Should I quit my TA job and just focus on my full time University course?

[rainbowbright5]

Hi. I need honest opinions from people outside of my family and close circle (preferably teachers/ TA's). For context, I have just started my 2nd year of my degree in Early Years and Childhood Studies. I also work 3 days a week at a primary school. My aim after this degree is to do a Primary PGCE (age 3-7 route).

I have been at this primary school for 2 years, a year full time before I started uni, and then part time once uni started. I absolutely loved the first year of my job. Last year not so much, I really struggled with moving classes a lot and eventually stayed supporting a SEN child 1 to 1 who unfortunately I found very hard to support due to physical behaviours.

This year I am supporting 2 SEN children in a KS2 class. I have not enjoyed this either. I am finding it increasingly difficult to relate my experiences at work to what I am writing in my assignments (this is required as my job also serves as my placement). Uni have said they can adapt for me and have these roles still count as placement for my course, but trying to wrap you head around National Curriculum when the assignment should really be about early years is difficult.

I am passionate about early years, it's what my background is in, and that is why I chose to study it. My school know this, but dont seem to take that on board. I understand it is often down to just the needs of the school/ children. So my question is - should I just hand my notice in and forget about the wage (live off my student loan, I live at home and have my mums full support to do this) and just focus on my degree? I already have the option of doing voluntary hours in early years at my mums school. What would you do?

As an early years lead you’ll need placement within early years as it’s a specialism… that’s if you want to work as a ta in early years maybe in-between doing your teaching degree. If you can get experience in eyfs do it! Good luck!

Could you look for a reception class role? Some Sen roles start appearing now that the children are settled into school.

Thanks for your response. Uni have said due to my prior experience in early years, that the year group I am placed in for work can serve as my uni placement- even if it is KS2 like it is now! My issue is, it is hard to relate that to assignments that should really be about EYFS not NC.
My mum is early years lead/ nursery teacher in her school. I could quit my job and just volunteer there. But not sure if it would be worth loosing the wage. Are you saying the early years experience will benefit me a whole lot more for my degree and future career, making the wage sacrifice worth it? As that is what I'm trying to weigh up. Hope this makes sense lol.

Most of these roles are full time unfortunately. I am in uni 2 days a week

If you can afford it yes. You can always look for a new role

I’d have a chat with my line manager and talk through my options before giving it up completely, because it is still valuable experience. There may be the option of doing two days a week and then you could volunteer one day a week, or move to a job in another school, or they may decide to move you back to your previous role - even for part of the time. I would stress to them that you are unable to complete your assignments in your current role and as your degree is your priority because you intend to remain in education long term, you need to do what works best to ensure you can complete it and do well.

I echo the poster above. It’s really hard getting a way into a school. We have so many applications for TA jobs and they are always moved around school. I wonder how common it is for teachers to apply for an EYFS job and get it if they are EYFS trained? I am asking as every teacher at my school knows they can put in any year.

I would see if you could drop to 2 days and do 1 day volunteering at your Mums school. I would be careful before you give up a part time TA job.

Hi. I appreciate your response and get what you are saying! Hours wise it does first around uni great. And ofcourse if/ when I'm a qualified teacher I would expect to be placed in any year group. My issue at the moment it that my degree is in early years, but my work/ placement is not - making it difficult to link to assignments which is required. Hope this makes sense

Can you reduce your working days to two and then volunteer somewhere in EYFS on the other day?

Yes it does and I’m wondering if you can use a volunteer day in EYFS as what to base your assignments on?

Open university?