SEN vs mainstream primary

[Restricting]

I'm a primary teacher, seriously considering moving to the SEN sector. Can anyone tell me what it's like working in an SEN school compared to mainstream? I'm looking particularly at schools for children with learning difficulties/ASD, rather than semh needs.
I'm feeling increasingly disillusioned with the education system in general and how it is failing so many children. Trying to balance the needs of 30 children, some of whom are working above ARE, some are at ARE, some are below ARE, and 8 who have SEN, as well as a small number who have serious behavioural challenges which are dominating the class and demanding 1:1 adult input, is impossible. I don't feel I'm meeting any of their needs and I'm beating myself up every day about it. I'm wondering if it's better in a SEN setting with smaller classes, more adults and less pressure for children to fit impossible expectations. I know there will be challenges, but I'm wondering if it's easier to celebrate the successes and progress of children in these settings, rather than constantly judging them negatively against unreasonable expectations. How does the workload of an SEN teacher compare to a mainstream teacher? How does job satisfaction compare?

I work in a SEN school for kids with moderate learning difficulties.

You don't need to worry about SATs in primary and in secondary they are working at entry level. They don't really do homework as it's unenforceable.

Behaviour is pretty good despite the challenges they face, and staff ratios are high (say in a class of 13 you'll have 3 or 4 adults mostly).

Form tutors do EHCP annual reviews but it's well covered in the directed time calendar and you get SEN allowance too.

Parental engagement is low - many though not all have special needs of their own and about 80% of kids arrive and leave in a taxi so you don't get the school gate dramas.

Attendance is not great and hard to do a lot about as many will have various medical appointments. Some parents don't really see the value in education in the way parents in mainstream are more likely to so think nothing of keeping them home at the vaguest sniffle or after a bad nights sleep.

There's a lot of money in the budget so you are not having to bring Pritt sticks in or any of that nonsense. If you need resources for a lesson or things for your classroom, you can have them.

Most of our teachers arrive at around 8am and are gone by 4.

Wow @SquirrelHash your school sounds amazing!
@Restricting I'd say it's a mixed bag and swings and roundabout generally.

Pros:
Yes generally smaller classes, better staffing ratios, SEN point, less pressure from the curriculum.

Cons:
Most special schools I know, as the pressure on places increases only the very highest needs children get accepted. That means that children are lower ability and more likely to have extreme behaviours and really a special school is the end of the line so once you get them you're expected to do your best with them until they are leaving age.
Also, class sizes are getting squeezed and as @SquirrelHash said 12-13 is now usual which sounds great from a mainstream perspective but they are all very high needs and you have to implement the section F provision from each of their EHCPs and evidence it, which can be difficult.
You don't have the same curriculum pressures but then again sometimes the curriculum has to be individually adapted for each child in your class.

Basically, it can be great but it is also exhausting and not to be seen as an easy option.
Go and look around as many schools as you can and ask lots of questions before you take the plunge.

Thank you @SquirrelHash and @MissMelanieH for your useful and honest replies.
I visited a school last week, applied and have been invited to interview tomorrow!
Any last minute tips/advice?

Ah just saw this! How did it go?

@SquirrelHash I got it!

Well done @Restricting what sort of school is it? Primary, secondary?
I hope it works out well for you.

@Restricting I’d be interested to know how you have got on since posting this jd if you have any regrets etc as I find myself in exactly the same boat atm. 😊

Hi @Lizziexo1993
Thanks for your message. Coming up to finishing my first year in a SEN school and I can honestly say I have no regrets. It was definitely the right decision for me, and I'm so happy I took the plunge. It's been intense, a massive learning curve but I've loved it. I'm genuinely looking forward to going back to work on Monday. It's definitely not for everyone, and at times it has felt very overwhelming, but for me it has been an amazing experience. I am so glad I got out of mainstream and I don't think I'll ever go back.

Hi, sorry I know this is an old post but I am thinking of making the move and wondered if you are happier in your new school. Also, any tips on how to transition? I was thinking of volunteering in a special school while I'm still working part time.

My DS is in a specialist school and has 1:1 and his TA had never worked in any school nor did she have any qualifications) before (though the school told the EP she has got qualifications... So you would probably easily get a TA job.