I wonder if I could ask some wiser heads for advice please?
I am a F/T y2 NQT in my local 3 form entry primary after joining 2 years ago as a p/t TA.
I was planning to do my NQT year in a couple of years, when my youngest started secondary. (Husband is usually away a lot.)
My HT was very up for this when we spoke about it in July last year. Then when I came back to my usual 4 days as an intervention TA in September he offered me the opportunity to do my NQT year there and then.
I know it’s not unusual for NQTs, and I knew this would happen - but I have felt overwhelmed by the job at times.
I am lucky that DH is in FT work, and we can cover expenses if I went P/T. I would love to do 3 days a week, I don’t mind spending those 2 days marking and planning, at least I would see my family!
I spoke to my NQT mentor about this (she has 3 kids and works p/t) and she said she doubts the HT would go for it. Most of the p/t teachers at school are inherited from the previous HT’s appointments, and the current HT views them unfavourably and she also added she thinks it would be detrimental for my career at this stage.
Do I ignore her and raise it with him anyway? I already asked him if I needed to start looking for jobs at Easter and he said ‘I’ll bend over backwards to keep you”. I am willing to go 4 days a week, although that is not a job share more of a PPA cover, and I know that’s tricky too.
What do you lovely people advise? I think I need to ask, even if I expect a ‘no’. It’s not like there aren’t any other part time staff.
Thank you.