Training to work in primary school

[Sammy2010theresa]

Hi all,

Would love some advice.

I currently work in an adult education role and returned to work a few months ago when my son was a 6 months. I think it was too soon and I have been unhappy ever since, it didn’t help that when I returned I took a step down to get a better wlb but actually the new job is busier than the older one and as such I don’t think I gained anything and I am now in a job that doesn’t really push me or use my skills.

Anyway I love working with children and have been running messy play sessions for the last few months with educational themes and am now thinking about the move into primary teaching after doing some work experience not this year but quite likely next year when my little one is older. I am wondering if anyone else has trained as a primary teacher with a two year old and whether it’s possible or a nightmare. I really want to do it but also have to put my son first. Thanks all for any advice. Also if there are any teachers out there what is the job market like if you happen to know and is supply easy or difficult to come by. Thank you so much

Have you tried posting this in The Staffroom?

I hate to sound like the bearer of bad news but the average primary school teacher works over 50 hours a week. It is the most challenging job when trying to do it with a family. Most of my colleagues use their extended family, spouses and childcare to help bring up their children. I’m due my first child in February and cannot imagine doing it with a child and working full time. I’ve worked in several schools where this is common. So, please consider it very carefully before you make any decisions. It’s not a 9 til 3, it’s a 7-5 plus Sunday’s.

I started my PGCE with a 3 year old and a 10 month old. Hard work but do-able. NQT year the same. All depends on your school. Good luck!

Don't underestimate the amount of work you will take home and how much of your free time you will sacrifice.

My typical day (before DC) was

Arrive at 0730/0745, prep resources for lessons that day and other admin involved in class teaching
0830-1515 teach and mark during lunch break
1515-1700 mark, attend staff meetings (there's always more than the whole staff meeting, think year group meeting/phase meeting/SENCO meeting etc) more class admin, begin preparing for tomorrow
1700ish go home
More marking, planning, resource making at home.

And at least half a day a weekend planning.

Don't forget half termly/termly assessments, SEN paperwork and resources, reports, parents evening, general classroom resources and "working walls".

I can't imagine doing it right now, my DC are 4 and 2. I'm about to return to being a class room teacher 2 days a week and that is more than enough. I did supply for a bit which is much more turn up at 0815, leave at 1600, no work at home, ever.

I started my training when ds was 3 months old. I quit teaching shortly after qualifying. It was so un-child friendly. I would have to travel to get a job, which meant no nursery was open early enough, like wise open late enough, the same with school etc. Really think about it!

Teaching is actually very family unfriendly. You can never see your own children in their class assembly, nativity, sports day etc because it is just so inflexible. Part time teaching is more manageable but you will need to be full time as an NQT to gain the experience I would think. You can do it and plenty of others have but your wlb will not be great for a while.

Like pps have said, it is hard but possible if you want to. When I did my pgce there were several parents of young children on the course. They are still teaching (15 years later) to my knowledge. Primary teaching is incredibly hard and stressful. I have taught adults too, and found adults much easier, but also more boring. I'm still in primary but will go back to adults if I get too burned out. If your children can attend the school you teach at, it makes life much easier.
Good luck. I have two under 5 and am still teaching full time. Feel free to pm me if you want to chat.

Hi all thanks so much for all your comments really helpful to me in my descision. I think as I suspect it’s very much like my current job with lots of planning and marking outside the classroom. I think this is doable for me but I have to put some thought into it. Thank you so much