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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Anyone left teaching to run a pre-school?

10 replies

sofia31 · 19/09/2014 20:46

I am due back off mat leave in Jan to a full time teaching job.My part time request was rejected. I can't face the full time work load now I have 2 young children. I have seen a pre-school leader job for 3 days a week. Would it be madness to leave teaching for a job paying £7.75 an hour?? It's a small village setting so the paperwork would be much less for a small group of children. I feel quite excited about the job and getting back into early years which is my specialism. The planning and assessment would be fine. It would be all the funding and finances that would be new to me.
I am scared to leave teaching, but scared to go back as I know I can't cope and have been given a new key stage to lead if I do go back which would finish me off I think!
This pre-school job is obviously a huge pay cut, but the days of work mean I would only need to pay for one day childcare so we could just about afford it. After 9 years teaching I think I just need to be brave and make a change. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.

OP posts:

FabulousFudge · 19/09/2014 22:38

If I were you, I would definitely give it a try.

crazymum53 · 20/09/2014 15:22

Not me but do know someone who made a move like this when she had young children. Because she had experience as a reception teacher they welcomed her with open arms. She returned to teaching in a school when her children were older.
If you can afford the drop in pay go for it.
Am not sure where you can find out about pay rates for such posts though.

Original poster

sofia31 · 21/09/2014 20:15

Thank you both. That is interesting that your friend managed to get back into teaching after.

OP posts:

HamAndPlaques · 21/09/2014 21:41

I would apply but see if you could negotiate a bit more money as a graduate and a qualified teacher. You never know... Good luck!

crazymum53 · 22/09/2014 08:51

Yes when her children started school, she did some supply work and PPA cover work and was then offered a permanent post.

tortoisesarefab · 22/09/2014 08:56

I am not a teacher but I did move within my profession to a job with less pay and less responsibility when I had my children. It has been the best decision for me, I feel like I spend the majority of my time at home with my children, where I want to be. The lower skilled job can be frustrating at times but on the whole my focus is my family life right now. I would definitely say to give it a try

Original poster

sofia31 · 27/09/2014 08:15

Thanks for the positive words. I am going to apply and see what happens!

OP posts:

KatyMac · 27/09/2014 08:20

Sofia, I think it sounds like a great idea - just be careful as the paperwork may be as intensive as what you do now, even if there is less of it/less children

Original poster

sofia31 · 27/09/2014 08:29

Thanks Katy. I am aware it will still be a fair workload, but hopefully as its all in EYFS I can cope with it better. Its all the wider school stuff I struggle to keep up with as I am not experienced in KS1 or 2.

OP posts:

KatyMac · 27/09/2014 09:05

As the leader will you be doing the accounts & wages?
What about the claims for funding?
Will you have to keep track of everyone's training and do appraisals?
Will you have to be CP lead practitioner, setting first aider & SENCO

I'm not sure what 'leader' will entail for this pre-school - make sure you get a full picture before you make your decision

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