Is this usual

[Wilfimina]

Hello, I have a 5 year old ds who is in his second year of primary school. He has gone into a new class this year and as we got there this morning there was a notice saying his new teacher wouldn't be in as she was ill (fair enough) but also that she wouldn't be teaching any of them one day a week as she used that time for lesson planning. I know that the teacher he had last year was barely there as well (to the extent that for about 2 months they had a supply teacher. she wasn't ill or anything and was in school but not actually teaching). Is this usual as it seems odd to me.

Thanks for reading

Is she an NQT? They are entitled to half a day each week for planning.

Thanks for replying Friedtomatoes and sorry for my ignorance but whats an NQT.

Newly Qualified Teacher

A NQT (teacher in their first year of teaching) always has 1 day a week for planning. So this is probably what is happening.

More experienced teachers have half a day a week for planning.

So yes, there is no kid in any English school who has their teacher for the whole week.

Oh I see. Thanks a lot for your replies.

If she's got certain extra responsibilities (eg dephead or SENCO (in some schools) or other things) she may be entitled to a full day of non-contact time. All teachers are entitled to half a day.