I accepted Long Term Supply role in panic - now want a new role for September? How do I get time of for interviews without offending current school?

[sv99]

I accepted a long term supply in panic, incase I couldn’t find anything and had mortgage to contribute towards. They would like me to stay from now until next April - their teacher is on maternity. I like the school but will be jobless after next April.
I’ve started applying to jobs and getting interviews already. Just very awkward to call in sick or request a day off - I mean it’s unpaid anyway. What would you do?

It's very difficult. My husband had the same problem and was told by the supply agency that he couldn't apply for jobs whilst in the long term Contract. Towards the end of the Contract coming to an end he did start applying and went to a couple of interviews.

And come Easter when you get kicked out with no easter pay and probably no pension contributions while your there. Go for interviews you owe it to yourself and your family. And the supply agency saying that is beyond ridiculous of course you can!!! Who did they think they were saying your husband couldn't!!

What are the chances of a permanent role becoming available in the school come next year?
People leave all the time so best to have a conversation with the HT and explain - do well and I’m sure that if they have a permanent opportunity it will be yours…

I would be honest with the Headteacher and say that you really like it there, but need the security of a permanent role, so you are applying for jobs for September. You are absolutely within your rights to do so. Any Headteacher should understand that ofcourse you are going to choose a permanent role with holiday pay and sick pay, over supply.

This could tempt them into offering you more money and / or a contract if they want to keep you. On a supply basis, they could get rid of you at any time, as much as you are free to leave at any time. You are not doing anything wrong at all. Promise your services until the end of July, but tell them that you are looking for permanent roles.

What @PrimaryTeacherabc said. It's hard to imagine any HT arcing up about it. I was in exactly this position many moons ago and not only asked for my supply post to be converted to contract so as to get my pension paid - and got it - but was Head of a Sixth Form by the year's end!!

For context the HT was a very committed Christian so fundamentally wanted to do the right thing.

The key question is, are you on a fixed term contract directly with the school? If not you are probably on one days notice on both sides. Schools and agencies are fairly ruthless. If you have a job interview go for it. Don't let school or agency guilt trip you.

I was in this position, just go for interviews. If they are that bothered they can offer you a permanent job. Tell them the reason and don’t phone in sick, tell them it’s for interviews - they know the reason why. If they get arsy about it - or tell you you can’t, they are just wrong!