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Education reporter Hayley Clarke shares the story of Alice Cole, a dedicated primary school teacher who made the tough decision to return to work part-time after the birth of her son, Oliver, last May. Despite her initial love for working full-time, Alice’s partner’s shift work made it challenging for her to balance work and family life without sacrificing precious time with her son. Embracing a more flexible working arrangement, Alice now works three days a week at Oasis Academy Warndon, allowing her to attend regular baby group sessions with Oliver.
Alice believes that offering more flexible working options for teachers, especially new parents, is crucial in addressing the ongoing issues with recruitment and retention in the teaching profession. The government has recognized this need as well, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson advocating for flexible hours and announcing a 4% pay rise for teachers earlier this year. Pay and working conditions have been cited as key factors in teachers leaving the profession, leading to a decrease in the overall number of teachers in recent years.
While the government has made progress in recruiting more teachers, particularly in secondary and special schools, there are challenges that remain, especially in subjects like maths, science, and languages. Computer science teacher Sam Alner reflects on the demands of the profession, noting the “relentless” nature of teaching and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance. Despite his love for teaching, Sam acknowledges that many experienced staff members have left the profession in search of better balance or higher-paying jobs.
Recruiting and retaining teachers in key subjects like computing remains a challenge, especially in disadvantaged communities where schools struggle to find qualified teachers. Teach First chief executive Russell Hobby emphasizes the importance of addressing these inequalities to ensure all students have access to quality education. Schools like Portsmouth Academy are finding innovative ways to overcome staffing shortages, such as retraining existing staff members to deliver classes in high-demand subjects like computing. By prioritizing long-term teacher retention and investing in the right skills and expertise, schools hope to provide the best education for their students
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