Identifying the right starting point for your teaching career will set you up for the future, but beware, a misstep will make those first stages much tougher.

Finding your ‘best fit’ will always take a little work, there’s no avoiding it, but targeted research, and support from your Pertemps Education consultant will quickly set you on the right path.

First: it’s all about location

Narrowing down your preferred location is always a solid starting point. Proximity to family and friends could provide a support network for you as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). However, do consider a complete change in scenery: it might be just what you need for the next chapter in your life.

• Whether you decide on the hustle and bustle of a big city or something a little quieter, bear in mind how that will effect the nature of the school community – particularly its demographic.
• How far will you need to travel to school, who will you meet on your way, and your daily encounters. Consider your commute, where will you live, and which neighbourhood would suit you best.

Urban schools often hit the news –  beware of sensational headlines and urban myths! Besides, the current narrative is often about expert leadership, energetic staff members, and the diversity of the cultural experience. Often, schools which have not performed well in the past have been taken over by multi-academy trusts with rigorous behaviour policies and high expectations of their students. As a result, these institutions can provide enriching and structured learning environments, and a great start to a career for the right ECT.

Keep your ear to the ground!

A school’s local reputation speaks volumes about the way it’s perceived by the wider community. Begin your research with the most recent Ofsted report. It makes sense to focus on your preferred curriculum area, as well as wider points such as behaviour, leadership, and what it’s like to attend the school. Next, simply Google the name of the school. You never know what will come up. One of our teachers found that his prospective school had been caught up in a discussion about the quality of its catering. The headteacher had written to parents saying “if my own children’s school served this I would be exceptionally unhappy”. This may not  impact a teacher due to join the staff, but having a wider view of your prospective workplace will help with your decision making and being prepared for your new role.

Knowledge is power

Information gathering typically begins before you even walk through the school gates. These could be third-party views, but they are all good opportunities to find out more.

Make sure you have a list of questions ready for your interview, when you can cover the ‘soft’ subjects not dealt with by Ofsted. It’s your chance to enquire about workload, ECT support and mentorship programmes, assessment methods, and departmental marking policies. Understanding whether colleagues get together outside the working day can also offer glimpses into the school’s culture.

You’re not alone

The process of job hunting can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re finishing off your studies. It will definitely help to pause, take a deep breath, and tap into the self-awareness and expertise you take for granted every day. By conducting thorough research and applying common sense to filter out unsuitable positions, you can direct your attention towards the opportunities which offer the best outcomes – and that’s what it’s all about.

Remember, your Pertemps Education consultant is equipped with profound insights into schools and the commitment and support they provide ECTs. We’ll ensure you have everything you need to make informed decisions at this crucial stage in your career.

When discussing jobs where stress is an issue, you don’t get too far before teaching is mentioned. Needing to please students, parents, colleagues and leadership at every turn, it can feel like you are spinning plates, just waiting for them all to fall.

As time rolls on, the conversation around stress in the workplace is growing, with eye-popping statistics being released year on year. For example, as many as 76% of employees report moderate-to-high or high levels of stress, and among teachers just 1% said their workload was manageable all the time.

It’s worth noting that not all stress is bad. 54% of employees agree that the perfect amount of stress can help them thrive, and drive them to work better. Finding ways that can make stress levels manageable is important. Here are our tips on how to do just that:

Time management

There aren’t many jobs like teaching where almost everyone gives in to the temptation to take work home at the end of the day. The trouble is, it throws your work-life balance off kilter. Putting clear boundaries up between your work and personal life can help you focus on the things that make you happy. Getting into the habit of planning your day and marking during lessons can reduce the amount of work you need to do in the evening – and beyond.

Manage Expectations

Learning how to say no can be helpful in preventing the feeling of burnout or added pressure from having too much on. It’s not rocket science, but making sure your workload is manageable can help with work-life balance and make it easier for your to enjoy your time in the classroom. If the requests are piling up, learning to say no or asking to take time to think before saying yes can greatly help in ensuring important tasks are prioritised and deadlines are met. Remember, a simple “no” isn’t always a refusal! Use it to begin a negotiation!

Practice Self Care

Mindfulness and exercise are two of the biggest ways to relieve stress and improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Small, incremental changes to the way you treat your body and mind can feel insignificant in the short term yet can quickly build up to make a profound impact on your life. As teachers, most of your working day is spent standing which is a great start! Also, prioritising a consistent sleeping pattern, spending 30 minutes outdoors daily and deep breathing can make a huge impact to reduce stress levels and even prevent them from building up in the first place.

Reach out for Support

Finally, support networks can be a huge help in dealing with stress, whether that be in person such as other staff and family, or online via various outlets. The Stress Management Society has many free resources on dealing with stress and poor mental health, as well as creating Stress Awareness Month which occurs every year, marking its 32^nd year in April 2024. As a focus for teachers, The National Education Union are doing lots of work towards improving workload, wellbeing and mental health in the education sector.

There’s an element of competition to every workplace, and more and more is being asked of teachers. Being able to cope with everyday stress of teaching shouldn’t have to be a necessity, but by taking small steps to reduce stress today, you can massively improve your health and wellbeing in the future.

At Pertemps Education, we look for schools where the teachers are happy! And we take stock of their strengths and weaknesses – for example, where ECTs likely to thrive rather than survive! We’re sure to be able to find you a great new opportunity. If you’d like to hear more, please get in touch with one of our experienced consultants today!

Being a successful cover supervisor requires a combination of organisation skills, clear communication, and flexibility.

If a class teacher is called away from their regular lesson, a cover supervisor will be needed to hold the fort. They are usually required for a short period of time, often at very short notice. Successful cover supervisors need to connect with the students in front of them quickly, and remain unfazed, even if they don’t know names, and aren’t subject specialists!

Cover supervisors are employed in many types of schools at all key stages. Every school and classroom is unique, and it’s crucial that you’re able to adapt your approach each time. The important thing is to keep the class on track, motivate them to keep up and maintain discipline.

Here are our top tips to help you get it right first time:

Be punctual and professional

Decide when you’re going to leave for school – and leave 10 minutes earlier! Every day goes better when you’ve had chance to make a cup of tea and clear your head before you get going.

Establish clear expectations

Stamp your authority on the classroom early on. It might need a ‘fake it until you make it’ approach, but be clear about your expectations regarding behaviour, tasks and classroom rules. Remember that consistency is key in maintaining a positive learning environment.

Know the lesson plan

Make sure you’re familiar with the lesson plan. The teacher you’re covering will have prepared material for you to deliver, and it’s important you get to grips with the learning objectives, activities, and specific instructions they have given. Be prepared to answer questions and provide assistance.

Manage behaviour effectively

The school will have behaviour policies to help you, but you’ll need to be fair, consistent, and calm in dealing pupils. Establishing a positive rapport with the class will help you keep control of an effective learning atmosphere.

Take care of yourself and those around you

Being a cover supervisor can be challenging. Take breaks when you can, stay hydrated, and manage your stress. A well-rested and healthy mindset will have a positive effect on your performance in the classroom.

Finally, before you leave at the end of the day, take time to check in with your cover manager. Thank them for their support, and let them know you’ll be happy to come back! Their job is stressful too, and sometimes that human touch makes all the difference.

Being a cover supervisor is ideal for anyone wishing to experience school life, and to gain teaching experience. It’s good for teaching assistants who are considering becoming a qualified teacher, and others who are thinking about a teaching career. It’s also a good option for student teachers who are looking for paid while they study.

Most importantly, your Pertemps Education consultant will support you all the way through. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Behind every good teacher is a great teaching assistant!

Teaching assistants (TAs) are there to support any learning happening in the classroom. Most of the time, a TA will be active in their support for pupils during lesson time, but they will also be asked to undertake additional duties such as preparing a classroom – and therefore free up a teacher’s time. Teaching assistants may be also be employed to work with children with special educational needs (SEN) or with those with other specific needs.

We thought it would be good to take a moment to focus on the role of a teaching assistant, including responsibilities, salary and working hours you should expect in this role.

Responsibilities:

Working one-to-one and with small groups

TAs are often assigned to work with individual pupils or with small groups – and these students might have additional needs including SEN. These TAs build a good rapport with and gain a deeper understanding of the pupils’ needs and how they learn. It’s important to view each child as an individual, and therefore take time to learn what makes them tick. TAs are often required to source their own learning materials and visual aids, and prepare tasks for pupils to complete. Working closely with the class teacher, a TA will report on progress and attainment and will be expected to liaise with parents and carers.

Preparing the classroom for lessons

Ensuring a classroom is safe and welcoming, and the best environment for learning. Preparation can include a variety of activities, such as including printing worksheets, organising arts and crafts, preparing computers or even rearranging the furniture! As a TA, you would be responsible for helping to organise lesson essentials. Of course, ensuring the room is clean, tidy and risk-free is paramount and something that a TA needs to be aware of at all times.

Creating displays

TAs can also be responsible for creating displays of pupils’ work. This is a great opportunity to get creative, brighten up the classroom and celebrate your pupils’ achievements! Children love to see their work proudly displayed and gives fantastic encouragement and motivation.

Supporting learning outside the classroom

A TA’s assistance is likely to be needed wherever learning takes place. It may mean providing updates at parents’ evenings, and could also include taking part in extra-curricular clubs, school plays and assemblies. If you have a particular interest in a sport or crafts your help with clubs will be welcomed and it will give you a chance to use your interests and talents to help children to broaden their own horizons.

Helping with school trips can be fun. It’ll get you out and about, and your role – along with the other adults present – will be to make sure children are safe and accounted for at all times.

Working Hours

TAs are typically required to work during the school day, in term time, Monday to Friday. You may be required to work early mornings or perhaps after school if you’re supporting additional activities.

Salary

Salaries for full time, permanent TAs range from around £15,000, with additional responsibility (level 2 and 3) TAs expecting to earn up to £21,000. Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) can earn between £21,000 and £25,000, receiving a higher salary for taking on additional responsibilities in planning lessons, covering absent teachers and working with further SEN responsibilities.

If you were to find a temporary TA role through Pertemps Education, pay rates may be slightly higher. Temporary work obviously means hours are not always guaranteed or ongoing, but it can be a great way to maximise earning potential, and work out what your next career step might be.

Qualifications

Entry level TAs require basic literacy and numeracy skills and experience of working with children is really beneficial. A degree or specific qualification is not always essential, but it can be advantageous as it shows a competent level of skills and a dedication to your career within education. Any qualifications in childcare will also be useful.

Skills:

• Creative ability
• Patience
• Organisational skills
• A professional attitude to work
• Reading, writing, numeracy and communication skill
• Excellent team working skills
• A flexible approach to work
• A positive approach to working with children and the ability to motivate, inspire and build rapport

You’ll also need to undergo a criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Additional languages, first aid, and British Sign Language can also be valuable for this role.

If you are looking for a Teaching Assistant role, our education team can help!

Why not take a look at our current TA and education vacancies?

Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our specialist recruitment consultants: education@pertempseducation.co.uk or 0203 897 1563.

Despite teachers’ dedication and professionalism, many children and young people with SEND continue to struggle with inconsistent levels of support and a lack of joined-up provision.. How can anyone really make a difference?

Research from a range of organisations consistently concludes that provision for young people with SEND is depressing, disjointed and inconsistent – and too often leads to examples of unfair admissions practice, off-rolling and inappropriate exclusions.

Teachers are still at the coalface. They are all too aware of their legal obligation to ensure all children are educated together, have access to the full curriculum and can take an active role in all aspects of school life, but you probably wonder how on earth they’re going to pull that off along with everything else.

It’s worth trying to remember that it’s not just about money. We would all benefit from a culture where it is absolutely understood that everyone in school will work towards giving every child the best start in life.

How can you create an inclusive classroom?

First of all, remember that this might not be your area of expertise. Fortunately, you should be able to get hold of people who can help. Teaching assistants, counsellors, educational psychologists and speech and language specialists will all be able to give advice – and interpret the language associated with SEND. Their expertise may also help remind you that a diagnosis is only a starting point, and that labels should not have a limiting impact on a child’s experience at school.

Positive action

Take charge where possible. For many teachers, their classroom is their kingdom. Have a think about your environment. Visual stimuli can be great in a classroom, but how do they affect children with ADHD or autism? Could you improve their experience by reducing visual clutter or toning things down?

Some aspects of everyday life may be hidden triggers for children with SEND – especially those who experience sensory overload. How is the temperature in your classroom? What about white noise, or other auditory distractions such as a ticking clock or noisy equipment – even a flickering light could cause unnecessary stress.

Another subject close to the hearts of many classroom teachers is the seating plan. Where will you place the student with dyslexia or the one who suffers from visual stress? These young people would certainly be better off in seats closer to the board, whereas it makes sense to put those with access issues in positions near to the door.

Help from on high

The inclusive imperative exists, and has been enshrined in law: the 2014 Children and Families Act states that all young people should be helped to develop the skills they need to succeed, not just at school but as adults with full lives. Ofsted has strengthened this commitment with a new inspection framework designed to alter the emphasis from data to substance and to raise the profile of SEND provision.

The Government has acknowledged that children with SEND suffered during the period of austerity as schools had to tighten their belts, and teaching assistants and support staff were cut to the bone. And this at a time when councils are dealing with more children than ever with a the most challenging range of complex needs ever.

If you would like to get in touch with our education specialists to help you with your recruitment needs, you can find them here. Alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact us on education@pertempseducation.co.uk or 0203 897 1563.

On the plus side, you’ll be able to develop your own teaching style without the pressure of constant observation and assessment and very soon you’ll be memorising the names of your very own students. 

Of course, this is what you’ve been preparing for. But that doesn’t mean the thought of dropping the ‘trainee’ title isn’t daunting. You’ll have a heavier teaching load and increased reporting and pastoral responsibilities – and that’s what it’s all about.

Cyber Support

There’s lots to consider when you’re starting the next phase in your career. Getting your CV ready is important, but so is knowing what to expect of your induction programme and the particular school you’re joining. Forewarned is forearmed, and preparation time will never be wasted. In 2020 it can’t be news to anyone, but, as long as you have an internet connection, the world is your oyster. There is no problem that you can’t ask Google about, literally thousands of teachers using Twitter every day and there’s lots of information for ECTs online.

Lesson plans

There are no two ways about it, planning is a hot topic. It’s as if lesson plans represent all the highs – and the lows – that a teacher can experience in a classroom! We’re told that some of the most enjoyable teaching moments happen when the group is off-plan, and the teacher is winging it – in the best possible way. But one thing is sure, it takes an extremely confident teacher to be happy to go into a classroom under prepared.

Use materials that you find that can be easily adapted for use with your classes. Don’t reinvent the wheel there are teachers in your department and across the internet, who have being planning these lessons for years.

Lacking inspiration? Give Barclays Life Skills a go.

Knowledge is power

As soon as you can, get to know who will be in your class. You will know the year group, set, etc. but it will be useful to find out about the students as individuals. You will be able to pick up information from their data, but talking to your colleagues about the interesting stuff, their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses will be invaluable.

Keep in touch

If you’ve had a good relationship during your teacher training, it is definitely worth keeping in touch with your faculty network. If you benefited from a structured mentoring programme, why not continue that in a more informal way? Tutors and mentors are likely to be flattered when you drop them a line, and most people would be happy to help or point you in the direction of the answer to your question.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, identify your kindred spirits. This could be your WhatsApp group from college or handpicked newly qualified teachers at your new school. Finding people who are facing the same day to day issues can be (almost literally) a lifesaver! Besides, there will be hundreds of things you want to ask and share that will only be truly appreciated by those who have lived through it.  Online chatrooms and forums mean that even if your peers can’t help, someone will be able to. Don’t be shy – virtual networks work too: TES is worth a try, as is The Guardian.

We’re here for you

Pertemps Education consultants spend most of their time among teachers – and some of us were in your shoes not so long ago. This gives us a unique insight into what makes ECTs tick, and which placements provide the best training and support at the start of a teaching career. Whatever you’re unsure about, if we don’t know the answer, we will know someone who does. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch – that’s what we’re here for!

It was back in 2016 when Amanda Spielman was appointed as Sir Michael Wilshaw’s successor as Ofsted’s Chief Inspector.

Back then, she wasn’t impressed by the inspection model on offer. She thought it was too narrow, overly focused on test and exam results, and as a result, it intensified the workload of schools leaders and classroom teachers. Instead, her vision was to shift the focus from performance data to the substance of education in schools.

Spielman was also keen to raise the profile of SEND provision to reflect the 2014 Children and Families Act. The Act secured the presumption of the availability of mainstream education for children and young people with SEND – schools are legally obliged to ensure that education is inclusive.

Fast forward to 2023, and the launch of a new SEND inspection framework,  which aims to ensure that local services are supporting children and young people with SEND to learn and grow.

Early signs are rather less than encouraging. Inspections have highlighted “Inconsistent” outcomes, and long waits for services for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It’s still not necessarily straightforward to access assessments and services, which means that plans do not fully reflect children’s changing needs. Some leaders are focusing on this area, but are not moving quickly enough, according to inspectors.

Ofsted has stated that it’s going to be focusing on SEND provision, and the Government has made some moves to show its support of children with SEND. The national funding formula for 2023 – 2024 is designed to increase high needs funding by 9.8%.

For school leaders, perhaps it all feels a little academic. Frameworks come and go, and some people felt that SEND has been neglected, but inspections still loom large. The recent ‘Beyond Ofsted’ inquiry shows that death of headteacher Ruth Perry is still extremely raw. Her family maintain that her suicide was a direct result of an Ofsted report which downgraded her school. The inquiry, carried out by University College London, found that the inspectorate is “not fit for purpose” and concludes that schools should move to a process which would allow them to “self-evaluate their progress” and work long-term with an external “school improvement partner”.

In response, a spokesperson for Ofsted said “nine out of 10” schools say inspections help them improve.

“We always want inspections to be a constructive experience for school staff,” they said.

“Our inspectors are all former or current school leaders and well understand the nature and pressures of the work.”

The UK is celebrated for its rich history, and London, as its iconic capital, offers a treasure trove of historical wonders. Whether you’re tracing ancient street names in the City or exploring famous film locations in the West End, there’s always something fascinating to do and discover.

Don’t underestimate London’s nightlife; it’s a city that never sleeps, known for its bustling, vibrant, multicultural, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here, the fusion of old and new creates a unique tapestry of experiences. Traditional pubs stand shoulder to shoulder with the trendiest cocktail bars, and renowned nightclubs featuring world-class DJs seamlessly coexist with cutting-edge futuristic arcades. London truly has something to offer every taste.

How about adding an adult twist to your cherished childhood memories? Experience it firsthand at Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch, where you’ll find a million balls, two massive ball pits, and stunning cocktails to match! If you’re more into sports, head to Swingers, located just off Oxford Street, for a round of mini-golf, complete with drink service as you aim for a hole-in-one. Alternatively, visit NQ64 for arcade-style gaming and late-night DJ sets, offering craft beers and themed cocktails, like the ‘Aku Aku Fruit Punch’ inspired by Crash Bandicoot or the Super Mario-style ‘Power Star Martini.’ For more delights, don’t miss the Happy Hour at Simmons bar, where between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, you can enjoy two cocktails for just £10.

London is a sports fan’s dream, with numerous football, rugby and cricket clubs dotted all throughout the city. With most England national team outfits playing out of the capital, world-renowned tournaments such as Wimbledon, the World Darts Championship or the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race along the Thames, any and all sports will be available to spectators throughout the year.

Music enthusiasts will find the UK to be a haven, with a plethora of music events happening every day. Artists from around the world tour the country, performing in a variety of stunning venues. Whether you want to support emerging talents or witness your favourite artist, you’re just a tube or train ride away from an unforgettable live performance.

While the streets of London may not be paved with gold, the city is renowned for its opportunities. This is just a taste of what London has to offer. As the dynamic capital city, it’s a fantastic place to begin your journey and serves as the perfect launching pad for exploring the wider world.

Unlock a World of Adventure Beyond London

Once you’ve established your base in the UK, you will quickly see that it opens a huge door to amazing cities, beautiful countryside, and a wide array of history close by.

In an hour or two you can be a world away from London. With direct trains to Oxford, Bath or Bristol, visitors can immerse themselves in cities that are like real-life theme parks! Celebrate the country’s medieval heritage, the roller-coaster of the commonwealth and the more recent film locations that made the Harry Potter movies come to life. Many of the Hogwarts scenes were filmed at Christ Church College, Oxford, where you can book a room and enjoy breakfast in The Great Hall. Make sure to pose for a photo on the 16^th century staircase, where Harry and his fellow first-years are greeted by Professor McGonagall.

You’re also on the doorstep of our European neighbours. Whether you have a couple of nights or a couple of weeks to spare, you’ll be able to plan exciting trips to match any taste and budget.

Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras for access to a range of northern European options: within three hours you could be enjoying a croissant under the Eiffel Tower! If you’re keen to go further afield, City Airport has over 30 destinations to choose from: Barcelona is home to Gaudí’s magnificent architecture, delicious Catalonian cuisine, and one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. You may not have heard of it, but centrally located on the mainland of Denmark, Billund is the birthplace of LEGO and the home of the original LEGOLAND theme park. If you’re chasing the sun, Portugal’s southern town of Faro has beautiful medieval architecture and stand-out seafood. There are beaches, of course, but there’s much more to this pretty historic town and its natural surroundings.

If you’re wondering what to do with a weekend, a half term holiday or the generous six-week summer break, you’ll find there’s never a dull moment. Take a chance, come to the UK and see what we have in store for you!