Am I mad

[losingmymindiam]

To consider returning to state primary teaching? Just that really. Haven't taught primary for about ten years, apart from recent supply. Had a few different jobs since including secondary teaching. Fancy a change but wondering if it is a bad idea from everything I have heard and read.

I think you've got to find the right school where your supported and willing to work hard. The job is almost unrecognisable from 10 years ago but if your doing supply you can get to know local schools and decide where you would like to try. There's a huge recruitment issue so you very much have a choice if you can show you are effective.

Is there a reason you want state?

Well I would consider independent too but there are lots of state jobs it seems and very few independent. Unrecognisable how? If I were to 'choose the school carefully' what should I be asking?

Look at the planning expectations and the marking and assessment policy for any school you are thinking of working in. Is it sustainable?
If you fancy a change, go for it. Just try and ensure the change is for the good, and be self-aware if it becomes harmful to your wellbeing before you crash.

Yes - I have managed not to get sucked into the manic pressure in secondary by always being strict with myself in terms of work/life balance (even though I constantly feel like I'm never done). Also by working part time! However I need to go full time for financial reasons. Is it possible to not get sucked in...?!?!

Work life balance is far worse in primary in my experience.

Unrecognisable as in the demands for a totally data driven curriculum are far greater no matter what Ofsted say. The level of observations and work scrutiny is far greater in all 3 schools I've worked in recently than 10 years ago. The expectation and need for teachers to do so many roles due to a lack of TA support and SEN provision from the local authority. In all schools I've worked at CP has been massive and the cuts they have had make that so much harder as the social care system is at breaking point. Expectations around parental engagement are high leading to a tricky work life balance.

I suggest asking about planning and assessment. Find a school where staff share planning and ideally have PPA together so your not having to find additional time to do this. Find a school where staff turnover is low is generally a good sign of content staff...

Ok thanks! I will definitely investigate planning and assessment policies.