I'd like to become a primary teacher. What are my options?

[Roxetta]

I'd like to become a primary teacher but I'm very under qualified.

I went through a rough spell at the end of secondary school. I was suffering badly with eating disorders so didn't achieve anything like what I was capable of.

I am Scottish and I have 3 Highers (Maths, English & Music). I'm a 29 year old mother of two. I'm currently a SAHM and would like to start taking steps towards a career that I'd be really interested in.

I'd thought about initially becoming a Teaching Assistant (if I'm lucky enough to be able to find a job doing that) and I wondered if there are ways to go from being a TA to a fully qualified teacher?

I'd be so appreciative of any help and advice.

Many thanks.

You could continue working towards it now though. Start by doing a level 2 TA qualification, get a bit of experience in the classroom and apply for TA jobs if you like it.

Then you could start studying p/t with the OU. It can take up to 6yrs to complete the degree, by then your children will be older, your husband may be home and you'll have the experience.

OP, there are plenty of other options that would work around your kids at home. You could train as an accountant. Or do a law degree. Or engineering. Honestly, have a look on the OU website. I am doing my second undergrad degree with them, my first was in humanities and this one is in STEM. My masters in in Creative Writing and I'm hoping to do a PGC in women's studies soon too. Its kind of addictive and the OU are brilliant for families.

Working as a TA would be a fabulous job to work around your children. Hours are usually school hours, so gives you much more flexibility around your children's lives :-)

Totally agree with what others have said about the OU, it sounds ideal for you in your current circumstances. You could study part time while your DC's are young, then you'll have your degree under your belt once they're older and you can be a bit more flexible.
My sister did this, she was a TA in a school while her boys were little, and did a degree through the OH - Youth and Childhood Studies i think? She was able to use a diploma she had towards some credits, so it didn't take as long as it would have if she was starting from scratch. By the time she graduated, her boys were at secondary school, and she was able to do her PGCE year. She's been a fully qualified teacher now for seven years, and is glad she went for it - although it's not without its stresses. She's in Scotland though, and I don't think the teaching situation is quite as bad there.
I really don't want to put you off at all, as you sound motivated - and Highers in Maths, English and Music is a great achievement! I'll just say, please dig deep when you do your research - I'm in England too, with several friends who are teachers, and I don't know a single one who has a good work/life balance, and who isn't keeping an eye on an exit route.

I can totally relate to your situation - small kids, dh working away, and zero family support. It's hard. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Degree through the OU obviously!

Why not make a long term plan to retrain slowly and prioritise your career in x years (10?) whilst working as a TA? You’ve got options, I think you’re right though for teacher roles you need solid back up on teaching days - lots of teachers near us are part time - they do more hours from home though, still over their allotted hours.

If you do an OU degree in a subject you’re interested in and do well at, that will open up loads of possible graduate-level jobs for you in the future, including teaching. I’m just finishing my OU masters and they are BRILLIANT at working with student parents. I’d really recommend them and you’d easily be able to fit part time study around the family set up you currently have. Once you graduate your kids will be older and then teaching will be an option - but by then you might have decided you’re more passionate about something else anyway!