I have come home from work tonight utterly exhausted but strangely buoyed up. Something odd has happened and it’s not the first time…

Today, a boy sidled up to me and thrust a folded sheet of paper into my hand. Now bear in mind that he’s bright but hates writing as many boys of his age do. When I unfolded it from about 7/8 folds, inside it said “best best best”. He mumbled to me “you’re the best Mrs Mingay” then disappeared. Later, one of the girls attached herself to my side in this afternoon’s Zumba class (yes, you saw the right words, Mrs Mingay IS participating in Zumba classes…and no, I’m not joking). Every time I moved, she came with me. The pack seems to have accepted me.

On my way home I reflected on these events and concluded that suddenly, and without any warning whatsoever, I have discovered that I would fight like a tiger to protect my children, doing anything in my power to ensure their safety and well-being on every level. Hurt my kids and you will have me to answer to! Six weeks into my placement I have experienced “the kick”. Much the same thing happened at my last school shortly before I left. I’m not sure if this is common to other teachers/trainee teachers but I can only describe it as the emergence of “pseudo-maternal instinct”.

Blimey…