Any teachers able to give me some career/development advice?

[NinkyNonker]

Not sure where to post this!

I qualified as a secondary English teacher in Summer 2010, and gave birth to my daughter a few weeks later. I decided to stay off with her for a year or so, and am now pregnant again, due in April. I would like to return to teaching at some point in the next few years, at which point I would be an NQT. I was hoping for some advice on how to keep up to date/develop my skills while I am off? I have a particular interest in SEN and support, and would be happy to work as a TA to reintroduce myself. Are there any short courses I can do to develop my knowledge etc to increase my chances of success later down the line?

Any suggestions gratefully appreciated!

Similar situation here as I currently work in childrens services (although am secondary qualified 1998, like you I have never worked in the classroom). Looking to get back in now and finding it really hard. Schools only seem to want to employ people with current experience in the current climate!

The TES is an obvious suggestion & borough councils sometime offer return to teaching courses. But very little you could be doing right now though that I can think of!

I can imagine! I did teach for a few years as my training (GTP) but not past qualification. I was planning on it, but contract expired and nothing else around so decided to stay out for a year or so. Guess we'll just have to persevere!