Long term primary supply advice

[sweetpeagarden]

Hello everyone,

I’ve secured a long-term supply position as class teacher in a primary school, starting tomorrow. Unfortunately, the circumstances are very tragic and the former class teacher has passed away and so they need a full-time teacher until the end of the academic year.
I understand how devastated the children will be (I believe this happened a few weeks ago and tomorrow is their first week back after Easter holidays).

What advice would you give me to best support the children and school during this time?
It is my first supply job and I’m eager to make a great and lasting impression on these lovely young children!

Thank you

Hi. I was in a similar position last year. It’s really difficult as staff and children will be really upset. I can’t offer any advice except leave at the end of the academic year so they have a clean break to a new teacher. (Others may have a different perspective on this but I saw my role as providing a breathing space for the school). And don’t take anything personally - they are struggling….

Thank you - I’m quite nervous!

Ask the Head how they want you to respond to pupils. What are they doing? Will there be any kind of whole school assembly? What message has gone home to families?

Will the Head (as a known adult) come and talk to the class and give them a chance to ask questions? That might help the children to compartmentalise - when they are with you, they don't have to think about their old teacher (of course you'll answer any questions and talk to them if they raise the issue). A bit like @Dendron123 described, but closer to the event.

I forgot to say - Good luck!

I found that the overwhelming majority of staff and parents were grateful there was someone to step in…My situation was a bit easier, though , because it was secondary so it wasn’t as intense as your situation.

I would say look after yourself and build in some extra wellbeing activities like mindfulness, healthy eating. People may get more frustrated than usual because of grief and it can be hard at times. Most of the time people will be supportive.

That is a tough one.
You should have support though about this. The emotions of pupils and staff will be high because if this.
I was in the exact same position as you when I took up a HoD role back in 2007 - the post holder had been diagnosed with leaukemia - their condition deteriorated quite rapidly and they passed away within 6 months. It was a tough one for the school as they were long serving too.
It was also tough for me for the first year but things changed after that.
i wish you the best.

I am a first year ect , but when I was on student placement I had one of my y4 students suddenly an unexpectedly die over a weekend.I expected the children to be devastated but after 5 minutes they had already moved on.
Similarly my sisters TA passed away suddenly and she didn't even mention it! Truth is I think unless it is a family member, kids are not really that affected.