Ttc but need out of current school wwyd?

[glowingtwigs]

I'm increasingly unable to imagine staying much longer at my current school/in ft teaching/education at all. The behaviour of the kids is awful, SLT are getting more ridiculous by the day and every holiday I feel sick about going back.

Issue is, I'm trying for a baby and so feel trapped at the current school (I've done 12 years so flipping deserve maternity pay) yet at the same time feel worried that the stress there is preventing me getting pregnant again.

I feel like I should try another school before I jack in teaching for good, but how can I do this if ttc? I couldn't bear the thought of turning up to a new job and then saying 'yeah sorry, I'm pregnant'. I don't want to delay the baby making as I'm now in my late 30s. But then I can't put my life on hold can I? What if it doesn't happen?

Should I just give up my responsibilities and go pt? Or fly free and do supply? Help! I need a plan!

Ps DH says 'whatever makes you happy'. Teaching just doesn't any more.

Just tried and think your profile is private so I can't message you.

Think i have done it now. Check your email or profile hun xx

Thanks @Russell19 think I have replied..!

As pp said check burgundy book and your contract as some academies do still use these T&Cs too. If you got another job would you still be in the same local authority as your years of service may carry over to claim full enhanced maternity pay? Your Union contact is probably the best person to ask to double check this. If it were me I'd definitely look for another job. I stayed in mine and was allowed to change to a part time contract after maternity leave (which isn't always granted by schools - my Union was fab). BUT I've been looking for a new job and there are no other part time jobs in my area so I'm now trapped in a school which isn't great. The job hunt may also take your mind of TTC too. Good luck!

@Plasticgiraffe @SuperHeroGirl thank you both, I'll double check that, my union rep is really good. We are an academy though.

I’m out of teaching now so won’t comment on that. However I’ve had acupuncture loads, honestly it doesn’t hurt! Please don’t be worried about that. I find it very relaxing actually. Good luck on whatever you decide

I’ve been there before in your exact position. After 3 miscarriages I was convinced the stress wasn’t helping. I finally decided to leave and applied for another job. Found out I was pregnant again the same week that the invitation to interview came along. That baby stuck and I honestly think it was because I’d mentally ‘checked out’. I would start looking at new positions and consider handing my notice in if I were you. You don’t usually have to be employed for very long to qualify for full maternity leave benefits in state schools so your improved health is worth the short break anyway. I think burgundy book says you need to have done a year by the time you are due to give birth so if you are preggers for 40 weeks then you could happily start TTC after being in your new role for 3 months or so. Perhaps some SBM on here or your union could give you exact info based on your contract. If your academy is part of a chain then you may be able to transfer without a break in employment but that may not suit you. Good luck!

Thank you @loubluee
I'll give the acupuncture lady a call tomorrow

@MamaVV thank you for your reply 🙂 back to school tomorrow and I'm going to speak to my union rep about maternity leave, how it works with other schools and moving or quitting some responsibilities.
Just need to make a decision and sooner rather than later before I waste too much time! X

@glowingtwigs how was your day? I hope not too stressful.

Ah @Bobbiepin thank you for asking. It was ok, full teaching day and an issue with mocks. But ok. I did well with not getting too stressed. Going to see union rep before the end of the week. I hope your day was ok too xx