primary teacher - what can i expect when i go back after maternity leave?

[mumnosbest]

im starting to have nightmares think about returning to school after a year out. my experience is limited to 2 year groups over the last 10 years but when i go back im being moved. im worried sick about a new age grp, curriculum, yr grp partner(also new), lack of resources, planning and support. o feel like im going back to a new job with no suppprt and ofsted looming.
can they do this? my contract is only as a class teacher so i guess that means they can move me anywhere. any other time id be flexible and see the change as a challenge but i feel i need some familiarity when i go back after so long out. Really dont want to go back :(

bump, anyone?

I'm afraid they can. If you take the year, they only have to hold an 'equivilent' post for you. If your contract is not specific, then they can put you anywhere. I know this through bitter experience and now work somewhere else
Have you talked to management about support, training etc?

Have you had any keping in touch days? You are entitled to 5 paid days, by agreement with managemnet.

I thought this would be the case :( I'm going to use those keeping in touch days before I go back but had no offers of training despite raising my concerns with the head, She simply said that as the curriculum is new throughout school, we're all in the same boat!

Maybe you'll have lots of long, exciting staff meetings to learn together?

I totally get where you are coming from! Not only are you no longer a SAHM (so some feelings of guilt?) but you are going to have to get used to a whole new system. However, I think your nightmares now are far worse than the reality will be when you get back in the classroom.

BtB is right - use your Keeping in Touch days to get in there and see how that age-group works and meet the children that you will have. Once you are able to visualise your classroom and class and know what it is you will be aiming to teach them, you will feel a lot more comfortable

I am actually going to be full-time in September after 11 years part-time and moving to a different classroom...

BTW, what age-group will it be? There will be lots of teachers with great advice on here to help you.

Thanks.
Good luck bigtillymint going fulltime. I did this 4 yrs ago and it was a real shock to the system but good to get back to my career too (untill dd2 surprised us).

Im going from foundation to y1 so will know the children already. Ive done y1 (a long time ago) but prefer f1+2. I love the flexibility and play which i know is so much harder to fit into a ks1 timetable.

at the thought of long staff meetings! Boy have i missed them!

mum, that's not such a big jump - you'll be fine. And you know the children already

I think im just dreading going back and leaving dd.

That's not surprising. Hope it goes well and that you enjoy your Keeping in Touch days

That's the real issue, isn't it, leaving dd? FS to Y1 should be no problem!

Leaving dd was always going to be an issue but i was reassured to think i was gpong back to something i know. Y1 and foundation are very different and my ambitions and strengths are in foundation. Whilst change can be good and its only a yr up its just not the best timing and a bit inconsiderate imo

Being a good Reception teacher, and someone who actually wants to do it, I am surprised you're being moved tbh! If Foundation is your preferred career path, I would start looking for another job.

Ive voiced my concerns and head said do it for the yr then maybe i could move after that. By the time i go back ill only have 2 terms so i thinl ill show willing. If i cant go back next yr i think ill have to look elsewhere :(