As a TA I am not paid to go in the holidays, do any of you go in????
It's our last day today and we are having to clear out the classroom as it is being painted this weekend.
I am not paid to go in tomorrow, but it will need some of us too and I would go and help the teacher, but feel I am always giving extra unpaid when we go on day trips(I am only paid mornings).
I go in alot of afternoons to help with parties or sports too.
Would you go in to help the teacher.I am also moving to a new class in September and won't have a chance to sort out the new classroom before, as the TA's have an inset day, which involves us all being on a course for the first day and not in the school,so the first time we are in the class is when the children come in.

In a nutshell I would not go in. Unless they can offer you a day off in the future.

I would ask for overtime. That's what happens in my school.

lilsparrow,

do you volunteer - even if pressurised to do so - to go in for these additional sessions, or are you told to do so by the school? Though it may not seem like it they are distinctly different.

If you are told to go in / required to do extra hours on trips etc. you should be paid. If not you keep a record of the number of additional hours. The check your hourly rate. If it falls below the minimum wage they are clearly in trouble.

If you are volunteering, with or without pressure you have the right to say no, and need to exercise that right if you are not happy.

As an employee you have the right to holiday pay, possibly pro rata as a part time worker. If you do not take any holiday time during school time you should be able to take these during school holidays, which might help.

Probably a bit late in the day, but many authorities have youth provisions during the summer holidays. There might be employment opportunities with these. Not sure what other TAs do.

TA's are either paid to do overtime or the inset days are included on their contract.

I have an older contract so I don't have to go in for the inset days but when i do I will be paid the overtime.

I have done so much over & above my duties in the past that I am afraid I've got more stubborn about working for nothing. if the school are asking you to do the extra hours then they should pay you. If they don't offer to pay then I'm afraid I wouldn't go in.

lilsparrow it is entirely up to you but I've been in already!

I am paid part time and do lots of extras - week of production I lived there!! Trips never paid for the afternoon, camp never paid for my 24 hrs service. I do them because I want to, sometimes I am asked others I volunteer. But I do know then if I need some time or if the kids are ill I don't feel guilty.

You have to do what feels right for you. It sounds like you already do a lot extra, if you don't want to go in don't.

Dot
xxx

If you really don't want to go in you will have to bite the bullit and say no. I know how you feel cause I have been there. I used to do loads more than I was paid for but not anymore. The first time you say no is hard and you feel awful but you have a life outside school and they need to realise that. I still do bits and pieces, productions etc but I decide now and there is no pressure anymore cause they now understand that I am not at anyone's beck and call and I belive I have a little more respect. Sorry rant over. Hope this helps.