setting boundaries

[ToryHater]

I am a primary ECT1 with multiple year groups and a very high level of SEN in my class.I have realised i am only going to survive in teaching and not compromise my mental health by setting firm boundaries.
I am going to make sure I have one day each weekend , and one evening midweek where I do no work at all. I am going to strictly prioritise my workload and say that I just do not have time to do some of the tasks which are not legal requirements and do not benefit the children's education of wellbeing. I am also sick of kids being dumped on me all lunchtime. I am going to st in my car for 20 minutes every day to eat my lunch in peace. I also need to insist on getting my full PPA which is increasingly not happening
I dont want to come across as bolshy , but I really do need to hold my line on this. I would welcome advice from anyone who has done something similar.

Why can't you go and sit in the staff room? This is one of my top priorities, I sit and eat my lunch even if it's only 15-20 minutes to get away from the classroom and chat to colleagues.

You are completely right. I now do all of the above and I wish I had done it sooner. I sir in the staffroom at lunchtime though. If you need to sit in your car then do so personally I wouldn't specifically advertise your views but don't hide what you ate doing either.

I would certainly prefer to eat in the staffroom, but I will be 'found' and dragged into playtime issues.

... I am 21 and nearly all the other staff in our very small school are more than twice my age and think they can push me about!

Is your ECT mentor supporting you?

I think boundaries are v important. However primary schools are resistant to them! I would therefore be discreet about your approach especially if you are reliant on their report.