PGCE /NQT and childcare options

[Confusedadvisor]

Hi fellow teachers,
I am starting a PGCE secondary MFL in September 20 full time at university and need to sort out childcare. At the moment I am working (HR sector) 4 days a week, and pay for nursery 4 days a week over 52 weeks.
Should I keep my toddler there over 52 weeks during PGCE year or find term alternatives? I’m thinking that it’s probably good for me to have the holidays to study so perhaps best to leave her at nursery this year? She’s be there Monday to Friday as I’ll have both placements and uni days each week.
How about NQT year and after? Did you leave your little one full time or term time only?
She will be 18 months when I start PGCE this September.
Thanks for sharing your experience

If you can afford it I would leave her in for 52 weeks until you get settled into your post as a qualified teacher. Lots of extra things that need doing as student and nqt and until you find your groove you might want holidays child free or at least send her when you need to?

If you can afford it I would (are you getting the bursary?) I would leave her over 52 weeks. You will need some time to work over the holidays and you don't have to leave her there every day. NQT year I would go for term time as you will have a lot less money. You will need to be more organised but that comes with experience.

Best of luck with your course. I love teaching MFL.

Thank you!
Yes I will be getting the bursary and some help towards childcare so I won’t be worse off than I am now actually that’s a relief!

I agree that 52 weeks is best for the training year. In the long run the holidays with DC are a big upside of the job, but this training year is a means to that end. If she were older, you could realistically get some work done while she’s doing her own thing, but at this age being at home with her means that you can’t concentrate on anything else. Good luck with the course.

I worked so much in the holidays during my PGCE year- there were often assignment deadlines during or just after the holidays, and they were often my only real chance to get my evidence/paperwork together. Also don't forget you will need to apply for jobs and the holidays can be a good time to do this. As an example, I had 3 weeks off at Easter, and worked solidly for the first two on assignments, and I had two interviews in the first week. In the last week, I didn't work so solidly, but did do some planning etc for school.

In my NQT year (so far) I have worked less in the holidays- but I'd definitely keep the option there for your PGCE year!