When navigating the job market in education, it’s crucial to understand the different types of contracts you might encounter. Each contract type—temporary, fixed-term, and permanent—offers distinct benefits and considerations. At Pertemps Education, we thought we would share a breakdown of what their benefits and considerations are for each.

Temporary Roles

What Are They?

Temporary roles are short-term positions that can last anywhere from a few days to several months. They are often used to cover for staff absences, increased workloads, or special projects.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Temporary roles can offer flexibility in your work schedule and allow you to gain experience in various educational settings.
• Networking Opportunities: They provide a chance to meet and work with different teams, which can be valuable for future job opportunities.
• Skill Development: Short-term roles can help you develop a wide range of skills and adapt to different teaching environments.

Considerations:

• Job Security: Temporary roles generally come with less job security and fewer benefits compared to permanent positions.
• Uncertainty: There may be uncertainty about your next job assignment once the temporary role ends.

Fixed-Term Roles

What Are They?

Fixed-term roles are positions with a set end date, often tied to a specific project, seasonal requirement, or a temporary increase in demand. They typically last from a few months to a year.

Benefits:

• Defined Duration: Fixed-term contracts provide a clear end date, which can help with planning your career path and personal commitments.
• Stable Employment: These roles offer more stability than temporary positions, with a fixed term and often a clearer job description and expectations.
• Potential for Extension: There’s often the possibility of contract extension or conversion to a permanent role if both parties are satisfied.

Considerations:

• Contract End: While fixed-term roles offer more stability, there is still an end date to consider, which can affect long-term job planning.
• Benefits: Benefits might be less comprehensive than those offered with permanent roles, depending on the employer.

Permanent Roles

What Are They?

Permanent roles are ongoing positions without a predefined end date. They offer long-term employment with the expectation of staying with the same employer.

Benefits:

• Job Security: Permanent roles generally offer greater job security and long-term stability.
• Benefits: Employees often receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, pension plans, and paid leave.
• Career Growth: Permanent positions typically offer more opportunities for career development and progression within the organisation.

Considerations:

• Less Flexibility: Permanent roles might offer less flexibility compared to temporary or fixed-term positions.
• Commitment: There’s an expectation of a longer-term commitment, which might not suit everyone’s career plans or lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Contract Type

When deciding between temporary, fixed-term, and permanent roles, consider your career goals, personal circumstances, and what you value most in a job. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, stability, or long-term growth, understanding these contract types will help you make an informed decision.

At Pertemps Education, we’re here to help you navigate these options and find the right role that fits your needs. Contact us today to explore opportunities and discuss how we can support your career in education.

Getting ready for your first teaching interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you might be wondering what questions you’ll be asked or how you can leave a great impression. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back with expert tips that will help you walk into that interview room with confidence! 

Pre-Interview Nerves? It’s Normal, Don’t Worry! 

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before an interview, you’re not alone. However, with the right preparation, we promise that you’ll feel confident. Remember, every interview—successful or not—is a learning experience that will make you better prepared for the next opportunity. 

Our Top Tips to Ace Your First Interview 

To help you shine, we’ve gathered some tried-and-tested tips from the wonderful ECTs we’ve worked with: 

1. Research the School’s Strengths and Values

Before your interview, take some time to understand the school’s ethos, strengths, and community involvement. Start by exploring the school’s website and social media pages. Many schools are active on social media platforms like X.com (formally Twitter) as well as their websites, where they share updates about their activities and achievements. Knowing these details and updates about the school will allow you to align your answers with the school’s values and vision, demonstrating that you’re a great fit for their team.

2. Review Ofsted Reports

You may find it useful to get a sense of the school’s performance and areas where they might be looking to improve by reading their latest Ofsted inspection reports. This will not only give you insight into what the school is doing well but also help you identify ways you could contribute to their ongoing success. All inspection reports are available at Ofsted Reports. 

3. Brush Up on Safeguarding

Safeguarding is an incredibly important aspect of teaching, and therefore it’s likely that you’ll be asked questions about it. Now is time to brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and be prepared to discuss relevant experiences where you’ve demonstrated student safety.

4. Prepare a Standout Lesson Plan

Creating a lesson plan that showcases your teaching style, creativity, and understanding of curriculum requirements is key. This not only demonstrates your ability to plan effectively, but it will also give the interviewers an idea of what they can expect from you in the classroom. If you’re feeling a bit stuck, reach out to your consultant! 

5. Anticipate Common Interview Questions

A quick Google will help prepare you with the most comment questions asked in interviews, so make sure you prepare your responses and where possible, back them up with evidence from your teaching experience.  

6. Develop Thoughtful Questions

Asking insightful questions is a great way to demonstrate your interest in the school and the position. One effective question could be, “What do you enjoy most about working at this school?” This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in the school’s culture and environment. Make a little list of potential ideas to keep in the back of your mind. 

7. Make a Strong First Impression

First impressions count. During the interview, speak clearly and with enthusiasm about your teaching approach. Ensure that you dress professionally, offer a firm handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. These non-verbal cues can significantly impact how you’re perceived by the interviewer/s. 

8. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Finally, it may sound silly but try to relax and enjoy the interview process. It’s an opportunity to share your passion for teaching and to learn more about the school. Remember, the interview is as much about you finding the right school as it is about the school finding the right teacher. 

Good Luck! 

We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming interviews!  

Working as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teaching assistant is a rewarding and dynamic role that demands patience, creativity, and dedication. Every day brings new challenges and triumphs as SEND TAs work to support students with diverse needs, ensuring they receive the education and care they deserve.

Brenden Ardestani is a senior consultant at Pertemps Education. When he’s asked about introducing candidates to SEND roles, almost the first thing he’ll mention is ‘fit’. “Learning difficulties manifest in all sorts of unique shapes and sizes”, he says. “Just as it’s crucial to find the ideal place for a pupil with additional needs, each setting has a clear idea of what’s required to be successful when supporting their students.”

So many of the candidates I come across are passionate about the opportunity to literally change the lives of the young people in their care, and that’s really exciting.

“A thick skin is useful”, Branden continues: “especially when you’re experiencing behaviours that can seem hostile. Nevertheless, working with SEND specialists has been mind-opening and nothing less than a privilege,” Branden says. “Some of these roles might not ‘educate’ in exactly the way that most that most people are used to, but so many of the candidates I come across are passionate about the opportunity to literally change the lives of the young people in their care, and that’s really exciting”.

Morning Routine

The day begins with preparation. Arriving early, SEND TAs review the day’s lesson plans and adapt materials to suit individual pupils’ needs. This might involve creating visual aids, organising sensory activities, or setting up communication devices. These adaptations are crucial for helping students engage with the curriculum and develop their skills.

Classroom Support

As students arrive, the focus shifts to providing in-class support. SEND TAs work closely with teachers, assisting in delivering lessons and managing classroom behaviour. They often work one-on-one or in small groups, ensuring each student understands the material and can participate in activities. This personalised attention helps build confidence and fosters a sense of achievement in students.

Break and Lunchtime Activities

During breaks and lunchtimes, SEND TAs supervise and engage students in structured play and social activities. These times are essential for developing social skills and providing a break from the academic demands of the classroom. SEND TAs ensure these periods are safe and enjoyable, often using games and activities to encourage interaction and teamwork.

Afternoon Sessions

The afternoon might include more specialised support, such as therapy sessions or life skills training. SEND TAs play a critical role in these activities, working with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to provide targeted interventions. These sessions help students develop crucial skills for independence and daily living.

End of Day Reflection

As the school day ends, SEND TAs document student progress and reflect on the day’s successes and challenges. They communicate with teachers and parents, providing updates and discussing strategies for continued support. This collaboration ensures a cohesive approach to each student’s education and well-being.

Working as a SEND Teaching Assistant is more than a job; it’s a commitment to making a difference. By empowering students with the support they need, SEND TAs help shape brighter futures, one day at a time.

For many people, the UK is the first port of call for international adventures. Because English is so extensively used in international business and entertainment, the total number of English speakers, including those who speak it as a second or foreign language, is estimated to be around 1.5 billion.

However, when English-speaking foreigners visit the UK, they often find aspects of British culture, lifestyle, and norms surprising. Here’s our (light-hearted) introduction  to UK that you might find useful:

Q: How can I fit in with the locals?

A: Humour is one of the cornerstones of Britishness! A dry sense of humour, including sarcasm, irony, and understatement,  will always go down well. You’ll hear a lot of English people making fun of themselves and their culture – the quirkier the better!

Try not to be irritated by British small talk. People can be reserved and use small talk as a way to ease into conversations, which can differ from more direct communication styles. Far from wasting time, it’s also used to help everyone feel comfortable and included.  Learning to join in with pub ‘banter’ over a pint will also endear you to the locals.

Q: How do I pronounce the strange place names?

A: In all honesty, it’s not always easy! For example, you’d be laughed off the Royal Mile if the locals heard you say Edin-burg. Ed-in-bruh all the way! Leicester is a city in the Midlands, but don’t be tempted to call it Lie-chester – it’s Lester, according to the Brits.

If you find those challenging, you’d best not be tempted to cross the Welsh border. Bwlchgwyn (Boolkh-gwin), Cwmystwyth (Koom-uh-stwith) and Ynysybwl (uh-nis-uh-bool) are all towns in the country which is known for its distinctive language andCeltic culture. Confused? So are their English neighbours. Those place names don’t even have vowels!

Q: Do they really drive on the left?

A: It’s true. And it doesn’t actually take too much getting used to. Just remember, the driver’s seat is on the right. When you come across a roundabout, you need to give way to coming from the right. It might seem daunting, but once you get the merry-go-round out of your head, you’ll be absolutely fine.

Q: Why are Brits obsessed with the weather?

A: The British habit of discussing the weather, despite its generally mild nature, can seem peculiar to new arrivals. They soon discover that weather in the British Isles is nothing if not changeable. You should definitely invest in an umbrella, and incorporating layers into your wardrobe is always a good idea.

Q: Is there a ‘right’ way to make tea? A: Er – yes. And if you want to get on with the Brits, you need to know how. Tea comes first, followed by milk. Sugar is optional and lemon is rare! Most importantly, the water must be boiling when it hits the leaves. Leave the microwave alone – it’s simply not fit for this purpose!

Q: What’s good to eat? A: National classics are taken very seriously in the UK. Most people have heard of fish and chips, a ‘full English’ breakfast, and Yorkshire pudding, but there’s much more on offer. Afternoon tea is back in fashion (often with cocktails as well as tea), and if you’re venturing into Scotland or Wales, you should definitely keep an eye out for Cullen skink and Welsh cakes.

Every culture has its foibles! Living and working in a big city like London will provide a really good view of the UK, its diversity, and what can be achieved here.  Pertemps Education is committed to helping overseas trained teachers, and those interested in gaining valuable and rewarding experience working in UK schools.

Our specialist overseas recruitment consultants regularly place candidates in roles such as:

• Teachers in primary and secondary schools
• Long term supply teachers
• Short term supply teachers – to cover sickness or other absences
• Early years educators
• Cover supervisors
• Pastoral support assistant
• Primary pastoral support
• Mental health support worker
• Intervention support assistant
• Unqualified teaching assistants
• Special educational needs (SEN – SEND) teaching assistants
• School receptionist or other support roles

Get in touch with Pertemps Education now to find out more.

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!