Hello there
I returned to work pre-lockdown and after a negative experience covering a longer term absence, decided to do day-to-day/short term assignments. Obviously Covid-19 put an end to that.
I am now awaiting work but fear there may not be much out there.
I have seen a job for a cover supervisor with a 6 month probationary period (is this standard now, it didn't use to be) and am thinking of applying.
However, I am primary care giver for two primary aged children. If either are sick, sent home, need to be quarantined or a second wave hits (although I think I have key worker status at that point) then my childminder cannot step in and I have no external or family support.
In that regard, supply has worked for me in the past as I can take or turn down work according to whether my children need me or not.
What do any of you do regarding your own sick children if you are lone parents with no other support/emergency contacts? What does this absence come under legally/how sympathetic is your employer/would absence lead to disciplinary?
Should I apply anyway?
Should I apply but explain my situation at interview?
Should I apply but explain my situation on the form?
If recruiting, would you touch me with a barge pole?
On top of which, my agency reference is my only up to date one and I really have not worked for them long enough for it to be fair to ask them to provide it (although as current employers no choice in that). I am DBS cleared and have recently done several online insets but my two references the agency took will now be out of date in terms of the teaching within the last two years.
As a recruiter, how problematic would this be for you or am I allowed to ask the agency to forward the references they received when they were in date for safeguarding clearances? I do not want to exploit the agency - they furloughed me which was fortunate and I feel I do owe them some loyalty in return plus a longer tenure to guarantee a good or fair reference - but at the same time, I am scared about the amount of work this year and there may not be other opportunities to apply for permanent roles.
Thank you in advance for any help you can give me 