“This experience has been horrendous”. Former Harris supply teacher describes the year leading up to being let go by the chain

This is a first-person piece linked to our story today of the Harris Federation letting supply teachers go during the Covid-19 crisis

I got the position at Chobham [Academy, in Stratford, East London] through an agency in June 2019. Before agreeing to the position I had asked if I would be able to complete my NQT [newly qualified teacher qualification] at the school, despite the placement being until February.

The school had said they would need someone until the end of the academic year and reassured me that my NQT would be completed at the school.

Once I had started in September I was approached by a member of the senior leadership team telling me that in fact I could not start my NQT at the school as I was employed through an agency. So, two weeks into September, I was being made to sign a contract with the school, which I wasn’t comfortable doing.

I had gone to my agency and disputed this matter, in a tiresome back and forth. Eventually the school agreed to allow me to complete my NQT and from here on in I was essentially treated as a regular full-time member of staff.