Working in a school, how to get time off for an interview

[NeedSleepNow]

I currently work in a school full time (as support staff) and am unable to take annual leave in term time. I've applied for a few jobs recently at other schools and am hoping to be shortlisted for interview for at least one of them.

My worry is how to get time off work to attend an interview, if I'm lucky enough to get one, as I can't book any annual leave in term time. Those that are support staff in a school would you be truthful and apply for unpaid leave to attend the interview and run the risk that they will refuse it and expect you not to go, or they will make your life very difficult after knowing that you are looking to move elsewhere? Or would you call in sick on the day and just hope no-one sees you or and about?

My school is very strict on unpaid leave, requiring proof of any Dr, dentist appointments etc before they will approve time off (and then 2-3 people have to approve it) so I couldn't easily make an alternative reason for the leave up, I would need to apply for time off for an interview and provide proof of the interview's time, location etc.

Yes, just tell them. They may even pay you. It's very common in schools that employers know you're looking for other work. If you're going for another school job they'll need to ask for references before interview anyway.

Good luck!

Would it be possible to ask teaching colleagues what they do? Is anyone leaving at the end of term , you could ask them what they did.
I feel your pain as I have worked in a school and have had pretty much every imaginable scenario regarding interviews.
My last job was awkward as I told them about an interview I had which had loads of stages,I then didn't get it. Had to get creative with an excuse for my next one.

Thank you. The school I'm really hoping to get an interview at has said they can wait to take references from current employer if asked to.

My work are very inflexible and often make things tricky for people who are unhappy or looking to leave but I agree honesty will be the best policy here.

When I interviewed for my current job I worked part time and the interview was on a non working day so I didn't have this problem!

are the jobs you are applying for also in schools? I have heard of interviewers staying later to do interviews if people cannot get out of work

Yes they are all in schools

@NeedSleepNow not suggesting that you make something up by the way, just sharing my experience of a scenario where I desperately wanted to leave and the roles I was interviewing for were extremely competitive and how awkward it can be in this type of set up if you end up needing multiple interviews.

Just put in for a leave of absence?

What do you do when you have an appointment (for you or your child if you have one!) or a funeral etc?

Edit because I clearly didn't read the OP properly!

I don't think they can refuse you. Definitely don't lie about the reason, because they'll likely contact them for a reference and it'll get awkward very quickly!

If you do have an interview, be honest with the new school first and ask if you can have an early or late slot. They should understand. Then tell your current employer that you will either need an early finish or a late start for an appointment which can't be moved. Be honest if they probe. Let's face it, inflexibility is a good enough reason to want to leave.

I just avoid making appointments wherever possible as it's such aggro! If I call in sick or my child is ill I have to ring 4 different people to tell them. Then when I return I have to fill in a form and then discuss the absence with the head!

Ask for time off.

i can only comment on my corner of London, it is accepted practice to give paid time off to attend interviews at other schools as the expectation runs both ways (in the same way you are asking for time off, your school will be inviting candidates to interview also needing time off).

Also, Safer Recruitment practices recommend references are taken up prior to interview, so your Head will likely receive a reference request.

Most Heads know and accept this. i would say it’s better to be upfront with your Head and tell them as i’ve worked with a few Heads who believe staff should tell them out of courtesy expect a reference request.

Headteachers talk to each other. You do need to tell them about the interview.

OK so the overwhelming response is to be upfront and honest.

I might be unnecessarily worrying and won't even get any interviews but if I do I'll put in a leave of absence request for the time off and will be honest about the reason. Hopefully they wouldn't reject it and refuse the time off

I wouldn’t lie, the school references I ask for have the date of the interview on them

If they declined the request I would inform them I’d be taking the time off anyway.

When I was support staff, I was honest.
First interview I went to (and didnt get) got me a 25% pay increase!!
The safer recruitment policies, and interconnected nature of schools means it is incredibly likely the heads will chat informally, so honesty is the best policy.

That said, I ended up leaving education, and managed a first and second round interviews over Easter. There was a bit of a shock when my notice went in (no references needed, just proof of work), as its very unusual not to have warning someone might go, as they've had an interview.