I have just started this weekend. I have just taken on a level 3 senior teaching assistant post (20 hours a week), and I am also a study support grup coordinator (1.5hrs a week). I work 5 mornings a week, based in an infant school, working alongside a Y1 class teacher.
I was a secondary school teacher for nearly 10 years. I then worked for 3 or 3 years in prison education as an advice and guidance worker. But I was getting fed up with it, and also the lengthy commute.
I wanted to be back in education, but in primary. But I didn't want to be a teacher again - at the moment I don't want the work load and the stress of that.
I did some volunteer work on my days off in DD's primary school. Between Easter and the summer last year I went in one day a week, 3 days a week last term. I helped in the infant classes - R to Y2. I listened to readers, supported the teacher in class, sorted displays, did art/craft with smaller groups, did admin stuff, organised things - like sorted library out, made labels for cupboards, etc. lots of voluteer to get experience.
Then last November things at work got really not great. I handed my notice in, with a 3 month notice period as per my contract. But saw HR about an ealy contract release if I needed it which they agreed to. I had applied fr a job before that but hadn't heard back. Hwever, that very evening I had a message on my answer phone asking me for interview later in the week - and I got the job Was very quick.
So far, 2 days in, I am enjoying it.