TA after PGCE?

[Needmorewine]

I've previously posted about doing supply work after PGCE rather than an NQT role however due to the last minute nature of getting a call one morning and having to be in school ASAP I think I'm really going to struggle with organising childcare. I've seen a few TA / HLTA roles advertised which I actually think might work really well as I just don't think I have the energy to commit to doing my NQT year at the
Moment (even a PT one) as I am still recovering from the PGCE!! ). Final placement was insane and I feel knocked my confidence a bit, even though I passed it wasn't a particularly nice environment. Would a school think I'm very odd having gone to all the effort of doing and passing my PGCE and then wanting to do a TA role ? I'm wondering how I can justify it at interview if I get one . I would like to do my NQT year at some point but I just feel for me it's not compatible with young DC.but i don't want to not work !

Why not? If it works,for you and your family, that's great. Have you spoken with any agencies? You might find they have some part time positions available or afternoon's only, that kind of thing. You could teach but without the full time stress. Worth a shot?

I did this, more or less. I did a brief, part-time, temporary contract which started my NQT period but the year after that I returned to a TA role (at a different school). I completely relate to what you say about feeling exhausted and unconfident after the PGCE. A few years later, my children are older and I feel have more time to commit to teaching so am picking up my NQT role again this September.

At interviews over the last few years, I have found Heads to be very understanding about this decision and not at all surprised. I think there is more than one career path. Good luck!

This is really encouraging thanks both

I took a HLTA role which was basically doing PPA cover and 'supply' throughout the school- covering anything that needed covering. I planed for the PPA cover myself and the rest 'should' have been planned- but wasn't always.
It gave me experience of nursery to year 6, increased my confidence after a horrendous PGCE placement and I nearly always left by 4pm. It was a school with a lot of issues and I developed my classroom management skills.
However, the money was pretty horrendous- about £1K a month take home.