Teachers / TA's...dress me please!

[Decafflatteplease]

As above..

I'm starting a school volunteer placement soon, primary school, been a SAHM for many years so live in casual stuff and trainers.

Here's the tricky part...I'm extremely overweight. But confident! 5 foot tall and size 18 - 20 (18 a little tight 20 a bit loose) also have a mum tum with a 44 inch waist. I also prefer to dress modestly although I guess that's a given at school anyway

Also on a budget, ideally want things I can get on vinted. And dont need ironing if possible!

And shoes please, also have plantar fascitis.

Dress me please 🙏

Do you have a dress code from the school?
Some are very casual and others much smarter - so that will make a difference.

And also what kind of role?
Some TAs spend a lot of time on the floor playing with 4 and 5y olds and others are sat at desks mainly working with 11y one to one.
Your role will also have an influence on what you wear.

I'll be doing various roles in each year group, need experience with everything.

Re dress code is smart casual whatever that means.

You really can wear anything that is not jeans. Typical stuff would be white stuff style dresses or linen trousers type stuff.

I’d start by buying several camisole type tops (to avoid cleavage being on show) and leggings (for decency when sitting on carpets etc) and then get a selection of wrap dresses or tunics (whichever suits you best) to wear over the top. If it’s a smart ish school, also get a blazer to wear over the top. If it’s more casual, get a couple of cardis. (layers are your friend. Schools are never quite the ‘right’ temperature)

Honestly... as long as you are clean and tidy and fairly modest, they will just be glad to have you!
I've been a TA for 20 years. I often wear jeggings (as a bit more robust than leggings) and a long linen shirt or tunic top and skechers trainers. Long chunky cardigan for colder days..plus pockets are very useful! I live in skechers (as do many of the TAs and teachers) as they are comfy... above all you want to be comfortable and also wear clothes that don't matter if you get paint/glue etc on them.
I have never worn anything remotely smart for school! Cheerful colours are always nice with primary kids (IMO) also makes it easy to see you in the playground.

If you do end up in the playground a decent rain coat... I get so cold at playtimes!

My personal go to is Uniqlo.. great jeggings and simple but nice tops !

Make sure tops are high ish neckline,because remember that u might be leaning down etc. Any skirts make sure not see through. I know I probably the only person who wears an under skirt. Have layers as the temperature will vary in different parts of the school. A cardigan a good idea,but don't forget to.pick it up. Comfy shoes. Carry a snack,plenty of fluids too as it sometimes difficult to get a break. Unless you have somewhere secure to leave valuables, leave them at home. Once you had your induction I would refrain from.talking when the teacher is talking. It winds us up,even if u are explaining to a pupil. Also don't do the work for them. Good luck

I’ve just left a similar role and sounds like I’m the same size and build as you. I’ve just had a clear out today so would be happy to send you some pics of the things I’m getting rid of if any are useful!

Mainly Popsy dresses (with pockets!) and smart ish but elasticated trousers.

I wore leggings and either tunic tops or dresses over the top with pockets and a cardy.

I'm at a smart/casual dress code school and we're mainly just grateful to have the volunteers we do as per pp says, there's a mixture of black jeans with blousey type tops and cardis/jumpers or leggings with long tops/shorter dresses and pumps or canvas trainers, our male volunteers are muxh more casual - jogger type trousers and teeshirts, however the two we have are in forest school most days, so need comfies.

To be fair, those outfits are similar to what teachers and TAs wear although we're less likely to be in jeans and are more likely to wear regular trousers as not so restrictive for movement.

I work in a school and wear casual clothes... black jeans, dr martens and a tidy top. Lucy and yak dungarees, navy skinny jeans, blouse and jumper, those sorts of things. Always have a Cardi beaus it goes between being really warm and freezing!

Everything is machine washable, comfy, easy to move around in and doesn't matter if it gets spoiled (by paint/glue/bodily fluids 🤢) too much.

Good luck!

There is a larger lady who works at my school and she looks amazing but dresses quite simply. She will wear say a bright wide legged strappy jumpsuit with a t shirt underneath or wide legged colourful trousers with a simple top. It’s all supermarket/high street stuff but she looks really good and comfortable.