Would you take this job?

[WillowB]

I handed in my notice to leave my current school at the end of term. It's just not the right place for me for various reasons.
I've vowed to be more selective about finding somewhere that's right this time.

I thought day to day or short term supply work would be a good way to get to know local schools so from Jan I've signed up for a local agency who have been recommended by teacher friends. They have said 3 days a week shouldn't be a problem. Getting into different schools really appeals.

This week I've been contacted by the head of a local independent school who has offered me a maternity cover until July. The school is tiny but seems lovely. Pay is below state schools although I don't know by how much.
I'm really tempted as it would be security for 2 terms but then I'll lose the opportunity of getting into other schools and if any jobs come up before Sept I'll feel bad about leaving before the end of the contract.

I'm so bad at making decisions!! WWYD?!

Ive done supply - you do not know how many days work you will have from one week to the next. You’ll turn up to some schools, expecting to do supply cover, only to find that it’s an interview for a long term position. You’ll rush across town, only to be told that they don’t need someone after all. The list goes on...
With this experience in mind, I would take the long term offer. It is a different school, and you will get a good idea of life there. It could lead to something more there.

Take the security. Supply tails off in june/July anyway. You never know you might get more work at the independent come September too.

Supply isn't great in September as absence doesn't tend to be so low.

Are you Primary or Secondary?

Also could you negotiate being paid in the holidays with the maternity cover? Might help!

Take the job.

Is it a year group you’re happy teaching (primary?)?

What are the pension contributions-though if it’s only short term that’s probably not an issue.

Is it full time?

I would do the job for 2 terms provided the pay wasn’t well below the state sector rate and you got a good feel when you went to look round. You can do supply in September or you might love it there and end up staying!

Is the little independent offer 3 days per week?

Supply has been very poor this term, moreso than the previous 5 years I’ve been doing it. Budgets have been cut to the bone.

Thanks for the replies. It's primary & would be 3 days a week.
I really need to find out how much they will pay. I've managed to find the original advert and it's not on there. Asked the head & she said she'd need to speak to the bursar but it was 'a bit below'

Asked the head & she said she'd need to speak to the bursar but it was 'a bit below' confused

Below what? Below M1? M6? UPS3?

Does she know what you’re on now?

Well 3 days per week of guaranteed work for two terms sounds ideal IF the money is okay. The head probably means a bit below scale, so a bit below what a teacher of your experience would expect in state school.
Check hours too before signing/committing. Some independent schools have a long arse day which can make for childcare headaches.