I am a primary school teacher - ask me anything

What is the hardest part of your job? What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part is the children when they are really enjoying themselves and learning. I currently work 1-1 delivering a reading recovery programme - 14 weeks ago the 4 children I worked with couldn't read a very simple text - they now tackle books that are almost the same as the average children. Their confidence and self esteem has really grown and their class teachers say it is reflecting in all their work. I love that I have made a difference.

The hardest part when I was in class full-time was the amount of time away from class I was spending on planning, assessing and general paperwork - would be up at 6am working all day then working until 10/11 o'clock at night 5 days and the most of the day on Sunday. I never saw my daughter and I ended up seeing a counsellor - hence why I have changed jobs even if it is just a maternity cover. I'm dreading the thought of going back into class full time again.

Do you find parents rely on teachers to teach their children basic skills they should learn at home? Is it getting worse?

Some of them yes - depends on the area you teach in I teach in very deprived areas and so a lot of our parents struggle with the basic skills. I think children's progress is very dependent on what happens at home - if they never see their parents read, write etc. then a child is less inclined to do it where as if a parent reads stories and plays games etc. the children are learning through enjoyment. That said I don't agree with sending homework home every week when the children are still do young. A lot of the learning at home should be through life experiences.

What age range do you currently teach? Is it your 'ideal' age to teach?

Have you ever made a child cry (accidentally of course!)?

Do teachers *** about pupils in the staff room? I always wanted to know what goes on in there!

Eat a piece of candy every day and tell yourself the day is sweet again.

I teach 1-1 year 1 (5/6 year olds) children at the moment and they are great I have taught right up to year 6 (11yrs) I can honestly say every year group has it's benefits but I like infant children and would like the opportunity to teach reception children.

I have made children cry not on purpose but some times they react how you don't expect e.g. I had a little boy that you only had to say how disappointed you were and he would start to well up - I had to stop that!

They can do but not maliciously often to let off steam so that the teacher won't take it out on the children iyswim. Generally the conversation is based on what is going on on school but also gossip etc.

Do you feel restricted in the things you naturally want to do (e.g. give a child a hug, help with the toilet) for fear of repercussions?

I see that you have a daughter... if you don't mind me asking, how old is she? (ETA Duh her DOB is in your signature, sorry!) Do you ever mentally compare her to children you teach, or vice versa?

(Controversial) Do you think parents make better teachers, especially when it comes to younger pupils?

As I work with one child at a time in a room on my own I am very aware of the threat of allegations made - I don't tend to hold back if a child needs a hug and have never been in the situation where they need help with the toilet although if they wet or soil themselves they are expected to sort themselves out or we call the parents to do it.

I haven't compared yet but she is only 2 and a half but I'm sure I will! I think teachers that are parents are a bit more empathetic (I think that's the right word) but I am possibly not a better teacher due to not actually having the time I would want to spend preparing etc. for a class. Hence the change injob at the moment. I have also found my priorities have changed so I'm not inclined to want to spend as much time preparing etc. That said that is only me other parents may be more organised than me!