Commute for P/T SENCO post?

[SomeoneHasMyNameAlready]

I'm being ridiculous about this commute, I suspect.

There is a post for a P/T SENCO role and in many ways the job / person spec is ideally suited to me (other than the fact that the school is more leafy and middle class than I would choose).

The only other 'issue' is the commute. I suspect that I'm being ridiculous, as I've already said but would welcome some views.

I am originally from a medium sized city and have taught on the edge of that city for many years. I now live semi- rurally but still mentally categorise potential jobs in schools in terms of distance to my home city (15 miles away), as I am more familiar with the communities/ demographics.

The new post that I am talking about is 23 miles in the other direction from my home city and my concerns are these:

• The 40 minute drive is longer than I would choose

-This will mean that I am unable to easily pop in on my days off if needed -I will have no local knowledge /local contacts/ links with the community at all -I am used to feeling 'at home' in the community where I teach

I know I'm being silly about the drive as I would drive 40 minutes to the far side of my home city without thinking about it. But this would being winding single track rural rounds.

On the plus side, the job is only 2 days a week (ideal as I have some additional responsibilities linked to the health of my teenage DC).

Can someone talk to me about my (probably very silly) reservations about applying, please?!

TIA

I work 40 mins away. It’s absolute fine (apart from being tiring). It’s nice to leave work at work.

Hi Purple,
How does the distance enable you to leave work at work, more? Not sure I understand what you mean :)

I think that writing this post has actually helped me realise that it's maybe more the other issues about the unfamiliar location, rather than just the distance, that are putting me off.

I’ve got between 40 minutes and an hour (traffic dependent) to stew over anything that’s gone badly during the day before I get home. I never see children from school on weekends or at the swimming pool. Work feels like it’s a different place to home. I hope that makes sense!

Yes, that makes complete sense, Purple. Thanks. I've never minded seeing the odd child who I teach out of school as I've always had a 15 minute drive to work, so have not actually been living in the community where I teach (but still local enough to know the schools/ demographic/ wider area).

I work 25 miles away and work 3 days a week
Rural roads at start and end of journey with A road in between
I love living away from the school community unlike some of my colleagues who do and aren't keen on bumping into students and parents especially if there had been issues in school
If I need to sort something out on my days off I tend to do it by email or phone call so feel I get proper days off
Plus you will soon get to know the wider school community
Good luck

I love not working on my doorstep. I get a proper break from not bumping into people from work all the time

My school is nearly 30 miles away and can be from 40-50 mins commute. Don't let it out you off!

I have a 50 min commute door to door. I do go a convuoluted route because I know I will get there as it is often clearer than the quicker dual carriage way route, which can become a nightmare if the M25 gets buggered.

Rural roads. What I have found is that you get used to their quirks, etc. However, I did eventually buy a car which has a 4x4 mode ( including a snow mode). Winter weather can be tricky as well as floods, storms, etc. Big lorries can push you into hedges, etc. However, there are some uplifting sights like the red kites wheeling above the downs. People on bikes, horses, tractors and the sodding Easycrete lorry have to be factored in. I get in very early then leave asap (if no meetings) at the end of the day.

I certainly don't go in when not doing working hours apart from the odd day in hols and obvs 'occasions'. Don't work full time for part time money.

You do get used to the commute but now I am full time I get knackered from it more quickly. It provides thinking and planning time. You just need to set rules like meetings with parents before school and be prepared for more petrol costs.

Ahhh, thanks everyone. Some really interesting perspectives and good to hear your experiences. I was thinking about the car issue... I currently have a newish small car. It holds the road quite well and is narrow enough to be able to squeeze passed larger vehicles. I guess I’d lose that with a 4x4...

I’m going to go and look round and see how I feel about the school as it’s all a bit abstract atm.

I am realising that some of my issues/ reservations are not just about the journey but about worries about juggling other commitments ...so this thread is helping me to identify the other factors.

Thanks so much.

I have to say-I would hate to commute that far! I have taught in 5 different schools and all have been within a ten minute drive. I like knowing the area, the local schools/pre schools, lots of the heads, other sencos. Unless the job was 100% perfect in every day (large SEN budget, team, huge TLR and own parking space ), I wouldn’t consider it.

I value my mornings and like getting to work early; I don’t want to be driving for ages before I’ve even arrived.