Really...

[Doowrah]

I have a lovely TA who came to me this week excited because the Head has encouraged her to go for Teacher training. So she has signed herself up for a degree starting in September. I am delighted for her and think she would be great myself. The problem is she suffers badly with migraine and regularly has time off for them.I really don't wish to rain on her parade but it's not ideal is it?

It is not ideal.
On FB there is a teacher trainee who has OCD which is interfering with his placements, and likely to cause problem in the job. it is realistic to think about your ability to do the job , and whether you are likely to have excessive amounts of difficulty doing it, or absences.
If you have claustrophobia, you are likely to have anxiety working in submarines, and even if that is you dream, unrealistic to think that sufficient adaptations could/should be made to enable you to do it.

They wouldn't last 5 minutes in my school. Every period of absence (be it a week with tonsillitis or an afternoon with a headache) triggers a 'return to work' interview. If you have 3 periods of absence within a year-you are sent to the OT and then it's onto support plans and then capability!

I haven't had a day off sick for over 5 years!!

Surely your head is well aware of that yet still thought she was capable of it.

If that was my old head, they'd have suggested teachee training to try to get rid of the TA!

My only concern is that it will cost my TA alot of money and time to train and I hope that investment is not wasted. It is a very difficult job even if you are in full health.Fed up 5 years that is impressive.

I know what you mean. I'm a TA and I'm too scared to do a pgce! It sounds very stressful.

It is...but you may well thrive in that environment...

Fed up...that is harsh...wow that must have been some Head.

I was a ft teacher with weekly migraines. It was hell. School was supportive but there are procedures from ppl above the head and I just felt like I was in trouble all the time when I couldn't help it. Left after a year :( haven't returned to teaching as it triggers migraines and I let ppl down with my frequent absences.
It will be hard for your Ta to hear but better now than after all that hard work. Bless her.
Nice that you care :)

Thank you Pinkgeek...I really feel for people who suffer with migraines my Mum has had them for over 15 years and I know what a god-awful condition it is. Sorry you had such an awful experience, people are very quick to judge, hope you've found something that fits you better.

Thanks doowrah! It is awful and I can't work now because of it. My dh hates it too :( luckily his money is enough but it is unfair as he has to pay for everything.
I've had them for 6 years (31yo) and still hoping I'll grow out of them!
Migraine is a tricky one for ppl to understand as it's not life threatening and not something ppl can physically see. Lots of ppl think I make it up I think!
I feel so sorry for anyone with it - bless your mum and you for your understanding x

No worries, thanks for the wisdom of your experience.