Any teachers going back to work after baby on here I can chat to?

[Delicatebluebutterfly]

I am a teacher on maternity leave and hoping to take the full year off to enjoy my baby. However, I'm already thinking (althought I'd rather not) about plans on what to do when I return. I of course have to work a minimum of 13 weeks full time, 26 weeks part time in order to not have to pay my half pay maternity back. Unfortunately I do not like the school I am working (it may improve over the next year but you never know) but of course I must take advantage of this occupational maternity pay as I've worked hard for it!! The question is, I'm debating going back full or part time, part of me wants to go back full time get the 13 weeks over with and hand notice to leave July 15. But that means putting baby in full time care. Or part time option and endure it for longer and more time with baby. The plan fromSeptember 2015 is to either:

1. Do supply teaching x 3 a week
2. Become a child minder.... Long set up process but worth it in end
3. Become a part time Teaching assistant, so less stress
4. Any other ideas???

Anyone else in similar position?

When do you have to go back?

I did from the spring break to the summer, and the summer holidays counted as part of my 13 weeks.

Depending where you are int the country, secondary supply can be very sparse - and often only pays cover supervisor rates. Unless you do long term stuff which is mostly full time in my experience.

I'm going back end March so can hand notice by May 31st and leave in the summer hols. I'm in Milton Keynes and it's primary education ks2 mainly.

If you can afford the cut in pay that the other options entail, could you just quit at the end of your mat leave and pay back the enhanced maternity pay? (Excuse all the 'pays' in there!)

I don't advise relying on 3 days supply. It will be irregular and erratic. Either childminding or TA work would prob work better for your finances.