It’s an expensive business, acquiring a new headteacher. Even a modest little advert in The TES costs the equivalent of a week’s supply teaching.
Our teacher governor is on the panel, so we have to cover him for the two interview days. He could take unpaid leave to carry out his governor’s duties, but I don’t like to suggest it. We want our deputy for curriculum interviews on the second day, so we need cover for her too.
These costs all come out of an already overstretched school budget. Others come out of governors’ pockets. As a self-employed child-minder, I am only paid when I work. I have juggled the presentations on the first day so that I can have my four children in the morning. Their politically-correct fathers will take over in the afternoon: both mothers are teachers and cannot be spared.
My husband is taking leave to cover the second day. Other panel members have to juggle work commitments or take leave.
New legislation allows governors to claim travelling expenses and childcare - but not by a spouse. Telephone calls are specifically excluded. I must phone the candidates tomorrow to check special dietary requirements.
On the plus side, we will all get a free school dinner.
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