In a quandary.

[OneOfTheGrundys]

DS2 is off to private school next term. For various reasons and family help we’re just about able to afford it. He has SEN and we’re caught between him not being totally able to cope in a large class yet managing enough not to qualify for an EHCP. It’s going to be great for him I think.

I teach a core subject at local state, on UPS, 0.8.

An HTLA position (equivalent) has been advertised at DS’ new private school. It’s about 8k less a year and FT but 50% fee reduction.

I’m in 2 minds about applying. DH is going to die in the next few years (life limiting disease) and I won’t have any support pension wise. Taking this job means no payment into my Teacher’s Pension. For short time gain I may be risking long term security? But... no marking in the evenings, able to take DS2 to school and pick up every day/give him some more security and support...

Not sure what to do.

Sorry. I should also add I have not applied for the position yet! I just tend to like to get my ducks in a row before applying for anything...

Make sure the pay is actually £8k less and not substantially more. Non-teaching roles are usually advertised at one given salary but that’s based on a 37.5 hour week (which the job probably isn’t) and a 52 week year.

I’d do it, you’d have enhanced quality of life right at the time you need it, and years after to boost your pension. Huge challenges coming up in your life, you’ll need sone balance.

Those are both excellent points. I’m so used to looking at MPS/UPS that I hadn’t considered the pay issue.

I’m 41 so do have a few years left (I hope) to boost pension payments. I’d never considered working in the private sector but this school has a good reputation for staff training and welfare so this may be a good idea.

You are right Treading we are in for a very turbulent few years.
(Love the username btw. I was raised by my grandma who used to talk darkly about being ‘led up the primrose path...’!)

I teach at my kids school also 50% fee reduction. It's changed our quality of life beyond imagination.

That’s good to hear Jamtart. My oldest is in state secondary and really thriving but DS2 would struggle. It’s just the salary cut/pension issue that worries me.

How much would it cut the fees by?
Is there a possibility that once in the school, later down the line, there would be opportunities for teaching posts?

How do you think the new school will react when you need time off at the end of dh life / after he dies ? Say you took a term off (I’m not saying you would just might) would ds keep his discount if you were unable to work?

In theory I think it sounds a great idea for you at this time it’s just thinking through all possible negative scenarios.

Surely that would just be signed off sick for her? Sick pay wouldn't affect fees would it?
It's a horrible thing to have to plan ahead for so sorry OP

All good points... you are right, there are a lot of unknowns and I’d have to be clear about those if I got an interview. My current school, for all its faults, has gone above and beyond to be supportive!

It’s a 50% cut in fees, so significant and worth about 7k rising to 8 as he’d go into senior. We’re bring helped by family to the fees, given our situation they just want to do what they can to support the DC!

Thank you for your replies. This may all be academic of course and if I apply they don’t want me anyway!

What a difficult thing to have to think about for you

I would proceed with caution-My DCs have been in private school with me for the last four years and I’ve just extricated both of us. Fee reduction is brilliant, but I didn’t like how grateful I was expected to feel. I also was still vulnerable to changes in terms and conditions and fees rising etc and it could be very stressful. It can also make it very difficult to sort out issues when you’re a colleague and a parent. To be honest it’s not a situation I would willingly repeat, though I totally see why it’s appealing. DC’s got a fabulous education, but I’m moving them to state for the next key stage, as for me the pros weren’t worth the cons. Good luck with whatever you decide and PM me if you want to know more

I would sit tight for a teaching job to come up at the school. Play poker for another year and it’s likely the pay off would be worth it.

If it makes sense financially for the short term. Once you get in you may srcure a teaching post there.
Same holidays and day time drop off/pick ups would make a huge difference.

I think I would wait- let him get settled, get to know the school and them you, and apply for a job in the future there once you can see more how it might work. Because it seems like your current job is a good place, and it would be sad to give that up if the new place turned out not to work well.

Thank you all so much for your replies.
Unicorn-yes that had crossed my mind. The lines blur, don’t they. You become party to things as a parent, particularly of teens, that are sometimes necessary and uncomfortable to report to school.
Apple-I know what you mean but I don’t think jobs come up as much. It’s certainly a backwards step career wise and I love teaching for all its problems! That said, no marking would be lovely.
Sqeezle-logistics are a huge bonus. It’s closer than my current job too.
Tanaqui-starting over again feels massive at the moment. I don’t have to explain anything to anyone where I work and I have a good reputation.
Thank you all