Story 73

Age: 50

Teaching Experience: 12+ years

Contract Type: Casual Supply (through calls, emails, teacherbooker etc)

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.