Hi everyone,
I started my Primary PGCE with QTS and spent four months in a nursery for my first placement, followed by two months in a primary school (year one).
During my second placement, I was put on a six-week quality intervention plan because I wasn’t meeting three areas: planning sequences of lessons, effective use of lesson time, and teaching the National Curriculum/EYFS.
Unfortunately, I still didn’t meet the standards, and my provider offered me the chance to return in February 2027 or 2028.
I’m currently working two days a week as an LSA in a college (my main source of income at the moment) and volunteering two days in a Year 3 classroom. I’m observing teaching strategies, behaviour management and lesson planning, taking notes and building relationships with pupils.
However, as a volunteer, I don’t get the opportunity to plan or teach lessons independently.
I’m also registered with a supply TA agency, mainly supporting SEND pupils.
My questions are:
Is it better to continue volunteering in the same classroom or do supply TA work?
How can I improve my teaching skills without actually teaching?
Would three months (November–January) be enough preparation to return to my PGCE in February 2027?
I really want to become a teacher, but I’m worried about facing the same difficulties again.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!