Would you go back to work on June 1st if you didn't have to?

[WillowB]

I've been on long term supply (part time) since the start of the year in a Y1 class. I'm supposed to be there until July.
I've been working at home planning and marking for my class since lockdown but have now been told I'll probably be back in the classroom from June.
I'm really torn. I feel a responsibility to my class, my colleagues and to the school which I really like.
However my own children will still be at home with no adult input as my husband is in meetings in the phone all day. I'll be honest, I'm actually really scared about going back. I read the guidelines issued by the government yesterday and I don't feel confident that they are going to keep us all safe. No PPE, no social distancing. I'm worried for the myself, the children & my own family.
We don't need my wage to pay the bills (though we're not rich by any means) so I'm thinking of not returning to the post. Just so torn as to what the right thing to do is here.

This is going to attract some rather horrid non-teaching professionals who seem to be lurking around the Staffroom

How will it impact on future contracts for supply?
Does that matter?
What is more important? Health or career?

If I was supply now but didn't need to work for money, I'd finish the 7 weeks of next term if I could (and put my children into key worker childcare), then not work for the next academic year.

That's still reducing your risk into 'flu' season after the summer for you and your children. Most likely you'll be fine because of time of year and the 'safety' measures put in place. I'd be more concerned about longer commitment to exposure next year.

It's also going to be fricking chaos next year! There are going to be loads of supply jobs going, and you won't have blotted your copy book by quiting mid contract.

I agree with what @pfrench says, but I would add that if you are going to quit before half term (eg not to go back on June 1st), you should let school know ASAP as it will affect their planning considerably. Not to say you should, or you shouldn’t, but sooner rather than later.

If you don't need the money I would not take the risk. I think your supply agency could fill the role and you should not feel guilty about putting your family first. Having worked for supply agencies for 7 years I would hope that you know that they are more interested in your commission than anything else so do what is best for you and your family at this time. The school would also not hesitate to get shot of you if it suited them so don't mess your head with any ideas of loyalty to them. However I agree with giving as much notice as possible.

Thanks for the input. I plan to part ways with my agency in July anyway as they have been utterly useless & pay me through an umbrella company who take a huge slice of my wages - but that's another thread!
I was hoping for some clarity from the school about how they are going to implement things before making a decision, or that the unions might step in but you're right, I don't have the luxury of time.

Hi @WillowB, I'm in a very same position as you - wanted to start teaching again in September after kids/MA study but now I'm not so sure.

Perhaps go back until July? It's almost certainly going to be a staggered start with reduced days to begin plus will look better on your CV. It will probably be quite safe to begin with after all the quarantining. Then be super choosey as to the schools you go back into. By September systems will be in place and the risks will be clearer.... then wait for a potential second-wave.

I'm only applying for jobs I really want (not that anything's come up!) and can see myself in long-term. It's stressful enough starting a new job at the best of times - the next couple of terms will be chaos...