Anyone know anything about career breaks for teachers?

[pixiefish]

Does anyone know anything about career breaks for teachers. For childcare issues I am contemplating a 12 or 24 month career break. I have already gone part time after returning from maternity leave in September (flexible working and all that)- this is a temporary amendment to my permanent contract.

Mum looks after my dd and I think she's finding it a bit hard going.

[codswallop]

you need to apply to your governors
this happened regularly at he school I worked in
people were allowed to go off and travel fro a year
it all depends ont hem
it woudl be unpaid natch

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I haven't been teaching for a couple of years. I'm thinking about going back next Sept on a part time basis. However, part time jobs seem to be scarce, even in London. I'm hoping to get "my foot in the door" of a couple of schools by doing regular supply, then I might have a better chance of getting a part time job with a particular school.

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Oh yes, coddy has reminded me, my first teaching job was a 1 year contract (I was asked to become permanent at the end of the year), whilst a teacher took a year out. She agreed this with the Head beforehand.

[pixiefish]

Thanks for the answers-I was wondering what the technicalities were. Is it the same as flexible working where they have to do it or is it totally discretionary?

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I think its discretionary, but your union could confirm this.

[allatsea]

As far as I am aware a school/school's governing body have to consider any request for 'flexible working', but don't have to agree to it. IME most schools are as accomodating as they can be and would rather hold a position open for a year if it meant that they would get a good teacher back