@country excellent news all round!
I too was a teacher in a previous life, and still have a few friends who are (all AD and keen to be normal!). I did a stint with no uniform, no teacher dress code and 1st names, and it was great. I hate the uniform battles and would love secondary schools to adopt a similar 'polo, sweatshirt, pants/skirt' policy like primary. I understand the need for 'something uniform' but hate the trussed up look with blazer, tie etc. The most fussy aresed ones round here have been instigated at the behest of new heads taking over less than great schools.
I gave up work after having dc1 as late dh's job wasn't school hour friendly and commute was unpredictable. I had been doing supply so had no permanent role to return to and we had no reliable external help. Little has changed, except dh died. I feel very lucky to have had the choice to be a sahm and have always been happy to be so (terribly unfeminist I know.