References and HT reports while on supply
Posted by glasgowgal
Anyone else totally stressed with the situation of having to get the headteacher reports for every job you apply for? I’ve only ever worked on supply since completing my probationary year (three years) and many were short-term. I did work for one school for six months last session, but I never developed a close relationship with the head. Now I’m having to ask her for reports for any job I apply for. I feel I’m pushing it if I keep asking. I don’t understand why a head can’t just fill in one report online, which can then be attached to all applications.
Posted by Hazysunshine
You talk a lot of sense! I am in the same situation, and it’s so annoying when councils demand your references at the time of application, rather than if you’re shortlisted. I feel such a burden to my referees, constantly asking them when I’m applying for every post in the west of Scotland. Your idea of an online reference is excellent - suggest it to the councils!
Posted by Jane the stressed
I agree, along with standardising the vacancy application forms so each council doesn’t have its own. Another thing would be to make the disclosure procedure process Scotland-wide as opposed to having to repeat the same application.
Posted by Flyonthewall75
Some LAs do not officially read references prior to interview. Application forms are used to determine who gets interviewed, the interview process is used to determine who is nominated and, only then, are they read. It’s time the process was streamlined, at least while the current recruitment fiasco continues.
Posted by vforvendetta
I’ve been on supply for three years and had one interview. Not many jobs in my subject and I’ve struggled to get HT reports. Some feel they are not able to support my application because I’ve been in their school for too short a time. Others feel the gap is too long if it’s been a few years since I worked with them. Since my probation year, my teaching has not been observed, so no one can comment on my ability or standards.
Posted by glasgowgal
Applied for a job in Argyll and Bute. They told me they only asked for a report for leeted candidates, as they’d found that a lot of time was wasted getting lots of reports from HTs unnecessarily. Also, it wasn’t up to the candidate to ask for the report, they approached the referee themselves. I wish all councils would do this.
Join the debate at www.tes.co.ukscotland, click on forums then supply teachers.
