I’ve just started my induction year at a primary school, and, after three weeks, I don’t want to finish the year here. There is a huge amount of staffroom politics and the head has shown no support, instead expecting an unreasonable amount of work from me. Is it possible to finish the term but apply for jobs in the meantime? I don’t want the school to know, so how can I ensure confidentiality? Would another school want to employ someone who already has a full-time job but is unhappy after such a short time?

Don’t do anything rash. You can leave your school at the end of term, but to do so you’ll have to hand your notice in to the head and chair of governors at the end of October. Until then you could look at jobs on the quiet, but as soon as people read your application, they’ll contact your school for a reference or an informal chat with your head. It’s best to let people know of your intentions before they hear it from someone else.

The induction regulations protect you against unreasonable demands such as doing more planning and assessment than other teachers, or taking non-teaching responsibilities. Read paragraph 28 of the Induction Circular at http:www.dfes.gov.ukpublicationsguidanceonthelaw5_99index.htm Your term in your present school will count towards your induction year, so make sure you do well and get a good assessment report to take on to another school. Remember to keep copies of all induction paperwork to share with future employers.

But think carefully about moving. Few people starting any new job feel completely happy, and three weeks is too short a time to make such an important decision. Moving schools will cause you extra stress - and who knows whether there won’t be worse problems to contend with elsewhere. You may find it difficult to get a job for January as schools take on fewer staff during the year. Those schools that need to advertise vacancies may not be suitable for you to work in.

You also need to consider the disruption to your pupils’ education. Who’s going to teach them when you’ve gone? It might be fairer to them to stick it out in your present school but apply for jobs for next September.

Talk to your induction tutor about how you’re feeling. The chances are that once you let people know how you feel, things will improve greatly. Find an ally on the staff.

Are you a student or NQT? Email your questions to: susan.young@newsint.co.uk. Sara Bubb’s A Newly Qualified Teacher’s Manual:how to meet the induction standards is published by David Fulton, pound;16