Looking back, I feel as though there was a shift in teaching around 2010-2012.
Yes, definitely-I agree with this. I presumed it was the change to a Tory government but really nothing has got better now Labour have got in again.
I genuinely loved teaching when I started in the 90s-I was shattered at the end of term yes, but I loved what I did. You had some autonomy in the classroom and despite the odd lesson observation and Ofsted (scary, but it felt as long as you were teaching what was on your planning, you'd be ok).
Now, every second is micromanaged, the planning is all 'bought in' schemes (which should free up time but actually takes longer), you are constantly accessible to parents, held accountable for all of society's failures, working 7.15-6 every day seems to barely scratch the surface and the minute you get onto M6, you become a target as the school budget can't afford you.
The main issue in my mind now though is inclusion/behaviour (and the budget, which can't support this). How can one teacher teach the y2 curriculum to 30 children day in day out, whilst also trying to support 2 children with such high needs, they are developmentally working at the level of an 18 month. Their EHCP only funds 3 hours support a day, but states they need a completely individual timetable, playing with 'cause and effect' toys, and a program supporting them to become aware of their own toileting needs as they are still in nappies. No special school place for them, the LA don't care. Add into that other pupils with ASD, ADHD, literacy difficulties and some EBSA, with no class TA, it's no wonder teachers don't want to stay.
It was the Ofsted changes that tipped me over the edge though (in case you are reading this, Bridget Phillipson). With the dreadful Ruth Perry case, I really hoped something would change for the better but I suppose this was naive and should have guessed it wouldn't.
That poor family were told at the last minute, they'd have to fund their own lawyers-(whilst Ofsted had, I think 5 lawyers on their side) which they successfully crowd funded for over the weekend! Ofsted were dismissive and rude throughout but the hearing but it found in her favour and the coroner report really made it sound like something would change and emphasised how Ofsted couldn't just 'pay lip service' to the suggestions...but, that's exactly what they've done.
The changes that had been implemented though are dreadful-they are much worse and the pressure on schools going forwards will be immense. I believe that more people will feel so desperate, just like Ruth did, and more tragedies will happen. I think many more good people will leave in droves.
I honestly wouldn't recommend teaching to my worst enemy.