Should I give up a permanent contract? Teacher

[Paradoes]

So unhappy. Have been in my job for two years and this year we opened a class for SEN. Some of the students have physical challenging needs (hit out) and some cannot cope with mainstream due to cognitive needs.

The team I work with sadly are a bit work shy - they won't work with the more tricky students taking one-to-one ones out for reading help. My head of dept is not very kind of compassionate (I've tried my best but I cannot abide her). I've not been at any dept meetings all year as I cannot be freed up as no other staff will work in the class I am in. Principal is adamant all students will sit in mainstream class for their learning and when I have flagged behaviour it is ignored. For example taking all clothes off soiling. The school was private a few years ago and it's clear this facility was forced upon the school.

All that said, the school is near home, I'm permanent and now more senior. I've gone for an interview but I was too niche ( it needed up to A level in my subject which I haven't taught for 20 years). Also my head of dept has lost that and now in another role though I know the mean comments won't be far away.

The only job at the moment within 45 mins is only until Christmas? Then I wouldn't get paid for next summers holidays. I might bot get permanent for a while. I'm 47 and in full time work 26 years with v high qualifications and experience. Any insight or advice really appreciated. My dh is supportive but we do need two incomes. There is a lot of substitution work near me.

Sorry I wanted to add that I am sometimes happy in the job as some staff have been kind. The mainstream students have been great to work with. I put my heart into SEN but one family have been really tricky and unkind. Some of the students have mental health and tell me they hate me - I simply don't know where to turn or how to rise above it all

You need to involve your trade union if you are being prevented from arranging staff meetings - not on at all. Why is the other job temporary? That's key to deciding.

I'd keep on looking for a permanent role. Christmas is too short a contract to risk moving.

Thank you both.
I have been on to my union and since then my headteacher knows (he wasn't aware but is aware of some issues). It's now the case that she has moved away from the dept and I will have two new colleagues. But the hurt I feel is deep and I've lost faith in the school and any fondness for it.
The temporary job is too temporary you are right. It's due to parental leave.

The dept meetings occur but I am not wanted at them. I work in a class they don't get involved in. They don't like me. They don't turn up for classes, go home early. Some seniors managers are aware but this has been going on for years and i am new. Also on a school tour I was left alone while they all went for lunch. With really vulnerable kids. I hate it there. But the management are friends outside of school with these people

Good luck with your job hunting. Hope something comes up for you soon.

Take the job I know it's only till Christmas but things may change it could get extended etc.. When you say substitution work is that like supply? if so, that could be another option. You don't seem to be supported or valued much at your current place and it wont get any better.

Thanks again. I mainly have special school experience and I found a job that only advertised today with three vacancies 50 min drive (but that's fine on nice country roads)

I would have a strnng chance of getting something as it's a readvertised position and my dc can now walk home and no longer require childcare - this will be useful in the mornings in particular. It could work out.