Temporary position pending permanent?

[Confusedteacher]

I’ve just been offered a job that was advertised as permanent- however the job offer is on a ‘temporary pending permanent’ basis. Not really sure what this means- is it like a probationary period?

Bumping this in case anyone has any experience of it?

I took a job this time last year on a 'temporary in the first instance'. I started in September and was made permanent by Christmas.

In my case it was to make sure there would be a job this year but also had to prove myself in the role.

I applied for a permanent post once, but someone at the school said it was only temporary for a year, but it was advertised as permanent to attract more applicants. Advert definitely said permanent, so I applied and was offered the job. As soon as I accepted, it was pointed out that it would be temporary at first because they were unsure about budgets. I turned it down then.

Ooh that makes me feel slightly better... What happened for you to be made permanent? Did you have to ask for it/ have a performance review?

Literally nothing! I was in my classroom and the head came in before school and asked to see me in her office so I followed her down and she said they were impressed with me and would like to make my role permanent if I wanted it. I leapt at the chance!

I was dubious at first about the temp contract but so glad I did as I love the school!

I would be wary of this if you want and need a permanent role. With school budgets as they are, the school might have no choice but to let you go after a year.

In my school we occasionally offer temporary contracts if we are not convinced about the candidate. So if we need to fill a vacancy for the year ahead but aren’t blown away by the candidates at interview, then we might offer a temporary contract to someone as it’s better than ending up with long term supply but gives us a ‘get out’ if it turns out to be a mistake. Obviously not great for the applicant though - personally I would turn town such an offer unless I had no other options.

It’s at a school where I’ve already been on a fixed term contract for a year, and my HoD said I had by far the best lesson and interview so I don’t think it can be about performance, they know me... I really really want a permanent contract after bouncing between maternity and fixed term contracts for the last few years, but I’m not in a position to turn it down as there’s nothing else out there at the moment

Being blunt, it does sound as if they want someone better/cheaper or just not you unless there is a real reason for making it temporary - someone who was leaving suddenly isn't, for example. It would serve hem right if you were to turn it down and wait for something else, and I'd like to think I would do that. In reality, like you, I'd grab whatever they offered.

Definitely apply for permanent posts when they do come up though. I've been in your position and been loyal to a school that replaced me with an NQT as soon as they could to avoid redundancies of long serving teachers.

Cynderella I fear you might be right Shame as I really love the department.