Been given PPA role. Should I be worried?

[CathbadtheDruid]

I work in a Primary school and have been there for over 15 years. HT has told everyone where we will be in September and I have been told that I will be doing PPA cover. To say I'm shocked is an understatement! I've been a class teacher for over 30 years and this isn't a welcome change at all. Would you be worried by this? Do you think it's a bad sign? I suppose I'm worried that the (very recently appointed) HT has a poor opinion of me, although she has no reason to.

I was employed as a PPA teacher when I started at my school but due to Covid and the bubble system, I haven't been doing my usual job this year.

Tbh, PPA cover is good in many ways as you get to teach lots of different classes and get to know loads of children and their siblings too. Plus there is variety as you never spend more than half a day with each class usually.

The down sides are moving around from room to room, not knowing what you're actually going to be teaching beforehand, being treated like you're a supply if the kids don't know you etc. Marking can be hard to fit in too.

What PPA cover will you be providing? Do you know yet? I am a specialist teacher and also part time. Are you full time and not going to be sharing a class?

I'm full time and will be covering KS2. Luckily I know all the children well, as I'll have taught them as a class teacher before. I'll be planning the work but won't be able to choose the subjects that I teach. Currently, we give the PPA cover a topic each half term to deliver and she plans, marks and assesses it. I'm full time so won't be job sharing.

@CathbadtheDruid

I'm full time and will be covering KS2. Luckily I know all the children well, as I'll have taught them as a class teacher before. I'll be planning the work but won't be able to choose the subjects that I teach. Currently, we give the PPA cover a topic each half term to deliver and she plans, marks and assesses it. I'm full time so won't be job sharing.

Is the current PPA cover teacher leaving then?

It's very odd to be moved from class teacher to PPA cover without any discussion or consultation tbh.

My HT has been trying to get me to move the other way round to you and I'm firmly resisting lol.

Yes the PPA person is leaving teaching altogether! Lucky sod 😂

Quietly get on with it; then perhaps in casual conversation try to find out why this decision was made. HT's always amaze me with the way they can change your role so it looks nothing like your contract!!

To me it sounds like the HT wanted you out of the classroom, I'm afraid. The fact that it wasn't discussed with you also makes it look like you're being massaged out.

@Barbie222

To me it sounds like the HT wanted you out of the classroom, I'm afraid. The fact that it wasn't discussed with you also makes it look like you're being massaged out.

That's what I fear.

I'm currently a PPA cover and have been doing it for the last few years after maternity leave. I wasn't consulted either and found out when I read the staffing email. I was pretty pissed off at the time. However, my workload has been reduced hugely and it's actually really nice - I enjoy teaching again. I know lots of children around the school and have a chance to chat to TAs in the staff room at break times. I'm still on MPS and am pencilled in to be a class teacher again next term (but with this school who knows!) but I'm now dreading it. Seeing the workload this year with the recovery curriculum I've been very glad to be out of it and am now looking for a job outside of teaching.

Thanks, FlowersAreBeautiful that has put a positive spin on things.

Less workload surely. Take the break. Assuming pay is same.

If the vacancy created by the PPA teacher leaving has gone to an NQT, which is not unlikely due to budget impact of doing this, they might need to give them a class, which then means a shuffle of existing teachers. If lots of the others have TLRs they could also be harder to move. Like others have said, there are lots of positives, but a quick chat with the head will hopefully reassure you.

I really enjoyed PPA cover. Variety of children so you don't have the same
ones that can wear you down 😂 Children generally happy to see you.
You get none of the extra class teacher stuff - sorting class assemblies, organising school trips, meeting parents after school etc. so workload much reduced. Good opportunity to expand experiences of different age groups. Good luck!