Why is it so hard to get a term-time only job!

[Monsooon]

Honestly, finding a term-time only job feels impossible! My eldest just started primary in September and my youngest is in preschool, so I need something that fits in between school hours. Obviously the search is a lot more limited, but when you do get an interview, especially for ones in schools, they make you interview against other people at the same time. It’s just awful and really stressful. You’d think there’d be more options for parents in this situation, but it’s like we’re expected to just figure it all out somehow! I’m literally gonna have a breakdown soon.

Could you be a childminder as teachers would use you term time only?

One downside of term time only working is that if you're looking after other people's children it's very difficult to drop everything each time your own children have a sniffle. Their dad would be expected to step up, as all of your time off is already accounted for.

BTW many of us have had no support for various reasons, such as moving away to pursue our careers, no living grandparents etc. You could do what many have suggested, work full time and pay for childcare. Your situation really isn't that special.

It's hard OP.
I volunteered in my daughter's school for a year just one day a week which helped me get a job in a school. Could you do that?

A friend has a term time job in the education department of a council.

All the hols have to be taken out of term time, but the actual working hours are flexible.

Another friend worked as a lab technician in a 6th form college.

This is a good idea….happens a lot at my GDs school…..several volunteers have ended up with 1-2-1 TA contracts…..however be aware that many TA posts now are 12 month contracts only…..so you can’t guarantee they will be renewed and win the child you are supporting leaves then that’s the end of your contract