Best job for a single parent? Childminding, teaching assistant, teacher???

[GoodyGumDrop]

Soon-to-be-ex-DH and I are finally getting divorced and he'll be moving out as soon as poss so I need to get a proper job asap!

Luckily I am a primary school teacher and registered childminder so I have a few options. I am feeling a bit wobbly about returning to teaching full-time as DH has really put me through it (emotional abuse ->depression, etc) and I just don't feel strong enough at the moment. Also, I've pretty much missed the boat for this sept as most teaching vacancies have already been advertised and filled. That leaves me with 2 options, childminding or trying to get a teaching assistant job.

I'm just wondering which one, childminding or TA, is the best option financially in terms of benefits (I'm completely new to all this and it's a bit of a minefield).

I have two DDs who are at primary school. So at least with CM I can be at home if either of them are ill and it'll avoid having to put them in breakfast/after school club.

Any advice from anyone who has been through this will really be appreciated - thanks in advance.

sorry I can't help re the financial side but from what you've said it sounds like childminding would fit in better for you right now? its a little bit more flexible perhaps? Also, would it be hard going from being a qualified teacher to a TA?

I have a couple of friends who are teachers. Their DC go to breakfast club and after school club 5 days a week, which is a lot, if there's no partner with more flexible hours to pick up.

I'd go for childminding for a year at least if I were you - it pays better than TA jobs if you get several children in, and you can look after your own too.

Financially, as long as you are working more than 16 hours you can claim tax credits. This will include some money to live off (which will depend on how much you earn) and will also include 70% of your childcare costs. If you childmind I think you can offset some of the money you get as expenses against tax (and therefore they don't count as income for tax credits either).

Any money your ex gives you will be above this and won't affect the tax credits you receive.

Thanks, I think that is really what I needed to hear....teaching/TA would be better for me on a personal level, but not on a practical one.

I teach 2.5 days/wk which is perfect. Very manageable, and more money than ta or cm.:)

If I were you I would do 3 or 4 days cm and 1 or 2 days supply teaching. That way you are dipping your toe back in the water and it is more finanically rewarding to you too.

Global 2.5 days would be perfect for me - Do you earn enough money to cover everything? My expenses will be huge £750pm mortgage, £400 bills, food, etc, etc, etc. Hopefully the ex will pay maintenance for our DDs but I'm not sure I can rely on it. I have no idea where I stand re. benefits, apart from not needing to pay council tax and possibly getting £113 pw tax credit.

I did enjoy childminding, however working with babies and toddlers probably won't do much for my state of mind IYSWIM...Teaching might be better as it's something I really do love doing.

I get about £70 pw tax credits. i manage ok, but my mortgage is smaller. Its perfect though, working 0.5 you can actually do your teaching job properly and have the time to be a good (lone) parent. i do spend a fair amount of my 2.5 days 'off' doing schookwork! I'd love to work full time but i know personally that i couldn't be a good parent if i did :(

mind you, childcare is a nightmare to fit round my hours (no childminders in my area, have to rely on friends and family) but at least i don't have to worry about holidays which would be impossible :(

for me, its perfect.

Problem with doing supply us getting the childcare on an ad hoc basis.
Sorry about typos, phone is a nightmare!!

Global, I know exactly what you mean about doing the job properly and being a good mum! Thanks so much for the info, it looks like teaching 0.5 may not work for me at the moment, however it may do in the future... I am also thinking about moving to be nearer family, where house prices are alot lower, also I don't particularly fancy staying in the house that I bought to live in with stbexH!

Thanks v much for the advice, it's v reassuring to hear from people who are actually doing it....it shows that, one way or another, that the DCs & I will be ok