I am in a school that I don’t like. I want to leave and do supply but how will this affect my induction? Is it best if I finish the term in this school so that I don’t waste the three weeks that I have done? Will induction take longer? What is the procedure?

Don’t do anything rash. Lots of people are unhappy when they start a new job. You need to think about the consequences of leaving now. Why don’t you like your school? Is it the pupils, the staff, the ethos or what? Or is it because you’re having problems with control? If so, they’re unlikely to go away when you’re on supply - they’ll get worse.

If you leave before the end of term then none of your work to date can count towards your induction period - and you’ll be breaking your contract. You can’t just leave, unless the headteacher agrees to waive the notice period. Contact your union for specific advice on your contractual obligations. It’s likely that you will have to resign at half- term in order to leave at Christmas.

But think about this carefully. I have known several NQTs who have found that things improve after they have handed their notice in - and then they regret resigning.

If you leave at Christmas you will have completed a term and your headteacher and the local authority will pass your first assessment form on to the school where you go to complete induction. I should take photocopies with you just in case things get lost.

You cannot complete induction until you have served three full terms in an inductable post. You can only do short-term supply for four calendar terms (starting from the first day’s supply work) but you can do induction if you are on a term’s work in a school.

You should tell your induction tutor (or someone else on the staff) how you’re feeling. I’m sure they’d be horrified to lose you and will do their utmost to make things better. I’ve known situations where this course of action has really turned things round. Miracles can happen!

E-mail questions to susan.young@newsint.co.uk. Sara Bubb cannot enter into personal correspondence. More questions answered at www.tes.co.uk. Sara Bubb’s ‘A Newly-Qualified Teachers’ Manual: how to meet the induction standards’ is published by David Fulton, pound;15.