I am really struggling to recover from my teaching experience.

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To cut a long story short, I was physically and verbally assaulted by a child and a parent on several occasions. SLT deemed it part of the job and did not stop it from happening. I requested that the adult be banned but this did not happen. My union was not interested when I contacted them as I had already handed in my notice, I became very ill and was not able to advocate for myself. I went sick and left.

This was 2 years ago and I have not been able to work since. It took me over a year to recover physically but I still have nightmares. I am not a weak person or at least I wasn’t.

I now have no savings left and not sure what to do. I don’t know if I can ever return to teaching or if I would get a reference from my last position. I feel so angry and wish I had pushed the union for support.

I have tried applying for jobs outside of teaching but have not had any luck so far.

Has anyone else had a bad experience in a school and returned to teaching after some time away?

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Have you had any kind of counselling? You absolutely should have been been better supported by your SLT. The police should probably have been involved too. It's easier said than done, but you can't let this consume your whole life. Not all schools are the same - some are lovely and supportive. Could you start doing some TA work to ease you in a bit more gently? Or have you looked at the facebook groups for people that have left teaching - they have loads of ideas about other careers you could go into. Good luck x

Have you tried the education support network. They support the mental health and wellbeing of teachers.

They have a helpline you can call

www.educationsupport.org.uk/

I'm sorry you had to go through this alone.

The union should have helped you or you could have spoken to an employment lawyer.

Just for my own understanding- were you assaulted by a parent? If so how many times? And notation was taken?

Just for reference. I quit teaching and went on supply. I was traumatised by my experience of bullying and harassment.

I was employed by a school I supplied in and I am still there and I love it.

Sorry to hear this. "SLT deemed it part of the job and did not stop it from happening". It's absolutely disgusting what is happening in our schools and in society. Schools have gone soft, too scared to face parents, too scared to against the forceful ideology of "be calm, no shouting, restorative chats" rubbish and the result? Teachers getting assaulted everywhere you look.

No advice other than , after your experience, I would look at another career. There are a few schools left that do challenge bad behaviour and support their staff ( I work in one), but they are increasingly rare. I would get out and do something less stressful.

Yes, this kind of thing happens. I am sorry, but it is true. Perhaps you should consider teaching overseas. I found it more exciting and enjoyable than teaching in the UK.