Any primary school teachers out there?

[Dishwasherbroken]

The primary school I teach in have recently changed policy and said that no more supply will be used. We now have to split the class in two and so some teachers will have 45 pupils. This is only for when a teacher is off sick so not every day. Does anyone else have this policy? Seems a bit off to me.

I teach in primary. Yes we do this sometimes when we are really struggling for staff. It's not a regular things but occasionally we do have to do it yes.

Yes, our school has done this. The argument (excuse) is that an established teacher of the school will ensure more learning takes place, than a random supply, who the children are likely to play up for. And ofcourse, it saves the school a lot of money. But it's hard work for the teacher who has 45 kids and bordering on totally unfair.

Yes, this is standard practice in our school. Either classes are split between 5 classes closest in age, so there are 6 children extra per class, or PPA is pulled to cover absences. Unfortunately, there is not budget for supply anymore.

Can’t say much learning goes on though.

Tends to be holding activities- word searches, crosswords, colouring etc

Thanks for replies. So depressing. I want OUT!

I’m out in 29 working school days.
Totally had enough. It’s been great but not the job it was anymore,

@BG2015lucky you! Education is an awful sector to work in at the moment. Have you got something new lined up?

Well I’m retiring but need something part time to top up my pension.
Ive got an interview soon with a speed awareness online training company which may be good. But im
open to anything within reason.

I've done this once or twice but as we have mixed year classes it means teaching 40-odd Y3, 4, 5 and 6s! Not ideal and you certainly can't do your usual work. I'm not convinced at all by the argument more gets done by a known teacher as surely a good supply will achieve something even if not what would have been achieved on a normal day. Combining classes you risk compromising the learning of two classes as well, rather than just one.

Yes. this is quite the norm in my experience (couple of decades normal) and for the same reason.