To feel unemployable as a teacher and a mum

[TheCatsSocks]

My temporary contract will come to an end this summer in the school I'm. I've been doing part time maternity cover for the last year. I feel so fortunate that I was able to get 2 days a week because that was ideal. I have two pre school children, one with additional needs. My youngest is only 20 months. I really can't do anymore than 2 days a week for the next year or so. I need to be with my children. It's just so difficult to find part time teaching roles for 2 days a week and within a 5/6 mile radius. I might be lucky but if not, I just can't see me getting another teaching job. I've done supply and tutoring but the money is so inconsistent.

What do you do when you can only work 2 days a week, in any job? Will anyone want to employ me?

In my experience of teaching, you apply for full-time roles and tell them you can only work part-time. They either job share or use cover for when you’re not in. They’d rather have you part-time than no-time - schools have such an immense shortage of teachers that there’s no doubt you’d be useful.

If you haven’t already, go and have a chat with the school you are at. Explain you are enjoying working there and would like to continue, in any role suitable, following the end of your contract. You never know- there might be another maternity spot needing filling/ librarian role/ tutor position/ pastoral support/ lunch supervisor/ reprographics support.

If nothing comes up by the end of your contract, ask them to keep you on file and contact you if anything comes up. You could also check in with them periodically.

I taught two days for a long time, but the post was advertised as that- so I was lucky.
I would approach local schools to ask about part time posts. It might be a flexible solution to a problem that they have - you never know!

Do you have any teacher friends who also want to work part time? If so, join forces and approach schools as a ready made job share pairing.

You're not unemployable as a teacher and a mum.
Either (a) you will find it hard to stay in regular employment due to having a child with significant additional needs - which is sadly very common, and why it's shameful how little you get as a carer- or (b) if your child's additional needs aren't actually so significant as to be a barrier to nursery or other care, then you're choosing to work very part time or not at all. Which is also fine, but is a choice and you should be clear about it, for your own mental health and to avoid annoying others you speak to who don't have the same privilege.

What do you teach? I'd think you'd get snapped up if you are in a shortage area - 2days is better than none!
Why the distance restrictions? If you would expand that out to 10 miles you would get access to several more schools, and personally, a 15/20min commute really isn't far.