Returning to teaching?

[Backtolifebacktoreality99]

My youngest is turning 4 and I’m thinking of going back to teaching part time (if possible!). I only taught for 3 years before leaving, then another year in a charity doing related work. My NQT year was in an outstanding special needs school and I then took a job as a special needs teacher in a mainstream school.

I’ve now been out 6 years. I think many of my skills (makaton, PECS, etc) will be relevant still and I’m still quite cheap. So hoping it won’t be impossible to go back.

I’ve seen some full time roles in a local special needs school. Is it worth applying and asking for part time? They take NQTs and say they have a comprehensive induction scheme for all new starters. I was a good teacher (outstanding on a good day!) and moving into mainstream made me realise my passion was for working within special needs schools. Is this a pipe dream? I can’t do supply unfortunately due to childcare and similarly TA work wouldn’t cover the cost of going back.

I would be very surprised if a school advertising for a full time teacher would accept part time unless you were the perfect candidate. Part time staff can make things more challenging in lots of ways for a school and I know my school (admittedly mainstream) tries to avoid part time staff where they can.

You can but I don’t think they’ll be impressed - if they wanted someone part time then that’s what they would advertise for, the advert would even at least say ‘part time considered’. It’s not the best start to a new job. I had a 2 year break and went back part time, I only applied for jobs that were advertised as such - there were a fair amount to choose from and I was hired by a fantastic, part time friendly school where I love working.

I would call and speak to someone and ask if part time might be an option before you applied.

Surely the worst case is that they don’t offer me any interview? If I’m upfront in my application I don’t see how it could be a “bad start” or offend them in some way Though I fully appreciate it may not be something they are willing to consider.

My last 2 jobs were advertised as full time and I managed to get them part time. I didn’t mention it in the application letter as I didn’t want them to dismiss me straight away, but I raised the issue during the interview.
In my experience schools often can’t afford to be picky and will make concessions for the right candidate, especially if you are a bit flexible about which day(s) you want to be off or if you are open to half days.

Sorry OP I misread and thought you meant you would apply and then ask for part time after getting the job! No you’re right, there’s no harm in asking beforehand - I don’t think you’re likely to get to interview doing this though, especially if there are NQTs applying, so I wouldn’t be too optimistic - but I wouldn’t call it a pipe dream either. It might depend on how competitive the jobs are where you live. As a pp said you would have to be the perfect candidate - just on paper at that point - perfect next to a cheap NQT with recent training or a more experienced one who isn’t coming back after a career break, both available to work full time. I’m not trying to dissuade you - if it works then great! But don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t.

Definitely ask before applying if they would consider part time.
Send a sort of cover letter with a paragraph selling yourself and explaining your situation.
I did exactly that. 6 years out too.
I’ve had 4 part time roles and only one of them was advertised as part time. All the others were full time ads.
Often Headteachers will make the role up to full time even if they want part time anyway.
Certainly worth a shot. So long as you check first and make it clear what hours you’re after so no one feels like their time’s been wasted.

Loads of schools would be thrilled- and more schools are advertising with a note to say part time would be considered.

Definitely call ahead and ask, and try and do a school visit if you can.

Good luck! It’s so good to hear of more people going back to SEN.

Personally I would ask before taking the many hours needed to fill in the form!

Yes ask. There may be another 'you' applying or a part time member of staff may already work there.