SCITT - Realistic?

[LoyalBrickWasp]

I am a single parent with two children in primary school, and an interested in a primary SCITT (school based rather than university based). I realise there's a lot of extra work both as a trainee and as a teacher, but for the first few years is possible to be both a parent that is present and engaged and also a teacher?

For instance, does it tend to be acceptable to arrive at school at say 8.15 and leave at 3.30-4 on days where there no meetings, and then do all planning/marking/essays at home? Do you get much of a say in where your placements are? Also how is the job market for primary teachers currently? I've had a search online for primary vacancies near me and there are only a few, but I thought it was around this time of year where the vacancies tend to be posted.

Am I mad to contemplate this?

You might get a better response in the education/staffroom section.

However, I went into teaching (secondary) when my child was five years old and it was wonderful. I was able to work the hours she was at school - I did have to use childcare sometimes to cover meetings after work, etc, but most of the time I could go and collect her from school or after-school club, and do my work and preparation at home.

I had all the holidays with her too which I loved.

I do think it's worth thinking about the network of support you'll have, because you will need your children cared for after-school sometimes or in the evening when you might need to do parents evenings, but if you really want it, you'll make it work. Good luck.