Any foundation phase teachers in Wales out there?

[justathoughtnow]

Hullo! I am considering training to be a foundation phase teacher will be starting some volunteering in the Autumn.
But I'd appreciate any input into your experiences as a Foundation phase teacher. I had originally wanted to train as an Early Years Practitioner, but having a moved to Wales from a different country, your system (regulation and funding) is so different, I was wondering if becoming a teacher would be my best bet.
So I have a few specific questions but any feedback would be appreciated!
If you are a Foundation phase teacher, can you limit yourself to just teaching nursery or reception, or can HT place you in any Foundation stage class?
How much freedom do you have to work in the way you want to? I want to work in a particular way (taking play as the foundation, observing child's play and extending that as central learning tool/ outdoors learning as much as possible).
How many hours of additional work do you have to do outside of school hours?
Do you like it? I hear so much about low morale and burnout amongst teachers - is it like that in your experience? Would you recommend it as a career?
Much thanks for any feedback!

[justathoughtnow]

Sorry, accidentally ran the first two sentences together .

[teewee]

It's the best job in the world.

Headteacher can realistically ask you to teach any age range from N-Yr 6 if you're in a primary school.

Play based approach leads to independent children but it's a lot of work as a teacher ensuring that independent and enhanced provision is challenging and providing lots of opportunities for extending and applying learning.

It's sometimes hard to balance taught sessions (phonics, maths etc) with foundation phase approach but passion, knowledge and belief in the philosophy will drive your practice.

[awetpuddle]

Thanks Teewee. How much work out of school hours do you need to put in?

[teewee]

Hard to measure but a fair bit, don't get much family time in term time really and always shattered but job satisfaction and holidays make it worthwhile