Teachers - when to ask about part time work?

[babybouncer]

I'm a teacher at a secondary school teaching half Psychology (A Level) and half RE (KS3) and my DC2 is due in March. I always planned to go back full time after DS1, but as no one specifically covered my maternity leave there were very few classes for me to go back to and rather than do cover/support I did 2 days per week for the rest of the academic year (1/2 a year), then started full time from September.

This time, I think I'd like to step down my hours and try to just work mornings when I return. The question is, when should I talk to my head about this? It's a different Head - the last one was very anti-maternity leave, but this one seems more sympathetic - but the way I was treated last time makes me want to not tell them anything in advance. But, I know that timetables will be being drawn up over the next three months and I wonder if I will get better treatment if I talk to them earlier so they can build it into the timetable?

Any teachers out there got any advice? My DH (not a teacher) just keeps saying I don't have to tell them anything until just before I go back, but that seems unnecessarily unhelpful!

I'm going on maternity leave in March. I've already told my headteacher that I want to go back part time so he can build the timetable accordingly.

I really think it's best all round to ask as soon as possible. If you leave it til later they may not be able to accommodate your wishes.

Are there any other part timers at your school?

Your dh is wrong by the way. They are not obliged to allow you to change your contractual hours so if you try to do so at the last minute they may well say no - and rightly so.

They may say no anyway. But in my experience, they usually say yes. But let them have a bit of time to get their heads around it!

Agree with bushy- When I had DD 6 years ago I told them in the february before I left (May half-term) that I would like them to consider part-time hours. I felt it made it easier for them when looking at timetables and when employing my maternity cover. I think the head appreciated being 'taken into my confidence' IYSWIM and he has always been really considerate with part-time hours for me and really understanding when I have asked for less hours (after I had DS) and then more hours (the following year when I was skint and had 2 in childcare!).
I do 5 mornings now BTW and it works really well for me as I am there to do school pick up for DD and DS only does half days at nursery. Although you do have to be supremely organised and get in early in the morning as you don't have the prep time after school, works if you are a morning person!

Yes, also if you 'spring it on them' they are much more likely to say no. Happened to other teachers I work with in the past. Give them time to work out a solution that suits them and you.

It just so happened I just organised this today. I have been back at school full time for a year but I have found the work/life balance thing non existent and its all gone in favour of school - which did not seem right.

I will be working part time from September and it was very very hassel free - just a conversation. So I really encourage you to arrange a meeting and just ask. And now I am very happy! I have a job I really like but will see my ds more. Hurrah. This can happen for you too!