I'm thinking of doing a degree...

[KayVeeKayBee]

I'd like to be a teacher. This year I am working towards getting a better GCSE grade in Maths and paying off outstanding debts. By next September I am planning to quit full time work and go to university full time. I'm 27, married, with a 14 months old.

Some people think I am crazy however a few have been encouraging. My biggest issue is that we don't have any family around to provide support - babysitting or otherwise. This is something I think I need to do but I am not the most organised person (far from it). I just hope I am covering all the bases. Any advice?

Well done for making such a big decision. 27 is not old, I came back to teaching at 31 and it was SOOOOOOOOOO much easier than the first time (lecturer at 22) because this time I had some life experience and child experience.

Well I don't think you're mad!! Otherwise, I'd be too - but then maybe I am I think 27 is a good age to start working towards becoming a teacher. I'm in my late 40s and by the time I qualify (I hope) I'll be in my early 50s!! God, I can't believe that.

Anyway - I think you're absolutely right to start thinking about what support networks you have in place. I suspect you've been told (as I have) that teaching is very demanding on time - you're going to need to have the full support of your DH. I'd check out what childminding services are available locally, as well as nursery provision.

One of the things I'm planning on doing this year is to visit local schools and shadow some teachers. I think it's important that I get some first hand knowledge of the classroom - just in case I hate it. Not sure if this helps - but good luck.

Hi KayVeeKayBee

I'm also planning on training to be a teacher.

I am currently on a social science Access course. I have an interview on Thursday to study for a degree in childhood and youth studies.

If I'm successful with that then I will go on to do the PGCE.

By the time I qualify I will be 31 (I'm also 27)

Dd is 20 months old and has been going to nursery since September. She absolutely loves it and I have no guilt about her being there, because she enjoys it so much.

The only problem with this is that she only goes to nursery when I'm in class. So when I have assignments to do, it does mean I have to wait till she's in bed to get on with some work. It can mean a lot of late nights

Have you looked into what childcare is available in your local area?

Would your DH be willing to take the little one out for a few hours on the weekend so you can get some work done?

I would say that in order to succeed with studying and being a mother you really do need to be organised. I wouldn't have considered myself organised before going to college, but in order to get through it I've had to change my ways. It really is a sink or swim situation.

What qualifications have you got so far? Have you considered studying on an Access course first to see if you can cope with full time studying?

I do think it's possible but you need to be very committed. I'm sorry that you are not getting the support or encouragement from everyone. It could be a good thing though, if it makes you more determined to prove everyone wrong.

Hi Mia, I am currently working full time so DS has been in nursery f/t for a few months now. Once I stop working I will need to rethink the childcare issue because at the moment it takes most of my salary.
I didn't think of doing an Access course before because I have already attended university before (dropped out after the 2nd year) but maybe it is something I will do to, as you say, make sure I can cope with university studies. Afterall, 6 years is a long time ago.
I've has some classroom experience - both primary and secondary - and I really loved it. I now work in an office and I hate it.
I definitely need to improve my organisation skills but it is a sink or swim situation - I think I can do it.

Good luck - I went back to uni with a 1yr old ds. It is definately possible, and there are others on my (history) course doing the same.

I am not the most naturally organised person, but you need to have a degree of organisation.

Check out what entitlements you would be allowed through the Student Loans people. You do get some extra for childcare costs and for being a student parent. Also your income going down will affect your Tax credits. I think you may be entitled to extra student loan if you are doing a PGCE.

Contact the university you want to apply at to see how many hours a week you will need to be in and what you will need for placements etc. It may be less than you think. This may leave you with one day a week that you can put your child in nursery full time and get work done, all of which helps.

I dropped out of my 2nd year originally but went back a couple of years later and picked up the same course where I left off. Am doing much better than I was originally as I am more mature and dedicated. Am in my final year now and applying for MA next year.

KayVeeKayBee, I think the Access course would be a good idea.

Nearly all universities require you to have studied at level 3 (A'levels, Access) within three years of applying. It also means you will get support with your UCAS application, and you will have someone who can write you an academic reference.

Plus, like I mentioned earlier, it would give your the opportunity to see if you could cope with full time study without commiting yourself to studying for a degree.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.