Becoming a teacher

[Halfsack]

Hi, sorry if this isn't the right place but was unsure where to put it for advice. Anyway, I am 26, two DC 6 &2 and wanting to retrain. I currently work as a MDS and do some clerking to governor and would quite like to be a nursery/reception teacher but not sure how best to go about it? Can anyone advise?

You need to have a degree - if you have one already then that's great. If not, you could do a 3 year BEd degree in primary teaching which will also give you QTS. If you have a degree then you can apply direct for a PGCE or SCITT (school based) course which takes 1 year full time.

Also, speak to some current primary teachers regarding workload - I teach a core subject at secondary level and the workload is really very intense - I only have 1 child who is 3 and I have a husband but I often feel like I am constantly juggling and struggling to balance all of the demands on my time. There is often planning/marking to do at home in the evenings/weekends as well.

Have you spent any time in the classes of the age range you wish to teach? I would strongly recommend you do this before applying.

Good luck!

Definitely do some volunteering/observing in at least two schools and ask the teachers about their working day. I believe 60 hours a week is average for a primary school teacher.

What qualifications do you have already-that's probably the best place to start?