How do you feel about having an NQT as your class teacher?

[SquirrelSquirrel18]

Hi everyone :)

I'm starting my first teaching job in a Reception classroom this coming September. I do not have any children and am 22yrs old but do have family with young children and have obviously undertaken lots of training to get where I am.

What I was wondering, as mums and potentially other teachers, how would you feel about having a newly qualified teacher who is relatively young looking after your 4 year old!?

I am confident that I'm an excellent teacher but I am nervous about how parents will receive me. I expect them to be nervous about their children starting school but do you think that as I am starting out in the career that it would cause any worries? If yes, what do you think I can do to help put my parents minds at ease?

Thank you for your help.

Charlotte xx

How do folk even know that you're a NQT? It's not like the school announces it loudly. And some NQTs are mature having had other careers first. Can't just tell from youthful experience.

What I think has happened at our school is the NQTs come in PT or on temp contract, get a load of experience (maybe 6 months either supply, maternity cover or job share) with us before they get offered a FT position. So far this seems to have worked out very well, my kids have had good experiences. I think it's the raw person's skills that matter, experience is balanced by enthusiasm otherwise. The worst teacher DC had was very experienced.

My only bit of advice is to practice and perfect your death stare. The more experienced teachers have it down beautifully.

My first school teacher was a NQT although we didn't call it that then. I loved her and I remember overhearing parents saying 'well she's very young' but that was the appeal!

Mrz - The keyword is "should". What would be the point of a NQT year if it did not weed out the would-be teachers who aren't up to it? Its great iy your child gets a NQT who will be enthusiastic and turn out to be capable (and like teaching etc), but what if your child gets one of the ones who don't pass their NQT year? If they all pass, then what's the point of having it?

Don't be afraid to ask the other teachers at your school for advice and support. (Sorry, I hope that doesn't sound patronising - it isn't meant to!)

I say this because DS1 had an NQT in Reception at our previous school. She was young, enthusiastic and a brilliant teacher - but seemed to know very little about special needs and didn't seem interested in learning, asking the senco for advice etc. DS1 is autistic, and although she taught him loads, from a pastoral point of view she treated him terribly. She didn't understand his 'alternative' way of making friends, and every time he found a friend in the class she would accuse him of 'fixating' on that child and immediately permanently separate them. I tried numerous times to get the senco involved but she refused. Eventually I went to the headteacher and unfortunately we fell out with the school.

So what I'm saying is - you are likely to have some quirky children in your class! Please do ask your colleagues, friends or whoever else for advice whenever you think you might need it.

Incidentally DS2 had a totally fabulous NQT in Year 1 at our current school. I would always welcome an NQT who is full of enthusiasm and good ideas! And good luck with your new job.

Thank you for all of the advice.

A lot of people have commented on SEN. I think asking for advice is definitely something I'll do! I've been fortunate enough to teach children with S+L and Autism and luckily my mentor is the SENCo for the school :). So that should be good!

It's nice to hear that many of you have had good experiences :) and thank you for all the encouragement!

SquirrelSquirrel18 - I suspect that because you are the kind of person who wants to know the answer to your OP and who has the get up and go to try to find out, then you will be a great teacher (and the children will be very lucky to have you next year).

Good luck!

Var the point is that weaknesses shouldn't be a surprise at the end of the year ... They should be identified early and action taken.

Should be... but that's in an ideal world. Some NQTs just give up mid-year leaving the class without a regular teacher. Some keep going but they aren't up to the job and the school doesn't completely fill the gaps. And sometimes it all works beautifully. You just never know what will actually happen (versus what should happen) until you try.

OK will be in the majority of cases

My PFB had an NQT in reception. I must admit that there was panic in my mind when I heard she was a NQT.

However she was (and still is!) a lovely person and a brilliant teacher. I have heard that NQTs first class always remain precious to them. I hunk the same thing applies to you PFBs reception teacher!

I had no issues with the NQT, however as a parent, the most important thing that you want a teacher to do (and show that the do) is to KNOW YOUR CHILD. Know the childs specific points, their friendships and their progress. If you actually know the children, then that is a massive step. There is nothing worse than talking to the teacher because youre worried about your childs reading/ friendships etc and the teacher waffling and not seeming to know who your child is. Including in this - parents evenings- tell parents little stories about their child (ie. Jack made up a lovely joke in class about x, Jack's such a friendly little boy and is always making such others are ok, Jack is always so polite, even remembering to say thank you when x). Parents want to know that you know and love their precious little darling too.

My dd has an NQT next year, in year 1. I was initially gutted that she won't have the current year 1 teacher, who I know and feel confident about her approach. But it's not the fact that it's an NQT, more that I haven't met the teacher and she is an unknown quantity. I'd feel the same about an experienced teacher new to our school. I'm hopeful that the NQT will be full of energy and enthusiasm. I also know that my dd is likely to love a young female teacher. The most important thing for me as a parent is feeling that the teacher cares about dd as an individual and "gets" her.

All the NQTs my DC's have had have been loved more than the teachers who have been around for years.

They seem to be more patient and enthusiastic and be more open to children's foibles.

I wanted to add when my children's school was Ofsteded all the classes taught by the nqts were praised while some of the classes taught by experienced teachers were heavily criticised.

DD has had an NQT this year (year 1). She absolutely adores him, and is very sad that she will have a new teacher in September.

Several of the parents (most of those with firstborns) were rather muttery at the beginning of the year, but they have been completely won over.

I am a teacher (and a parent) and would be fine with this - I remember how hard I work during my first year of teaching!
One bit of advice - be on the door to greet children and chat (briefly) with parents as much as possible - commenting on their child positively (as much as possible) always goes down well and will set minds at ease!

DD2 had an NQT in Reception(I was 45 she was about 22so I could have been her mother -I tried not to scare her when I did my afternoon helping )She was a born teacher (both her parents taught) and so energetic and enthusiastic .The children adored her . Head and more experienced staff were ,I suspect ,very good at mentoring/supporting .It was and still Is a good school

I tend to think of NQTs as making up in enthusiasm what they lack in experience and be quite happy when my kids get them.

I've just found out dd1 will be taught by a newly appointed NQT in reception in September. To be honest, I'm a bit trepid. The school is a small one with only 2 teachers with our teacher responsible for years reception, 1 and 2 so I am worried about them being inexperienced in a more complex situation and not well supported. I know from my own profession that people are rarely excellent without a degree of experience (I know I wasn't).

However, I do recognise everyone has to start their career somewhere and I'm sure the teacher will be lovely (and her level of experience is of course not her fault!).

I would be reassured by the teacher being obviously kind with a positive attitude towards my DD and others, and by her making an effort to know them as individuals. I would not be reassured by the teacher describing themselves as an excellent teacher, which would indicate to me a lack of ability to assess yourself accurately.

My DS is currently in year 1 and his teacher is newly qualified.

I have to say I was a bit worried at first, and she did seem incredibly nervous at the start of the year (wouldn't we all?!). But my (minor) fears are unfounded: she's enthusiastic, energetic and committed.

I do second the advice on here: dress professionally, act professionally (of course!) Etc.

And a couple more comments: I don't know how your classroom will be set up, but if you have a desk or a 'working corner' - keep it tidy! The one in ds's classroom is cluttered beyond belief, and on more than one occasion the teacher has said 'oh, it's here somewhere ...', with a wave in the general direction of her corner. Eek.

Oh, and if there are reading diaries that need a comment before books can be changed, an acknowledgement / comment from the teacher is welcome from time to time. I religiously complete ds's every week, but have no idea if the teacher has read it since February!.

Good luck in your new post

how old/experienced are the majority of teachers at the school? ours all look 12 and my kids have a nqt every other year. that pisses me off. its not personal - just too many inexperienced (cheap) teachers to give a good experience. so if your school is like that, dont take it personally if some people are a bit disappointed

dont over run on time at parents evening!

Really interesting thread as I am sending off my PFB to reception with a NQT. I've enjoyed reading different views and found it helpful.
If I'm honest, his NQT came over far quieter, almost mouse like, in comparison to the experienced teachers at the school meeting and I did feel a pang of disappointment as I want him to be lead by someone firm, fair but also compassionate. However I know that's a snap judgement and it's not all about projecting your voice but it was my first one. Teacher friends have told me I'll likely get someone eager to do well but I do hope they don't feel they're not cut out for it as the year goes on. Good Luck, I'll also take all I've read onboard but if you appear confident and capable you'd win me over

Hi Charlotte I thought I'd respond to you via Finola's interesting post:

Finola1 wrote:

The key things to remember:

1. Some parents will be old hands, some will be newbies. Get to know who is which very quickly.

if you don't want us to judge you please do try not to judge us - there will be some new parents that are great and others who aren't - there will be some longstanding parents with many children who remember when Mrs X (now retired) taught in such a such way and hanker for those good old days - and others that like your new approach.

1. Newbie parents may expect more "feedback" from you on a daily basis as this may be what they are.used to at day nursery / pre school. Don't fall into this. Check with more experienced teachers what the school would expect. If you give a full 5 minutes feedback to Johnnie's mum on Day 1, it will be expected and others will expect it too!

just to say as a parent having had 4 years of a nursery telling me whether DDs had a good day or not - it doesn't have to take forever and most parents will just collect their kids and go once those initially worrying first weeks are past. It doesn't hurt to tell a worried Mum or Dad that their DC had a really good day and seems to be settling in nicely. Sure you can't tell all 30 - but you can recognise worry and you can try and be human. I've seen too many new parents leave school grounds crying because they've been scolded by a teacher for asking how was their child's first day and lectured about how they have to respect that teacher's work life balance. Perhaps teachers should respect that the first day at school is a big deal to many newbies

1. Be professional at all times. Do not send out any information about yourself. This type of thing would usually come via the school management, office or website.

See #2 - but don't talk about something delicate in the playground - have a bit of respect folks

1. Never give out your personal email. Do not accept Facebook friends requests from parents. Schools have very strict policies about internet safety for yourself as well as the children.

How about just don't have a facebook page - I don't need to see cavorting and certainly don't need to get some weird twitter link to the fact you were out drinking whilst away with my kids for PGL week

1. Be friendly, cheerful, polite and firm. Boundaries are very important for all. Parents want to know that there child is safe and happy with you. Be approachable and listen to concerns raised. Follow school procedures for handling complaints, bullying etc at all times.

I agree with this but would particularly reiterate you have to help settle in parents especially in those first weeks. We won't know the systems or what to expect and we aren't psychic - try and build a routine - our YR teacher for DD2 used to put out a little chalk board at pick up times with notes about what to bring the next day - but forgot that a few kids went to kids club because parents worked. Eventually she twigged we weren't getting the messages and sent notes with the 2/3 after school club kids - post-its work a treat

1. Be confident. You got this job on your own merits. You may be an nqt, but that does not come into your relationship with the children or parents. You are the teacher, end of.

I'd say the YR kids will have no idea you're an NQT (they won't know the TA is not a teacher) - be aware they will become very attached to you. [If you are moved to teaching other years in KS1 - be aware that kids can pine for their old teacher for a few weeks] Try not to have favourites and try to see something great about all 30-32 of your kids - Personally as a parent I've always found NQTs streets ahead of the 'old lags' at the school. They're enthusiastic, hard working, up to date, ambitious and computer/ smart phone/ e-mail savvy! It's greatly appreciated

1. Some parents will love you, some not bothered, some will dislike you. This will happen every year. See point 6.

This is life - in whatever field regardless of point 6

1. Enjoy your time in the class, have fun. Reception parents IME are happy if their children to be happy to come to school, make some friends, learn to read and join in. Everything else is the cherry on the top.

I'd add learning to count and I'd also add that I was far happier with YR (NQT) teacher for DD2 who actually sent home information about phonics and key words and explained how that would roll it out and what she'd like us to do to help each week.

I think the only thing I'd add is that accidents happen in school and wetting yourself or being ill can be mortifying - have a spare PE kit available for an emergency and try and move swiftly back to normal procedure

One thing that was lovely about old hand YR teacher is she used to bring a spare collapsible umbrella on field trips because someone was bound to forget their rain coat - she was also a dab hand at making panchos out of bin liners

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To be honest - if you're trying your best and are reasonably approachable parents will pick up on that. Our children are too little to explain or articulate their relationship with you or their classmates, so do bear that in mind if a parent does ask you about something - often we've had a garbled account or an upset child at home and are just trying to work out what's going on

Personally I would be pleased as the older teachers seem to be fed up ( understandably) of the constant changes and masses of paperwork...