Had a permanent full time post from 2007- 2014 then reduced my hours to 0.5 due to childcare. When my youngest started school 3 years ago, I asked if I could increase my hours again in my own school by either going back to full time or doing supply. I was informed that because I had dropped my hours previously I was not just entitled to increase them again.
I have had some supply but in other schools in East Ren, not my own school. It has been clear that NQTs and supply staff with 1-2 years experience have been successful at gaining supply – but they cut their contract often with a few hours notice and even not allowing them to spend the last 1 or 2 days with their class. Management are often asked to cover.
There is a huge turnover of temporary staff, despite this being detrimental to the children who find it unsettling. I have been out rightly told not to expect to increase my hours as I was the one who wanted to decrease my hours after having children. Flexible working in this sense seems non existent.
This account was published on the original campaign website in November 2024. We have kept the contributor’s wording and anonymous story number.
Archived source