Any teachers due in september?

[New Mrs W]

I am a Year 2 teacher due 14th September. I had been planning to come back for a week after the holidays so I would still get paid for the summer but my Head told me on Friday that I don't have to do that and to just give my date for starting maternity as 1st September so I get the best of both worlds. Going to be the best summer holidays ever, not even having to think about work!

 

[pigginteacher]

I think the general consensus is that people go back for a week or two just before the start of the summer holidays? Thats what I've seen most people do anyway!
I'm due 5th September, so plan to start my maternity leave as of the first day of the autumn term too (which I believe is the 1st). Seems like the logical thing to do!

I'm doing the same as you, starting my leave first day of autumn term, as for going back a week or two before the summer hols start, i think it seems pointless, plus i think its better for the children if they keep the same teacher right to the end but thats just my opinion. I know i won't be receiving any money at that point, which might be why some teachers go back then, but im saving now so i dont have to go back then plus i dont want to have to pay the nursery fees!!! Each to their own though

 

[stargirl69]

I work in Scotland so things might be different here. But usually teachers come back just before Summer as if they want to get paid during Summer they have to. But they don't go into a class. They do a bit cover for absences (if needed), have meetings with head about what's been going on whilst they've been on maternity, test children who haven't sat national tests (outwith classroom) and just generally get back into school environment, help out with Summer show stuff etc.

 

[loramac]

hey!!Im a teacher too...feeling soo tired after lunch it is hard work eh??Im due sept 12 so planning going back for a couple weeks after the summer then stopping as need as much time with bubs as possible!!We start back after summer in aug so a bit different from england!xx

 

[jojoD]

Stargirl teachers in NI do the same. Im due 2nd Novemeber so gonna try and hang on to the middle of Oct, think Halloween break will be cutting it a bit fine for me!! Im gonna take to the end of June, we finish 30th June. Gonna return to get my room ready etc.. Plus then I'll be back on full pay for July and Aug.

I teach KS2 and my marking is horrendous. I have a composite class with a very varied level of ability, means constant help for them throughout the day and no chance to mark. I mark nearly every night at home, if not marking I'm planning or doing paperwork or doing management duties. I'm gonna have to cut back, need to realise its just my job as opposed to my whole life

 

[stargirl69]

I'm due day before you jojoD. I'm not sure exactly when our October holiday is, so will have to wait and see. I've got KS1. I'm the same - teaching is my whole life just now so will have to really cut back. When are you telling your HT jojoD?

 

[Choc1985]

hi im a teaching assistant and im due 8th sept

dont want to start my mat leave in july b4 6 weeks hol do u think i can go bk 4 just 1 teacher training day and then start my mat leave any one no the answer to this ????

 

[stargirl69]

I think (and I could be wrong) in Scotland you HAVE to take maternity leave at a certain date. I think it could be around 2 weeks before due date. So I wouldn't be able to do what you suggested for example. HOwever, I may have it wrong, and it could be different in different parts of the UK.

 

[pigginteacher]

hi im a teaching assistant and im due 8th sept

dont want to start my mat leave in july b4 6 weeks hol do u think i can go bk 4 just 1 teacher training day and then start my mat leave any one no the answer to this ????

You would need to find out what your LEAS maternity package is, i dont know if its the same for teaching assisstants, im due the 6th sept and i can start my mat leave on the first day of the autumn term, so i would assume you could do the same, your head should have information on this for you, hope this helps xx

 

[stargirl69]

This is not really related to the original post - sorry! But, how do you all cope with bringing out heavy equipment for PE for early years/ks1? I'm so scared moving it myself, and kids can help but are a bit too little really.

 

[pigginteacher]

This is not really related to the original post - sorry! But, how do you all cope with bringing out heavy equipment for PE for early years/ks1? I'm so scared moving it myself, and kids can help but are a bit too little really.

Im lucky stargirl as the ppa teacher does p.e for me so i dont have to do it, has ur HT done a risk assessment??? Mine hasn't although the LEA say that they should do one asap after you have told them

 

[pigginteacher]

I know it's early days but is anyone thinking of going back on a job share and have you spoken to ur HT about it yet?

 

[choc]

Yes I am going back on a job share. Works out well for us as I'm sharing with my best mate who has been part time since having her baby.

I wouldn't move the PE equipment. have you got a TA who could do it for you?

 

[Louise3512uk]

I'm thinking about going back part time, not really sure yet, it all depends on how much nursery fees etc will be and whether my HT will be ok with it... although he has already ,mentioned it to me, he said it seems to be what most people do now!

 

[pigginteacher]

Yes I am going back on a job share. Works out well for us as I'm sharing with my best mate who has been part time since having her baby.

I wouldn't move the PE equipment. have you got a TA who could do it for you?

Will you have the option to go back full time if you want to? Can you ask to do a job share for say a year and then go full time??

I too have to think about nursery fees, not sure what the wages on a job share would be.
Choc, what days will you be working?? and how can you find out what ur wages will be??

 

[stargirl69]

I don't have anyone who can do it for me. I'm terrified. Today I was struggling to get a piece of equipment out, and was totally straining and just thought 'no this isn't worth it.'. I don't know how I'm going to get round this at all. HT hasn't done a risk assessment yet.

 

[Louise3512uk]

You are completely within your rights to refuse to get the equipment out at all! I would speak to your headteacher or a member of senior management and explain the situation, they HAVE to make sure you and the baby are safe - they should be able to organise the caretaker or someone to get it out ready for you!

 

[stargirl69]

My ht hasn't probably even thought about it to be honest. She probably doesn't realise what we are doing at pe just now. I might just change what we are doing for rest of term. They've had 8 weeks of the same now anyway, so the children may welcome a change. Maybe do a mini-unit for next 5 weeks? If she says anything I will explain why I'm doing this. Do you think that sounds ok?

 

[Louise3512uk]

Yes that sounds fine to me, and like I said if she questions your reasons you just have to throw the words risk assessment at her! My head said not to do/move ANYTHING or do anything that I feel might put the babies health at risk... they have to allow for you by law You and your baby are much more important than following PE schemes of work anyway! x

 

[pigginteacher]

My ht hasn't probably even thought about it to be honest. She probably doesn't realise what we are doing at pe just now. I might just change what we are doing for rest of term. They've had 8 weeks of the same now anyway, so the children may welcome a change. Maybe do a mini-unit for next 5 weeks? If she says anything I will explain why I'm doing this. Do you think that sounds ok?

Yes i think this sounds fine, u have to do whats best for you and ur bump, im sure ur HT will understand, plus like u said they wont know what ur supposed to be doing in p.e anyway, aslong as they are doing some kind of physical activity x