I decided after having a child to return to a mainscale post, passed threshold and subsequently moved to upper pay point 2. I am now looking for a job and am finding that after all my experience I am now too expensive to employ.

I look at advertisements stating newly-qualified teachers are very welcome (I am not anti NQTs - they contribute much to our profession). But I do wonder what the reaction would be if adverts were to say under-35s welcome to apply or men particularly welcome.

I feel completely rejected and demoralised as I feel that I have so much more to give without having to resort to applying for a senior management post again.

Surely I am not the only person in this situation?

Karen Simpson

8 Acorn Ridge

Matlock, Derbyshire