Should I or shouldn't I?

[Rach72]

Hi
I'm new here and after some advice if possible.
I am trying to get back to to teaching after an 11 year gap (4 years working in IT followed by a 7 year career break to bring up my children).
However my training and experience previously was teaching secondary maths, and I now plan to convert to primary.

For the past year I've been volunteering in my son's school, a
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of mornings each week, supporting children in class, teaching small groups and various things. They have accepted me on to their own supply list - which is great and fits in perfectly with dropping the kids off/picking up.

But I'm also thinking of signing up with the local agency but not sure. They/the schools would expect me there earlier/after school perhaps and this will clash with dropping off and picking up my kids. I have some friends who may be able to help with this a bit, especially if I have enough notice, but not always.

I can't decide whether to sign on anyway and see how it goes, wait a while and see what work the local school brings in first. Does anyone on here have similar situation - what do you do?

Thanks
Rachel

[Wendy]

I can't really help with the picking up bit as my children were in their teens when I took up supply. However, I would suggest that you contact your LEA to see what courses they do for returners to teaching, these are usually free and will get you up to date on all the new initiatives that have come in during your break. I do know of one teacher who only works when her husband doesn't to get around childcare issues. Does your children's school have an afterschool club they could attend when you are working? Not very helpful I'm afraid but others may have better suggestions.

[NuttySupplier]

Hi Rach,

Why not approach other schools in your local area direct, rather than going through an agency? There're a few threads on here about how to do that, and then you could explain yourself that you would prefer pre-bookings only?

Welcome, and good luck!

[jennyfleur]

Hi there

I work with various agencies and most of my work is booked in up front. Quite a few agencies will ask you whether you're willing to answer early morning calls or not - and I just said I wasn't.

It's not true of every agency, mind, but probably the nicer ones!

And I would sign up - they're free to register with after all - I partly use agencies because I have had time out too and they were very helpful finding me work at first - only 2 years though and I returned back to primary. It might get you some experience of primary supply - and you can try what Nutty suggests as well. Best of both?!

Also - are you in a union? If not, check out the subscriptions - for example mine (Voice) is free if you have had a significant (more than 5 year I think) career break - could be worse!

Good luck anyway, whatever you decide!

[audrey]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I deal directly with the schools now as I had a lull and haven't regretted it since. I would probably approach the schools in your area first (at least you know the distance factor) and follow advice on here about that then arrange to go in and meet them, they prefer that and it puts a face to the name and shows you are serious.

It is a funny time of year though as the schools are about to break up. But give it a try and look keen as you have nothing to lose.
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[ninnin]

Hi I have done pretty much the same as you and have converted to primary from secondary geog. The agencies in my area wouldn't accept me until I had done a return to teaching course which I did at the start of this year. It was a brilliant course and bought me bang up to date and also i got paid to do it! Check out the return to teaching bit on the TDA website its got all the information!