping the HT on side (they talk!).

If it's a great opportunity, I'd go for it. You may find that another role or opportunity becomes available at the school - this is how I got my permanent contract! Also, you can never guarantee what someone wants to come back for after maternity. Extra days may become available, etc. I'd go for it but I wouldn't plan to leave them in the lurch - if anything I'd look at doing a half term of supply work with a view to a job for January.

No one would judge you for applying for a permanent job - honestly!
If the school like you they should be happy for you to reapply again with them in the future.

Thanks so much everyone. Lots of food for thought and differing opinions there. Laminated- I’m tempted to PM you as you seem to have firm views which I cannot respond to without outing myself!

It wouldn't be breaking your contract as long as you gave the notice specified in that contract. Because if the teacher you were covering decided to come back early, they could (and probably would) give you notice too.

It a totally fine and expected that you all apply for jobs whilst on temporary contract.

Those like cats, crafty and fallen who are saying it would be fine, can I ask if you are SLT? I’m wondering if options on this differ depending on role.

Also, to those saying I would be leaving the HT in the lurch, I can’t think of any other situation in which a teacher would be expected to have only 21 days notice of the contract ending ( I think this is correct as I’m assuming that my contact is dictated by the person on maternity leave giving her minimum 21 days notice). Do you really think it’s ok for me to potentially be out of work at 3 weeks’ notice without looking for anything else?

I'm not now, but my last two roles were SLT. It is really difficult to recruit a good maternity cover. It is really frustrating when they leave early. But, that is the nature of maternity leave cover. If you want to keep them, you offer them a permanent job. It works both ways. As I said, they can give you notice to finish early if the person on leave wants to come back ealier. And in these straightened times they would. Just keep the discussions open. You kind of have to in teaching anyway. As in all things, it how you handle the conversations that makes the difference.

@someone I do recruitment across a few schools.

We are lucky as if we like a maternity cover teacher we can sometimes offer them another post at another school to keep them.
They will fully expect you to be looking and it isn’t unusual to have to arrange cover for the end of someone’s maternity leave.
I would say if they react badly to you looking for something permenant they aren’t worth working for. the HTs I work with are well aware people need incomes/pay mortgages.

Perhaps I misunderstood your OP. I am on SLT, but have also done short term contracts in my supply years.

If you are on a contract, you would be expected to fulfil it. That is professionalism.

You can also apply for jobs for after your contracts, and get days off for interview.

Whether you break your contract is a balance of risks.