Straight back into it to be honest. I went back first day after Xmas. Also went straight into a middle leader role - it’s been really tough. I wish I’d used my kit days as a bit like a phased return and perhaps done half days or every other day for a week or so first x
I went back July after my first Mat leave. It was straight back in for me too, but to be fair Ofsted were there on my first day back! I went into a different role and was very nervous, but you get back into the swing of things quickly and I did enjoy having adult conversations again! 😁
I've just finished my first week back! First day was getting my head around my timetable (I'm a 'spare part' 😂 so don't have a class until September), speak to the teachers I'll be covering, go through emails, start some online training etc. Day 2 was when my timetable started, which was covering for extra leadership time (different class in am to pm). My timetable has 4 mornings of running KS1 phonics/maths groups so that was Day 3 am, then a ks1 teacher became unwell so I jumped into her class and ended up spending the rest of the day plus day 4 in there. Then Friday I covered another class as their teacher was off. I've done supply in the past so kinda used to covering. I did feel a little useless at times as I got my head round each classes routines/children etc and the tas were so helpful. But I also appreciate not being thrown in with full class responsibility and all that entails!
I returned in September straight into the classroom, moved from EYFS to year 4 for the first time so its felt like returning to an entirely different job to be honest. I've just picked things back up as I go along as there hasn't been any other option, which is hard but I luckily have a supportive year group team.