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