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Question for private school teachers

12 replies

iheartshoes · 11/08/2015 18:18

Do your DC go to your school ? Does it work well ? Asking because there seems to be quite a few prep school vacancies in our area at the moment and am toying with the idea of possibly applying to do my NQT year in one of those (most say NQTs welcome which I didn't think they would) and am wondering if I did this would I be able to get DD in and take advantage of the discount offered. They seem to have lovely before and after school clubs which would potentially work really well, whereas the only state school that we are in catchment for doesn't operate a before or after school club so no idea how I am going to manage otherwise really. The possibility of getting a job there is fairly remote I think as it is only two form entry and not many jobs seem to come up. Just wondering if anyone has gone down this route and how it worked for you.

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CharlesRyder · 11/08/2015 18:28

The staff at DS/DH's school generally have their children in the school and it seems to work really well.

I work in the state sector but DH and DS have a lovely time in their extra bits of holiday and the discount is amazing. I also like the fact that DH is over the road from DS and could be on hand if there was a problem.

I would go for it!

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noblegiraffe · 11/08/2015 18:36

If the prep schools don't work out, if schools don't have before or after school care, most working parents will use a childminder for childcare.

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iheartshoes · 11/08/2015 19:52

Thanks Charles Ryder that is just what I wanted to hear !

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iheartshoes · 11/08/2015 20:01

noble thank you for that I hadn't really considered a childminder but I guess could be a good option if plan a doesn't work out !

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Lonecatwithkitten · 12/08/2015 13:39

Not a teacher, but at my DD's independent school (6months to 18) a lot of staff have their daughters there.
Most of the staff with children in school operate a 'Chinese wall' they do not teach their own children and the parent who does not work at the school deals with all school related issues.

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sauvignonismydrug · 12/08/2015 13:46

My dd is starting at the private school where I work in September, going into year 1. I am leaving my older dd in her state primary as she is going into year 6, is very able, and stands a strong chance of getting a grammar school place. One of the main factors for me was cost; with the discount I will get and the option to salary sacrifice, it will actually cost me less than a childminder. Plus, she is close by for me to watch plays, etc. and it is a great school!
I did a year at the school before moving my youngest to make sure I was happy there and planning to stay.

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iheartshoes · 12/08/2015 13:50

Hi Sauvignon this is what I am thinking I would love DD at my school so I could potentially watch her in plays/sports days even if it's just popping over to watch "her" bit! Do you mind me asking how working as a teacher in private compares to working in the state or have you always worked in private? I had never even thought about it until recently and keen to find out as much as poss !

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sauvignonismydrug · 12/08/2015 14:05

I worked in state for 11 years with a 2 year dip into private before switching back again last year. Tbh, pay is fairly similar ( I am head of department) and the hours are roughly the same but how it is divided is different. For example, I spent 5 years as HoD at my last school, it was quite challenging. I spent most of my time dealing with behavioural issues in differing classes, running detentions and generally being an enforcer for my subject. So all free periods went out the window and I brought all my planning and marking home. Now, I lose a lot of lunchtimes and after school time to support pupils who want to improve, or need a bit more explanation. I also help out with sports fixtures. End result is also that I bring lots of work home. However, I used to be physically drained every day in my old school, now it is more mentally draining, which I prefer!!

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iheartshoes · 12/08/2015 17:35

Thanks Sayvignon that's really useful. Just bumping in case anyone else has done this !

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smellysock · 13/08/2015 18:18

Definitely go for it! It must suit both you and your chn as it can be a long term commitment and expensive even with a discount. Have worked in both state and independent but will never go back to state (or change schools) now as chn so settled. I love taking chn to school, seeing them around, taking them home, so easy compared to dashing out to pick up elsewhere! Have taught both my chn and would avoid this if possible though it is lovely when they sign up to do my after school activities! Main drawback is balancing act in terms of friendships etc with other parents. Best of luck!

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iheartshoes · 14/08/2015 10:01

Oh great thanks smelly

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Happy36 · 15/08/2015 21:52

I am a secondary teacher in a private school. My son who is 7 and my daughter who is 4 both go to my school (it takes students from 2 to 18; I teach those aged 11 to 18). It does work well, although they come to school with our housekeeper or with my husband as I have to be at school for longer than their school day.

About 60% of my colleagues who have children send their children to our school as well. Those that don't do so for two reasons. Firstly, we do get a huge discount on fees, but the cost of uniforms, books, lunches, trips, school buses and more is really high and if both parents are on a low salary (i.e. a teacher's salary) it is certainly not possible to send more than one child here even with the considerable fee discount. Secondly, our school has virtually no SEN provision so colleagues with SEN kids send them to local state schools which are much better equipped.

I hope this helps.

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