Bad idea to ask to reduce my hours so soon?

[ASnowballsChance]

I've been working in a new job as a TA five days a week but want to reduce my hours and only work three days for family reasons. I'm so scared to ask though in case they can't accommodate it and hold it against me for asking. I also haven't completed my probation yet so worried they will kick me out. Can they do this? Should I not ask just in case it causes issues? Obviously I was aware of the hours when I took the job, just wasn't aware of the impact of working five days a week on the family commitments I have. (Was only working two days a week in my last job).

How long have you been there?

You can but ask. They can say no. You have nothing to lose.

Better ask ASAP so they have time to recruit for September. Are there any other part time TAs at the school? They may be annoyed and may turn you down flat, you won't know until you ask. As you are still in probation you can always go all away from the job with very short notice if the hours don't suit.

Sorry, been there three months. They are already recruiting for September so I thought now would be a good time to ask before they start the process.

There are three other part time TAs.

Depends on why you were hired, dd had a ta and continuity was essential, on the odd occasion a different ta covered she usually ended up being sent home

It's to better to ask, they can say no if they don't allow. Hope everything goes smooth.

I don't have a specific student, I move around each lesson - secondary.

Well, I asked. They will let me know next week. I'm so worried they will give me the boot/hold this against me. I don't want them to think it's because I'm struggling with the job because I'm not - I love it. It's just family circumstance as made me ask, not because I can't cope with the demands of the job. I kind of wish I hadn't asked and just left it as it were, I feel kind of awkward now.

If you hadn't asked, you would always wonder. Evidently if they are employing more staff they've got options to move people around. Good luck!

It will have to go to governors which is why you won't hear till next week.

Does your school not have a flexible working policy?

If not see here:

www.gov.uk/flexible-working

If they do grant it they're being very accommodating though there's nothing to have stopped you asking. You actually need to have been there 26 weeks to be eligible.