Time off for interview

[Groomer]

I work in a school on a 1:1 with a child. Lots of teachers and TAs are leaving and the head is under a great deal of pressure. I have been offered an interview next week, but didn't want my manager to know unless I got the job (which I don't think I will, as I know someone who works in the school who said someone is lined up for the position). I can't swap shifts with anyone and don't want to lie that I'm sick, that feels totally wrong, but my manager is extremely stressy right now and I don't think she'll be pleased! If I don't get the job I'm concerned she could make life miserable! Any thoughts?

she will already have the refrence request, so you should really be honest.

Yes, she will already know and don’t stress, it’s perfectly normal in schools for staff to go to interviews in school time. Just be honest.

She hasn't - they phoned me and agreed to request them if I was offered the position. I feel that the 'right' thing to do is to be straight, yet I have a gut feeling it's going to make things uncomfortable!

phone in sick or funeral

Are you in a state school? It's 'normal' in most schools to be up front about interviews. It feels weird, and doesn't happen in many other professions, but I think your head/SENCO/line manage would be pretty peeved if you didn't tell them. Calling in sick/funeral etc is daft as they will realise if you get the job!

How does your contract work? Again, in most schools (for teachers at least) the resignation cut off was 31 May.

Thanks, MsJane, that's helpful. I have no idea about leaving etc! I have a midwifery background, left to have children and found myself a single parent - working as a TA seemed wonderful with a young family. I only applied for this job as it's a specific role that I'm really interested in. It would start in September and I have wondered about when to hand notice in. I only found out about the interview the Friday before half term.