TV Alert: BBC Schools Season

Here at Classroom we are all avid tv viewers like many and we wanted to highlight a string of programmes broadcasting amongst all the reality TV and Soaps which might be of interest to our fellow education professionals!

The BBC Schools season is currently underway. Some of you may have caught last nights drama "Excluded" about a newly qualified teacher and his relationship with a difficult student in a struggling school! It received rave reviews (check out the schools season link for info on its repeat schedule or watch it anytime on the BBC I Player). There looks to be some really interesting programmes coming up too.

One highlight looks to be "The Classroom Experiment" which sees education professional Dylan Wiliam take on a typical Year 8 Secondary school class and pit education theory and practice against each other as he attempts to use simple ideas to improve the quality of education and the results are meant to be pretty outstanding. It's a two part programme starting next Monday (see link for full schedule) and we'll be reviewing the programme when its finished and will be welcoming opinion!

Classroom launches all NEW website

Well it's been a long time in the planning but Classroom is finally delighted to announce that it's new website has launched today.

We think it's a lot more user friendly and easy on the eye than our last one and we have worked really hard to ensure it has all the information our supply staff are going to need. For example - you will no longer need to call up and request a timesheet faxing to you - simply log on to the web and download the timesheet easily. If you have other payroll or tax queries - check out the resources section of the website and you might find links to help you.

We are also busy updating our Job Search link to enable you all to search for our most current positions and apply (should you wish) via the web.

If you are particularly keen to develop your Classroom resources and lesson plans further (the more prepared - the better your day will be!) then you will find a myriad of links in our Resource section - just click on Useful Links!

It is also our hope that the under construction News page will, in time, advise you of all of our latest offers, get togethers, training sessions as well as all the latest education news issues of the moment.

If there is anything you think we have missed then please do let us know - we are always keen to improve and upgrade whenever we can!

In the meantime why not have a look at our new improved site now by clicking on the link:

www.classroomteachers.co.uk

Enjoy!

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day.




As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

SECONDARY TEACHING VACANCIES

Maths Teacher

A high achieving school in NW London is looking to appoint a teacher of Mathematics for a term’s contract initially. The contract could be extended for the correct candidate. You will be required to teach KS3 & 4 Maths. The Maths department achieves excellent results and you will be supported by a very supportive and approachable head of department.

Both UK and overseas trained teachers are welcome to apply but please note you need to hold a formal teaching qualification in order to apply.

• Science Teacher
  A popular, oversubscribed, mixed comprehensive in North West London is on the search for a Science teacher. Chemistry, Physics or Biology teachers are encouraged to apply. The school is classified as a GOOD school by Ofsted and the Science department in particular has achieved very good results in the past.

Both UK and overseas trained teachers are welcome to apply but please note you need to hold a formal teaching qualification in order to apply

Start Date: 19 April

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING VACANCIES

• Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

The position is in a mainstream primary School in South London with a Hearing impaired unit. This particular position will be spread across the School with a few days in the HI unit and the rest of the week doing PPA cover in the main School. The successful candidate will have experience with Hearing Impaired students. British Sign Language level 2 is also desirable as is knowledge of the Primary curriculum.

• SLD Teacher

Classroom has a great opportunity for a qualified teacher to teach in an SLD School in East London. The School has recently been refurbished and has great facilities and resources. The staff are all extremely friendly and there is a wonderful sense of enthusiasm about the school which makes it a great place to work. The school is looking for a teacher who shares the rest of the staff’s enthusiasm for supporting students with special needs. Previous experience is not essential however the right attitude is! They require a teacher who can really get involved with the activities and interact well with the students in the School

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Teaching Assistant

Classroom Ltd are looking for a Teaching Assistant to work after Easter to work one to one with a year 3 girl who is new to the country and the school. She is non verbal and is in a wheelchair as she has severe cerebral palsy and a curved spine. The TA must have manual handling, be able to use a hoist and do changing. It would be beneficial if you are able to travel to Middlesex.

Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:

Valid CRB check – within the last 2 years

You’re able to provide 2 reference the cover the last two years of your employment – one needs to be child related

The right to work in the UK 6 months

Experience of working as a Teaching Assistant within a school/academic environment.

• Teaching Assistant - Higher Level

Classroom Ltd is looking for a High Level Teaching Assistant to work in a Mainstream school in West London- (the individual must have least Level 6 experience).

The position starts on 17th May to cover a maternity leave. Interviews w/c 26th April.

• Nursery Nurse for Mainstream School

Classroom Ltd are looking for a Nursery Nurse to work in a Mainstream school in East LondonThe candidate must be NVQ Level 3 qualified in early years.

The position is to start after Easter for the summer term.

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 4 Teacher

Year 4 Teacher is required for a school in the London Borough of Hackney for the summer term. This is a good school and very close to transport links. You should have some knowledge of the KS2 curriculum and must have teaching experience here in the UK. The school will not consider newly qualified teachers without any long term teaching experience. This school is extremely supportive and rewards its teaching staff with very attractive pay rates. The school is more than happy to financially reward the right candidate.

Please forward an up to date CV as soon as possible.

• Reception Teacher

Experienced Foundation stage teacher required for a Reception class in this two form entry Primary school in the heart of Catford. The school are seeking an energetic teacher with a solid working knowledge of the Early Years Curriculum to start after Easter for the duration of the Summer term. The ideal candidate will be au fait with catering for a wide range of ability within one classroom, although TA support will also be at hand. Excellent support from the senior management team and a great working environment are on offer for the approriate candidate.

If you are a qualified teacher with the relevant experience and a current CRB, we'd love to hear from you!

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day.

As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

PRIMARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Reception Teacher

A Reception teacher is required in a Hackney Primary school for the summer term. You should be foundation stage trained or have plenty of experience of teaching in Early years. Knowledge of the foundation stage curriculum is essential. The students in this school can prove challenging and so good behaviour management skills are important although this Reception class are meant to be quite stable. Please forward your CV as soon as possible.

• Year 5 Teacher

A school in the Edgware area of North London requires a Year 5 teacher for the summer term to cover a long term sickness. This is a fairly nice settled class and an opportunity to work in a school which offers lots of support as well as a young vibrant staff - a mix of British and overseas trained teachers. If you have a good knowledge of the KS2 curriculum and have some long term experience already in upper KS2 - you could be the person for this great role. Please forward your CV.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT VACANCIES

• Nursery Assistants

Classroom Ltd requires candidates who are available on a daily and long-term basis to work in nursery and reception classes within mainstream primary schools. You will need to have previous experience working with children aged 3-5 years olds within in a school, nursery or early years centre. Working with young children you may be asked to help change and take them to the toilet. The positions that we have are in East and South London.

• Special Needs Classroom Assistant

Classroom currently have a high volume of daily and long-term placements to work in Severe Learning Difficulty Schools in East and South London. The positions do require candidates to have previous experience working with students, who have severe autism, and students who have profound and multiple learning difficulties. The majority of the placements is to work with secondary aged students but if you have primary aged experience this would also be suitable.

Working in an SLD School requires Classroom Assistants to be proactive, enthusiastic and have an outgoing personality. In SLD Schools you will be required to help with personal care such as changing and feeding the students. It would be an advantage to have personal care experience and also have used hoists before but this is not essential.

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

SECONDARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Maths Teacher

A high achieving school in NW London is looking to appoint a teacher of Mathematics for a term’s contract initially. The contract could be extended for the correct candidate. In this post you will be required to teach KS3 & 4 Maths. The Maths department achieves very good results and you will be supported by a very supportive and approachable head of department.

Both UK and overseas trained teachers are welcome to apply.

• General Science Teachers

We have a number of schools on the lookout for good General Science teachers to start after the Easter break - schools across the Greater London Area.

Our schools are happy to pay top rates for strong Science teachers, specialising in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We have several immediate start posts and are currently receiving jobs for april 2010 so get in touch ASAP to secure the best positions!!

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

SEN TEACHING VACANCIES

• Experienced MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties) Teacher

Are you a qualified teacher experienced with special needs students? Looking for a position that will challenge and reward you professionally? Classroom could have the perfect position for you.

We currently have a vacancy in South London at a primary MLD school starting immediately.
The school supports students with moderate learning difficulties at both Primary and Secondary levels. They are currently looking for a teacher for a year 3 class in the school. The position starts in April and is long term until the end of the academic year.

Experience with students with special needs is definitely an advantage for this post and knowledge of PECS, Makaton and other communication techniques is also desirable. Teachers must also be familiar with IEPs and annual reviews.

• Centre Manager for EBD Intervention Centre

Classroom has a fantastic opportunity to work as a Centre Manager at a small KS3 Intervention Centre in Bromley.

The Centre supports students who have been temporarily excluded from their mainstream schools. On average there are about 8 students at one time in the Centre and the aim is to reintegrate the students at the end of each 10 week session.

The ideal candidate will be experienced working with EBD, intervention and have held a prior management position within an educational setting. The duties of the Centre Manager will be to manage the smooth running of the Centre, liaise with parents, schools and outside agencies; support and manage the small teaching team, devise appropriate schemes of work and monitor these throughout each progaramme and deal with any daily disciplinary issues.

This would be a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic Senior Teacher, Deputy, SENCO or previous Centre Manager.

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. Half term is out of the way and although it's a smaller selection of vacancies this week - this will all change over the next few weeks as the vacancies start to roll in for the summer term.

As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Primary Teaching Vacancies

• Year 6 Teacher

A Year 6 teacher is required for a school in the borough of Barking and Dagenham, East London. You should have knowledge of the upper KS2 curriculum and have the confidence to complete the SATS assessments which will take place during the term. This school offers small class sizes (around 22) and good support exists within the school. This is an improving school and someone with firm behaviour management skills is requested.

The successful applicant is looking at an excellent daily rate earning up to £165 per day dependent upon experience. Please apply with a CV. You should only apply if you have the relevant UK teaching experience.

• Year 3 Teacher

A school in South East London requires a Year 3 teacher to take over a class as soon as possible. This is a class that has suffered some disruption over the academic year so far and therefore the school are looking for a hard working committed individual to take the class through to July. Because of the disruption - the class are needing someone who has good behaviour management skills and can hit the ground running,

You should posess good knowledge of the lower KS2 curriculum and have excellent planning and preparation skills.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

Classroom Assistant & Support Vacancies

• Teaching Assistants - General

We are currently looking for Teaching Assistants with a range of experience working in mainstream schools with children that have a variety of special needs, including Autism and Emotional Behavioral difficulties. We would currently only like to register candidates that are available to work five days a week and are looking for long term work. Please only contact us if you match these criteria and you have the relevant experience.

• Nursery Nurses

Classroom Ltd has positions in South-East London to work in mainstream primary schools working as a qualified Nursery Nurse. You will be working in between the nursery and reception class helping children with their play, learning, educational and social development. If you have experience working with early years children but don’t have the qualification, please do still send through your CV. Nursery Nurses need to hold a relevant child care qualifications such as:

* CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
* BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
* NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

SEN Teaching Vacancies

• MLD Teacher

We currently have a vacancy in North London at a primary MLD school starting immediately.
The school supports students with moderate learning difficulties at both Primary and Secondary levels. They are currently looking for a teacher for a year 3 class in the school. The position starts immediately and is long term until the end of the academic year. The majority of students in the class will be on the autistic spectrum however other needs include dyspraxia, Down’s syndrome and other complex needs.

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.


Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

SEN TEACHING VACANCIES

SLD Teacher

Classroom is looking for an experienced teacher for a position in an SLD School in South London. The School supports students at Primary and Secondary level with Special needs. Many of the children in the school are non verbal, exhibit challenging behaviour and also have medical needs. The successful candidate will have experience working with students with severe learning difficulties and be familiar with many of the techniques used to support them. They should have knowledge of PECS, Makaton and other forms of communication used with SEN students and also have a working knowledge of P levels

• MLD Teacher

A qualified teacher is needed for a lovely SEN school in South London. The School supports students with moderate learning difficulties. The position is to work with year 7,8 and 9 students with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting students with special needs and be enthusiastic about working within SEN. Previous experience teaching science in the UK is also desirable.

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• EAL Learning Support Assistant

Classroom Ltd is looking to recruit a Learning Support Assistant who has experience working with secondary aged students who speak English as an additional language. The position is to work in a large secondary school in North London on a daily basis. It would be an advantage if you speak Turkish or Polish but this is not essential.

• Nursery Nurses

Classroom Ltd has positions in South-East London to work in mainstream primary schools working as a qualified Nursery Nurse. You will be working in between the nursery and reception class helping children with their play, learning, educational and social development. If you have experience working with early years children but don’t have the qualification, please do still send through your CV. Nursery Nurses need to hold a relevant child care qualifications such as:

* CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education

* BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

* NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Year 4 Class Teacher

A school in East London requires a Year 4 teacher starting after half term. This is a very supportive school but you must have experience of teaching within KS2 preferably in the UK. You will have a full time Teaching Assistant in the class and the school offers excellent training. Please forward your CV as soon as possible.

• Nursery Teacher

The Senior Management of a well run Southwark Primary are currently seeking an experienced Nursery Teacher to take on a full time Nursery Class from the end of February through to July. The suitable candidate will have a minimum of three years experience in the Foundation stage and be Early Years trained ideally with leadership skills. Overseas trained teachers are welcome to apply but QTS is absolutely essential for a successful application.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

Fighting the annual winter teacher shortage

Well it's that time of year again - the annual winter teacher shortage is upon us. It might seem like only a short time ago that there appeared to be a job shortage for teachers (especially those teachers at the Secondary level) but January is upon us and as always happens there has been a major shift - with school's once again in desperate need and demand is exceeding supply.

Whilst it's great news for teachers wanting regular work, it's a more bleak outlook for schools who sometimes find that with the increase in demand, the quality of supply teachers can suffer. Here at Classroom we fight very hard to ensure that this does not happen. As well as continuing to welcome teachers from our overseas offices in Canada and the antipodes, Classroom have stepped up their recruitment advertising in the UK and have relaunched their Introduce a Friend scheme which will run until the end of this current term initially. For those of you who do not know what the Introduce a Friend scheme is, see below:

Introduce a Friend

We want more teachers like you! Classroom would like to reward those teachers who promote Classroom on a regular basis to other teachers. All you have to do is introduce your teacher friend to Classroom and once they have taught just 20 days with us, we will reward you with a £100 bonus. The teacher you have introduced will also benefit and they will receive £50 once their 20 days of teaching has been completed. This scheme is for all Primary, Secondary and Special Needs teachers but does not include Classroom assistants or support staff.

As ever in the world of supply teaching at this time of year it is the Primary schools in particular who are crying out for enthusiastic and flexible supply staff. Here at Classroom we often talk to Secondary trained teachers about trying something different and using their very transferrable skills in a Primary school environment. Some of you feel confident to try this and others, whilst keen, do not feel so comfortable without the necessary training. Classroom is always keen to help and is currently considering offering Secondary to Primary Cross training sessions. If you are a qualified teacher but not Primary trained and would be keen to sign up for such training please email us directly at:

matthew@classroomteachers.co.uk

The winter months are a challenging time for schools and agencies alike but teachers should rest safe in the knowledge that for them it's a busy and lucrative time for those of you who are teaching in London! It is also worth noting that although we haven't really focussed on the demand for Classroom Assistants - here at Classroom we are as ever always keen to hear from individuals who have experience of working with children. Please contact:

classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday, which means it's Classroom's job posting day. As ever - for all teaching positions you must hold a recognised teaching qualification and for Classroom Assistant vacancies experience of working with children in some form is also a requirement.

Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we can only respond to those applicants who are successful.

SECONDARY TEACHER POSITIONS

• A Level Economics Teacher - Mixed Independent Boarding School

We are currently recruiting for an independent mixed school in South London that is looking for an A level Economics teacher.

OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THIS DO NOT COME ALONG VERY OFTEN – APPLY TODAY TO AVOID MISSING OUT

This school is outstanding and we really mean it when we say opportunities like this don’t come up very often!! If you are someone that would like to work in an academic and high achieving environment with receptive students and beautiful school grounds, this is the job for you.

The school is described as being a happy and vibrant environment in which both boys and girls have an abundance of fantastic opportunities. Although the school is academically ambitious they are also academically sensitive and respect the talents of each and every individual.

• General Science Teacher - All Girls Independent School

This independent school in North London has outstanding academic standards and is looking for someone to join their highly successful staff. This is an opportunity worth considering as jobs at this type of school do not come along very often.

They are looking for a General Science teacher to teach Key Stage 3 and 4 Science initially with the possibility of teaching A level work after Easter. The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum and strives to develop each child to the limits of potential. Each and every student’s talents are valued and by offering an excellent supportive staff as well as extensive onsite facilities. You can only imagine how popular the school is with teachers. They have a strict selection process and would like to start looking at CV’s as soon as possible.

• PE Teacher - Central London

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a PE teacher to teach KS3 and KS4 PE at this high achieving school. The school is very proud of their successful PE department. The position is starts at Easter time with the potential to go permanent in September. The school would like to interview during the first few weeks in February. The school has Sports status and offers great facilities and equipment. You will be supported by a strong Senior Management Team.

Please contact the Secondary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: secondary@classroomteachers.co.uk

Special Needs Teaching Positions

• Various Posts

Classroom are currently looking for teacher close to the London Bridge area who have experience with SEN students. We have a number of positions in SLD and MLD schools in the Greater London area and are looking for teachers who are enthusiastic and skilled in supporting students with special needs. The ideal candidates will be confident in their abilities and be able to utilise support staff effectively to create the best environment for the students.

• Autism Teacher

At Classroom we are looking for someone who is a qualified and experienced teacher to work in an autistic unit in Central London.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work in the ASD unit of a lovely little primary school. You should be enthusiastic about working with SEN pupils and have an understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism.

Please contact the SEN team on 020 7636 0600 or alternatively email us at sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Year 6 Boosters Teacher

A small Southwark Primary school are seeking an experienced KS2 teacher to take on a Y6 Booster role starting after the February half-term. As part of an intervention programme for struggling students, the school are looking to provide individual and group support outside of the classroom to a number of Y6 students who need particular assistance with numeracy and literacy. The suitable candidate will have solid KS2 experience, with a patient yet firm attitude and the aspiration to motivate, encourage and guide these students towards academic improvement. Previous experience as a Booster teacher would be preferable but not essential.

• Nursery Class Teacher

A superb Nursery school in the borough of Camden requires an Early years trained teacher to work in their specialist Nursery. You must have experience of working with Nursery aged children and enjoy being in a Nursery school setting as opposed to a Primary school environment. This post starts at the beginning of March and runs until the summer. Please register your interest with the Primary team.

Please contact the Primary team on 020 7636 0600 or email us: primary@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT POSITIONS

• Teaching Assistant/Interpreter

Classroom Ltd is looking to recruit a TA / interpreter to work in one of our special needs schools in East London. The school caters for a range of special needs but the particular position we have is to work in a class where the class teacher is hearing impaired. Due to the teacher being HI you will need to help to interpret for the rest of the class. It is essential that you have BSL Level 2 and a lip speaking qualification.

This position is to begin straightaway pending on reference checking etc and will be a long-term post. The school is a large school very well managed.

• Half day Learning Support Assistant

We currently have positions that require an LSA to work mornings only – 8:30am till 12noon. The positions are to either work on a one-to-one basis with a student in a nursery class who has autism or to work as a general support assistant in a nursery.

These positions are in East and South London and are on a long-term basis. We also do have daily work which is half days so please still send you CV in if you’re not able to commit to a long-term position.

• Learning Support Assistant

We currently have a position to work as a Learning Support Assistant within a mainstream secondary school in Bromley. You will be working on a one-to-one basis with a year 8 student who is very vulnerable and is currently in transition to the school.

The position requires someone to help her throughout the day making sure she is ok and to general support her in class. It requires someone who has a patient and caring personality. You will need to have experience working in a school environment and it would be beneficial if you’ve worked on a one-to-one basis previously.

Please contact the Support team on 020 7636 0600 or email: classroomassistant@classroomteachers.co.uk

Thats all for this week. Remember to keep us up to date with your current availability! We look forward to hearing from you.

New Year - same old story!

It's 2010 and the country is in the grip of a big freeze! Yet again today a number of our dedicated Classroom supply teachers and support staff made the difficult journey to school in tough circumstances only to find that their school was closed with some schools only making the decision to shut at 9am. Utterly frustrating we know and unfortunately one of the down sides to supply teaching.

Today, January 13th, is traditionally the coldest day of the year in the UK and the cold snap has certainly returned with a vengeance. Schools over the last week have been closing in their thousands and for those of you teaching in London who originate from colder climates it must seem like a lot of fuss about nothing! Why does this country seemingly grind to a halt during adverse weather episodes?! Should schools really be closing? Councillors in Manchester have suggested that perhaps the closures are unnecessary . Are we risking the safety of students and staff if schools remain open? I certainly think that safety must be a priority - but for fear of sounding like my parents - "It wasn't like this is my day"! Schools were open for those staff and students that could make it in and we coped! But times have changed and health and safety is often the foundation of many current educational issues.

The result of all this is of course our supply teachers facing cancelled school days which is frustrating and a burden on finances. On top of that is the utter frustration when arriving at school after a long and torturous journey to find it closed. The only advice that we can give at Classroom as the freeze continues is if you are in any doubt as to whether or not your school is open is to check the schools website first, then call your contact at the school if you have one or your agency. Keep your mobile phone close in case your agency or school is contacting you with an update and keep your school or agency up to date with your delays getting to school! It's not fool proof as has been proved over the last week - but its probably your best option!

On the brighter side - warmer weather is predicted. The snow will melt and in a few months the media will be announcing record high temperatures and air conditioning units across the country will be unable to cope. London and the UK is a great place to gain invaluable teaching experience but when it comes to the weather we cannot cope with either extremes. I guess we have to accept this and get on with things!

Happy new year from everyone at Classroom