Hi all,

I'm in desperate need of your expert advice as have a bit of a dilemma. I've recently been offered an SEN LSA job at a Secondary school, with working hours of 8.30-2.50pm.

I have 2 young children (daughter currently in morning nursery, and son in Year 2), at the school next door to the Sec School and I was just wondering if the school would expect me to work for longer than the hours stated? I applied for the job on the basis of 2.50-3pm finish, so I would be able to pick up my kids from school next door, and the vacancy advert definitely stated till 2.50.

My daughter doesn't start Reception till September, so I'm just in the process of sorting out a childminder to pick her up from nursery at 11.30 and bring her back to school for 3ish, where I'd meet her.

Also with the start time being 8.30, do you think it would be cheeky to ask for a slighly later start, say for 8.40/45, so I could perhaps meet other mums (friends) en route to school who could then take my own children into school, with their kids being in the same class? A 9am start would be perfect so I could drop them off myself, but am sure they wouldn't like it.

It's so hard trying to organise childcare for the morning, and really don't want to be out of pocket paying childcare costs as the salary is hardly substantial to say the least, and am paid term time only.

The school want me to put my acceptance of the job in writing, so do you think I should write a letter asking for the later start, say 8.40 and later finish, say 3pm. I would definitely be able to make it to my kids school in time for the 3.10 pick up if I finished at 3pm?

I would be really grateful for your words of wisdom on this one. I just feel that I need a bit of flexibility from the school with the situation of dropping my kids off at school next door, I know that if they gave me a bit of leeway I would certainly put in 110% committment, hard work and enthusiam into the job.

I would also be able to stay late on the days my husband wasn't working as he could look after our kids, say for Homework Clubs.

Look forward to hearing from you with any thoughts on this.

With best wishes for a Happy Easter to everyone!

Hi,

I worked as an LSA in secondary. We had similar start and finish times to you. Where I worked there was no staying late as you went to your timetabled lessons to support specific pupils. Once the final bell went it was hometime there was nothing to stay late for. I was able to negotiate a later start time as I also needed to drop my daughter off at pre-school first.

It's definately worth asking the school about it. If they have already offered you the job you are in a strong position.

Hope it all goes well.

Thank you for your prompt reply. Do you think I should accept the job in writing as they have asked, and then negotiate the slightly later start/finish by phone, or mention it in the same letter of acceptance?

What did you negotiate your hours to in the end?

Many thanks once again.

i would phone them to ask about changing hours, then put it in writing if they agree, im sure they will. The only reason for an earlier start may be that they have staff meetings or want you to help out in breakfast club or something before school.

i was in secondary, if we stayed late it was to have a meeting or discuss something that had gone on with teachers etc...

Agree with DQ. When I first started working my kids were small (one at preschool nursery. I was supposed to start at 9 but by the time I had dropped her off would arrive at 9.10. I discussed this at the interview and they were happy for me to do this.

Good luck

Dot
xxx

Also agree with DQ, ring and explain the situation and ask about slightly adjusting the start and finish times before accepting in writing.

Hi Colourful Lady, did you negotiate a 9-3pm day?