Not allowed out on a visit-is this normal?

[bridgetjonesmassivepants]

As said. Head said yes to letting me out on an informal visit to another school. Asked him before Easter. Arranged the visit, I'll be missing one year 7 lesson, Head has now turned round and said no.

Feel like he is being a total dick. I really want this job and now feel like throwing a tantrum and just quitting my current post to spite him.

Did he give a reason? Is he letting you re-arrange? I think it rather depends on why he said no. Was there an emergency, no one to cover you? Or was he just being a dick? If the former, he should be allowing you to rearrange. If the latter, I would magically have a doctor's or dentist's appt that day/time.

If he'd previously agreed, I would say he should let you go, but unfortunately there is no obligation to let people have a day for school visits. To be honest, I think the increasing pressure to visit schools before interview puts a lot of pressure on schools in terms of organising cover etc.

But if you're missing one Y7 lesson, it's hardly the end of the world. That said, could you visit the new school for am or pm only?

If you're in a position to hand your notice in anyway, then do though!

You still need a reference so perhaps tread carefully

Has now said no to this visit but has said that I can go towards the end of next week instead. Think he is just showing me who's in charge!

Or has a huge issue with sourcing cover?

I think it’s much more likely that there are cover issues.

In your position I would approach a trusted colleague to ask if they would cover my year 7 class in return for me covering them at a later date, then go back to the HT and present the cover issue as a fait accompli.

If it was already agreed then a good head would give some reason why the sudden change, the most likely issue being cover.

PP suggestions about doing a PPA swap with someone and presenting it as a solution might be a good idea.

Sounds like there are cover issues in your school. Doesn’t appear to sound awkward but these things happen. When is the deadline for the post? Given that it’s only 5 weeks away from resignation deadline, schools will be under pressure to fill vacancies so ‘leaving it until the end of next week’ may mean you miss the boat so to speak.

No obvious cover issues. Know several staff have been could be available. Visit rearranged for next week though. I'm really aware that the deadline us getting closer. though.

Must re-read posts and not post after Friday night rum and coke, meant several staff could have been available.