The bloody hoops I have to jump through!

[childrenatyourfeet]

I am an experienced and qualified teacher (8 years) with a first class honours degree. I had a really tricky last few years during which I've lost both parents, had beautiful DS, split with DS father, had depression, gone back to work PT, left work, moved house x 3 and other stuff and so there's a few gaps in recent CV.

I've emailed my CV to 15 schools and in 10 cases as an unpaid volunteer, just to get back in, and I've had 2 replies!! One said no vacancies (paid) and the other, where I was offering time as a volunteer said yes, but I would have to pay for CRB (40 odd quid) and it could take 3 months.

What can I do FFS! I need to get career back on track so I can support DS and myself.

Have any teaching peers or recruitment agencies seem your cv?
I ask because in competitive times 8 years and a first are sadly v common so your gaps will raise alarm bells
I just thought a peer etc would give you open honest feedback and suggestions
I know you're pissed off but teaching is v competitive right now so percivire
Btw most of the time cvs not acknowledged so panic not
Is there a small local school you could forge links with- phone ht explain you're returning to work v keen etc
Good luck

thanks sleepdodger. Agencies says it's a good CV but no demand ATM. It's the gaps that are the problem. I thought working on a voluntary basis would be snapped up but not so it seems.

Your CV wont have gaps in it exactly, if you are canny about how you present those gaps. If you list your career breaks as looking after child/raising family or doing voluntary work or training that is still a valid use of time and can demonstrate job-skills to employers, even if it was not paid work. I guess it depends how many years you've had out between jobs, but having gaps between jobs is normal. Very few people manage to go from job to job (or keep the same job their whole working life) with no breaks and I'm sure employers must be aware of this. I think it's how you present those breaks that could make the difference. You need to present your time out in a positive light, so state specifically something you were doing during that time that could demonstrate your skills or could have developed your skills needed for the job you are applying for.

Also, the fact that you have current (not old) classroom experience is very positive, so stress this, rather than the fact that is is unpaid - I don't know how you usually set out your CV but make sure you list it with your other experience (including child raising and paid jobs) rather than separately.