No teacher for September

[skybluefalling]

I know there's a teacher retention / recruitment issue and lots of us will be in this position I'm sure but currently, Dd class won't have a teacher in September as they can't recruit.

It's a SEN school, autism. I can't begin to tell you the level of distress it causes not having a stable adult in the class who is specialist in SEN teaching and understands the needs on the EHCP etc.

Currently the only option is to have 2 TAs take the class until they can recruit - no guarantee they will get one all year. No supply available (only really works with supply if you can get long term contract change is too difficult for the children)

I'll be amazed if I can even get her in to school in September as her anxiety will skyrocket through the summer. Her school journey has been crap from a MS start to covid, school refusal and now a string of teaching gaps post covid. I know why were in this state - teachers are overworked and underpaid but (wailing now) why is it always my child that seems to get the shit stick 😡

That’s just awful, I’m so sorry. In our school we’ve really struggled with recruitment (mainstream secondary) but have put teachers in front of every class, some of them are part time and so some of our kids have 2 teachers for the same subject, which isn’t ideal. Some of them have been quite poor and have not had contracts renewed, it’s really scary to be at the point of no teacher though! Really unfair on the teaching assistants too. We’ve recruited a few international teachers, I’m guessing that’s easier for mainstream than SEN settings?

My dd in a different mainstream secondary has had 9 English teachers in 3 years, it’s a ‘good’ school but in an expensive part of the UK. I don’t know what the answer is but something has to change.

At this point I don't even think more money would help retain more, the pointless crap and expectations beyond actually teaching that the government mandate is ridiculous. Sadly its only going to get worse.

Thank you, I'm really upset about it, more because everything about DD and education seems to go wrong, it's just an endless list. It's exhausting.

What will it be like in another few years 🤷‍♀️

I've lost 5 teachers in my department this year. I'm clinging on by the skin of my teeth as I'm our only income.
So sorry to hear you school is facing such difficulties- I can only imagine the distress that will cause the kids.

Thats really tough. The impact on children with needs is so great.

Yeah it's shit, but equally, a good TA is worth their weight in gold. Don't let your daughter know that you feel it's a negative thing. There's still time before September as well.

Artoo, you're right. It's the workload, not the money. No amount of a pay increase would buy me more hours in the day.

Does she know the difference between TAs and teachers? Tell her she's lucky she's going to start off in September with 2 teachers!

Does she know the TAs? Even better if she already knows them.

TAs in specialist settings are a league above. They will be amazing. It'll be fine. And tell your DD It'll be amazing.

Meanwhile... spread the word to any sane adult that will listen about awful conditions for teachers and teacher shortage.

She's very bright and very aware. The teacher and TA difference is very marked at this school. Our only point of contact for everything is the teacher and a obviously there is a lot to sort and discuss - in the class there are frequent explosions / violence / refusal / mental health issues etc - it's a tough setting. The TAs support (brilliantly) but they don't lead or engage.

In a weird way, as a teacher, I am glad to hear that the shortages have got to this state because it is beginning to impact parents and parents are voters and as voters, can help acheive much needed change. But is it utterly unacceptable for our children and is not the a first world, first class education system, we're promised is it?

Public Service employees are on the edge..........prison officers recruitment and retention critically low and they are in perilously dangerous situations daily in high security prisons, likewise police and teacher recruitment and retention. If they started paying decent professional wages they might attract and retain the right people.
We never value them until they are not there.
No wonder strikes are upon us - the only way people notice them.

Its shit for you AND it is what it is. You can't do much about it.

Shortages in Teachers, Prison Officers, and don't get me started on the number of vacancies in the NHS. Government should offer free university fees for students who will fill these gaps and stay for say 7 years.

Are you sure they are regular TA's and not HLTA's? Do you know how the work is going to be set and who has oversight? There will be a qualified teacher and it wouldn't be unusual for a head or deputy to step in to help. Does your daughter know these staff? Because if she does then surely part of how she will react is down to how you present her with the information. I know it's crap, I know it's not doing the best for the children, but depending on her age couldn't it be lovely that they are going to get two people they already know looking after them.

We are 6 teachers short so far for next year; large secondary but that is still English, Maths Science and Geography that are short. We actually don't have a physicist right now even to take over our A levels.

My DP is a physics teacher though who could save the day, but he is leaving teaching after covid has left him with long term blood pressure problems. Might be able to get him literally to teacher A level but right now they can't get his medication right to control his blood pressure.

Too much work, on too little money.
Being blamed for everything.
Would you want to do it? I wouldn't!

I really feel for you. The situation does seem to be dire in recruitment. I was on a fb group today where a HoD was casting the net to fill a secondary English post but making it clear DH was open to interest from non-specialists and also Key Stage 2 teachers. I can only imagine how hard it is in SEN.

I’m wondering how you know this

I'm sorry, OP, it is a rubbish situation. Unfortunately, retention is an issue and I feel like the teacher workforce is getting less and less experienced all the time. SEN teaching is more likely to be taken up by experienced teachers (I know some SEN ECTs, though, so not all, but more likely to switch to SEN after a period in mainstream) and experienced teachers are often being managed or bullied out of education entirely.

I would hope the school would have a plan in place to manage pupils like your DD, as the school should surely realise the effect it will have on her as much as you do? I'm not sure what that plan could be, though.

Most schools announce next year's teacher before the end of term. Presumably it's the same for the OP; school have told parents that there's no teacher at the moment.

Because we were told by the school. Transition starts in 2 weeks.

I've been in a similar situation this year- main teacher left early after lots of illness-related absences and since we've had TAs and unprepared supply teachers in. I removed DD from the school to home educate after a month of different teachers every day and children being left alone in the classroom while other staff were found along with many other issues. It's shit for the kids, it's shit for the parents and it's shit for the other teachers who desperately want to help but can't. I really feel for you OP and hope they find a solution

Unfortunately I expect this will become a more common problem.

As pp has said, it's not really the pay (although it is pretty rubbish), it's the ridiculous workload, blame from the media and politicians for all problems in society and sadly parental attitudes in many cases.

I've taught primary for 22 years, and am currently an NTP tutor. I will not return to a classroom teaching position unless things change drastically.

Is it worth looking for a transfer? Maybe an independent school will have more staff stability and a more appropriate peer group? I know it's not easy to get the LA to fund but it may not hurt to try.

Maybe try contacting the Local Authority to express your concerns. It’s pretty rare (as far as I know) but I know of one school that had a deputy head seconded from another school in the county for a year to try and raise standards. Your MP may be able to put a bit of pressure on the Local Authority to support the school too.

I’ve no idea if it would work, but maybe worth a try.