Special needs NQT year

[Peonysandblueglass]

I am just coming into my third year of a primary teaching BA I've passed my skills tests and am thinking about next year.
I've researched NQT (induction) years and am tempted to accept an invitation from a head from my last teaching placement, who encouraged me to get in touch when I finish my degree and he would love to have me do my NQT year at his school. however this is a special needs school ( I absolutely loved it there) but do you think I will then be ill- equipped to work in mainstream schools if I spend my first paid year in a SEN school?
I do know for sure that my personality is very suited to SEN schools and I found the staff far more supportive and compassionate (less gossip and competitiveness) in this school.
I also want to have a baby in September next year so do you know whether I will be given a decent maternity leave package if They do offer me a permanent contract during my NQT year?
Sorry for the ramble- just want to make the right choices TIA

Sorry I mean september 2016 I want to have a baby

You will need to have been working at a school for a year to qualify for full maternity pay which is usually standard across the state sector.

Are you planning on having a baby in sept 2016 or starting trying then? Being pregnant during your NQT year would be extremely tough and probably affect the chances of a job offer.

I want to have a baby Sept 2016 so would be about 6 months pregnant when finishing NQT year, Do I need to have been working for a school for 52 weeks to qualify for full maternity pay? I'm so confused.

I think you have to have a full year's service before you're eligible for maternity pay. It used to be 2 years, but then it changed.

I would also advise against being pregnant during your NQT year. I had my DD last October, and I found it really hard to carry on teaching until July even though it was a year group I was experienced in. The sickness, the tiredness, the appointments etc.

My NQT year was exhausting enough. I can't imagine doing that and being pregnant at the same time.

Also, if you worked in a special school, could you be class based and pregnant? Would there be a risk of a child hurting you? Schools have to do risk assessments for pregnant staff, so you may not be able to be in class.

Thanks, it just sees like Im going to be so old by the time I start having children (Im a mature student 30)

I had my first at 31. Average age is now 30.

I would wait another year for having the baby. You are still young. Lots of my friends had theirs late 30s/early 40s so wouldn't think you are old.

Where I am in London, the average age of a first time mum is 32.