Advise on supply - do I make the move?

[emalouise2511]

Hi all,

I’ve been a secondary and 6th form teacher for the past 6 years and absolutely adore it and generally really like my school.

When I had my son who is now 2, I negotiated to go down to four days per week, but, as those who have gone part time not on a job share will probably know, I’ve essentially ended up doing a full time teaching role squeezed into 4 days. The pressure is immense and the workload totally unmanageable.

I’m now pregnant again, and know deep down that I will be unable to continue like this with two small children.

I am going to request 2 or 3 days per week post mat leave as I am really keen to stay at my current school if they/I can make it work. However, if they say no, I will have to sadly leave.

Has anyone made the transition from a permanent position to supply teaching? If so, were you able to do so on a part-time basis? I do still need to bring in a guaranteed income so need some consistency. Do you think this can be achieved with supply?

So grateful in advance for any advice!

xxx

I think the best thing in your situation would be to meet with the head and Cover Manager, explain you need to go down to 2-3 days a week but appreciate that that might not work for them and they'd prefer to advertise - and, if so, could you be their default go-to Supply teacher for 2-3 days (either named days pending availability or pre-arranged alongside diary).
Tell them you cannot afford to become a Cover Supervisor as the rate of pay is too low but you would love to be their seconded supply/day-to-day supply as you love the kids and school. This will save them the agency rates (£60 on top of £160) so unless you are UPS and not waivering, it will still be cheaper for them to use you direct with no agency fee or later, finder's fee to pay.
Good luck!

This is absolutely brilliant advice - thank you so much!