I’m not really a morning person, so if I’m honest, what actually gets me out of bed is the force of routine and knowing that I need to be in certain places for certain times.  I’d love to say that it’s the thought that I simply can’t wait to make a difference to the future generation, but the reality is that at 6am, that’s not generally what motivates me, more a sense of the fact that I have professional responsibilities.

Having said that and with more of an overview, I do love my job - well, most of the time, anyway. 

Education is in my blood, and although it’s incredibly demanding, challenging, exhausting and full of emotional rollercoasters of highs and lows, it is also hugely fulfilling. 

Both my parents were in education, so I’ve grown up in a family where it’s always been high on the agenda. And even in today’s educational climate which is going in a direction I don’t agree with, where data and accountability seem to count for everything and all the other many varied faces which make up the school picture seem to count for very little, I still have a huge desire and enthusiasm to provide the very best care, education and opportunities for the children in our school. That’s what really drives me. 

The other thing that motivates me is working with like-minded people who will really go the extra mile to make our school the best it can possibly be. That dedication and support provides great cohesion in a school, whether it comes from staff, parents, pupils, governors or members of the community.

And of course, I love getting up on the last day of the week - the chance to do a job you love but to know that you have two days off to recharge - hopefully just enough to come back and do it all over again the following week…

Jane Tailby is the headteacher of Middle Barton Primary School in Oxfordshire 

Tell us what gets you up in the morning. Email: chloe.darracott-cankovic@tesglobal.com