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!

Teachers TV - A day in the life of a Cover Supervisor

I have talked in previous blogs about the changes in the educational supply teaching markets which are affecting not only Classroom but ALL teaching agencies. The biggest change is of course in the Secondary education market. More and more schools are employing Cover Supervisors over qualified teachers which has in turn affected the amount of supply teaching work open to a lot of qualified Secondary school teachers. To counter this we know a lot of Secondary teachers who are here teaching in the UK are working not only in Primary Schools but are taking interim work as Cover Supervisors. But just what does a Cover Supervisor do? The following video from Teachers TV will hopefully shed some light!

Interesting viewing. So what do people think of this whole Cover Supervisor phenomenon? Good thing or not? As ever your views are always welcomed!

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 SCHOOL VACANCIES

• General Science Teacher - Central London

A very popular and oversubscribed Secondary school in Central London are looking for a General Science teacher for a Maternity Cover post starting December 2009 or January 2010. The duration of this post will be 6 months to 1 year.

You would be required to teach general Science to KS3 and GCSE students. The school has not specified a particular specialism but have stressed that they require someone with strong classroom management skills who will be able to get started with minimal support. In return, they offer the highest rates for professional and experienced teachers.

This school also boasts excellent facilities in a brand new building. The staff are known as being very supportive and they have very good training programs in place for Overseas trained teachers and NQT’s.

• ICT and Business Studies Teacher - East London

A large, mixed comprehensive school in NE London are looking for a teacher of ICT and Business Studies to teach up to GCSE Level. They ideally require someone trained in ICT with Business Studies teaching experience as most of the timetable covers ICT. The duration of this post is 2 terms in the first instance with the possibility of a permanent post thereafter for the right candidate.

This would be a fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to work in a dynamic, forward thinking environment with supportive management. The school also has excellent facilities with a brand new building.

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

SEN TEACHING VACANCIES

• MLD Teacher

We currently have a vacancy in South London at a primary MLD school starting in January. 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 January 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.

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

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

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Special Needs Support Assistant (East London)

Classroom Teachers are currently looking to recruit experienced Learning Support Assistants who have experience working with students who have severe learning difficulties. You will need to have worked in a school environment or as a carer with special needs adults or child.
We have been inundated with daily and long-term bookings to begin straight away so it is essential that you have a recent CRB check. You will need to also have the following:

TWO WRITTEN REFERENCES OR REFEREE DETAILS. ONE MUST BE CHILD RELATED

THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH CHILDREN OR ADULTS WHO HAVE SEVERE LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

• Learning Support Assistant (South East London)

Classroom Teachers are looking to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to begin in Janaury in a mainstream primary school. The position is to work on a one-to-one basis with a boy in year 1 who has quite severe autism. The student is able to learn and communicate but boundaries need to be set to keep him focused. This position is to go through Classroom on timesheets but the school would possibly like to take the right person onto a permanent contract. Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:

TWO WRITTEN REFERENCES - ONE CHILD RELATED

THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH AUTISM

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

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Reception Class Teacher

An excellent school in East London requires a Reception class teacher to start in January 2010 and teach through till July 2010. You must have foundation teaching experience and you must have experience teaching here in the UK. You'll be a committed team player who is willing to work hard. This is a very supportive school and the successful teacher will enjoy a superb environment to work in.

• Year 6 Support Teacher

You will have more than a year's experience of teaching in the UK and you must have upper KS2 teaching experience. This school requests only teachers who have taught their own class previously although this role does not involve your own class. You will be team teaching in Year 6 and taking the PPA classes in YEar 6 and also working with the Year 6 students in small groups to support them during this important academic year. You will be rewarded with an excellent rate of pay. This school is located in East London.

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.

Winter Wonderland - Part One!

Our guest bloggers are Deon, Jenna and Angelic from the Secondary school division at Classroom. Sit back and relax as they guide all of the overseas teachers who are reading this blog on how to make the most of winter in London!

This time of the year can be quite an adjustment to make for those of us from the Southern Hemisphere. This is usually the time where our days are spent on the beach or by the pool soaking up the rays. The shorter days and longer nights have been known amongst our friends to create a feeling of melancholy, especially by February when you feel like throwing yourself off Westminster Bridge!

Our groups of friends discuss endlessly the reasons for this melancholic state we are in at this time of the year. Some have even been known to suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) since moving to the UK. This is a type of depression with a seasonal pattern, occurring in the winter months and many dark hours.

After living in the UK for nearly 10 years we have found that keeping positive, fit and busy helps to warm the spirits during the icy months. A group of us antipodeans and South Africans have decided to make a stand and embrace winter this year. We are saying ‘goodbye’ to the winter blues and ‘hello’ to WINTER WONDERLAND! This is to help all of you newly arrived Southerners to enjoy a Northern Hemisphere winter and for the rest of you (our beloved Canadians!) to get some good tips for the festive season. We will be updating WINTER WONDERLAND on a regular basis until February 2010 but for now:

HERE ARE SOME HOT TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE COLDER DAYS:

1. Angelic’s Mulled Wine – now that’s HOT!

This is first on our list and not surprisingly as US Secondary Consultants love a drink any time of the year! This recipe is heavenly and will not fail you on those bitterly cold evenings when you have piles of marking to do:
2 x 75 cl bottles medium to full-bodied red wine
1 orange stuck with cloves
2 oranges, sliced
2 lemons, sliced
6 level tablespoons granulated sugar or honey
2 inch (5 cm) piece cinnamon stick
2 level teaspoons finely grated fresh root ginger or ground ginger
Add the ingredients to the wine and heat in a saucepan then enjoy!

2. Christmas Markets

This is Jenna’s favorite pastime before Christmas. She says that it is a ‘must’ for everyone to do. Her favorite Christmas Market in London would have to be the Tower Bridge European Christmas Market. The festive atmosphere with stunning London views lifts her spirits. This is also a good place to take visiting parents! She also suggests taking a stroll along the Thames, buying a few Christmas goodies to send home, finishing the evening off with a London Philharmonic Orchestra performance in the Royal Festival Hall and dinner in one of the many restaurants on the South Bank. For further information follow the following links:

http://www.greatrail.com/great-rail-holidays-themes/christmas-markets.aspx?telref=ppc_goo_xm&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=XM_Generic&utm_term=Christmas%20markets

London Christmas Markets

Royal Festival Hall, London

3. Get your skates on!

How many times do we have to say this to teachers in the mornings? Now we really mean it!
Choose from the following London Ice Skating Rinks. None of them will disappoint but you need to book in advance!

Somerset House

Tower of London

Hyde Park
Hampton Court Palace

4. Christmas Day Serpentine Swim – Hyde Park

This is not for the faint hearted! This is compulsory for all you Canadians living in W1 – if the thought of ‘Run with Richard’ was tough, this is your next challenge. We will NOT be joining you on this occasion! (http://www.serpentineswimmingclub.com/)

5. Crisis Christmas

For those of you who would like to assist those less fortunate than us, Angelic recommends ‘Crisis Christmas’. Angelic has been involved in this worthy cause for the past three years and feels there’s no better gift to give than the gift of caring for others when away from your loved ones over Christmas time. Angelic is luckily going home this Christmas but highly recommends this wonderful charity.

6. Boxing Day Football

Boxing Day (December 26th) has always been a very important day on the Football calendar with some classic ‘event’ matches – this would be a fun day out and you cannot live in the UK not having experienced a Football match! Deon highly recommends this but again, you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment!

7. Northern Lights

Deon likes to have a mini-break around Christmas time. ‘I usually pop over to Europe, finding a good deal for a few days to visit Christmas Markets or to go skiing. I recently watched a fantastic documentary on BBC with Joanna Lumley exploring the Northern Lights in Scandinavia. The following clip might wet your appetites and might even inspire you to book a trip to see the Northern Lights’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPvr9d8UDxs

8. Host a Christmas Party

Be in charge of lifting the spirits of your friends this year and host your own Christmas Party. You do not need much – just a good Christmas Carols CD, some drinks and good food. From next week, we will be sharing some good, affordable recipe ideas, the most hip-and-happening Christmas Decoration tips and our favourite cocktail recipes. Watch this space!

9. Ski up a STORM!

Why not kill two birds with one stone and book an exciting skiing holiday in Europe and you’ll come back feeling and looking great after all the exercise on the slopes! Perhaps a good idea to warm up with a few gym sessions prior to your departure…. If there’s no time for that, throw yourselves in deep end and see how you cope with some ‘black ski slopes’….. We want photographic evidence please!
Click here for ideas on where to go:

And Eastern Europe too…. For some great bargains!!

So whether it’s France, Austria, Switzerland or Eastern Europe that you’d like to next visit, now is the time to start doing your research and booking that adventurous week away!

10. Sing Sing Sing!

Nothing gets you in the festive mood like singing your favourite Christmas Carols. We suggest that you head along to one of the many classical music and carol concerts around London this season. Angelic’s favourite venue is St Martins in the Fields on Trafalgar Square. Deon says The Royal Albert Hall experience is a must!

We hope our Winter Wonderland tips have helped you get into the festive mood. We will be updating Winter Wonderland regularly up until February 2010. Please feel free to post any suggestions and tips for our readers to enjoy!

Teachers TV - A video for those new to Primary school supply teaching: SECONDARY teachers take note!

I have uploaded this video from Teachers TV for all those supply teachers who are currently beginning their supply teaching career in Primary schools. This video may be covering old ground for a lot of Primary teachers but I know that there are plenty of you who are newly arrived and only just setting out on your supply teaching adventure who should find this very interesting. I am also very aware that with the current slow patch in Secondary - Classroom and surely other agencies too will be supplementing Secondary school supply work with days in Primary schools. If you want to be successful in a Primary school then you will have to adopt a different approach to the one you might take in a Secondary school. Flexibility is always the key to successful supply teaching in the UK and preparation and research will only reinforce your flexibility!

Why not watch this video where you will be given plenty of hints and tips to be an effective Primary supply teacher and while your at it why not check out Teachers TV and its wealth of resources to help you be the best. I have mentioned it before but it really is a great site for teachers from every arena!

What do you think of the video? Are the presenters tips useful? Anything you would add?

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 teaching agency has a maternity cover position in a lovely SLD school in North London. The position is starting in January and is for 2 terms.

The school supports students with severe learning difficulties. Some of the children exhibit challenging behaviour and many of them are non – verbal. The school are looking for an experienced teacher who has worked in SEN schools in the past and is familiar with the needs in the school, IEP’s etc. They should be able to think on their feet and cope well in a stressful environment.

This is a long term position to work in a year 1 and 2 class so experience with this age group is beneficial but not essential.

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

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Special Needs Support Assistant (Bromley area)

We currently have a position to work in a mainstream primary school working with students who have special education needs. You will be working one-to-one with students who may have autism, downs syndrome and emotional and behaviour difficulties. The position requires someone that does have previous experience working with special needs children. We currently have day-to-day and block bookings to fill in this in area.

Please only send your cv if you have the following:

• Recent CRB Check
• Minimum of 3 months experience of working with children
• 2 years of references - must be child related
• The right to work in the UK

• Higher Learning Teaching Assistant (South London)

A mainstream primary school is currently looking for a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant to work in Key Stage one classes. You will be working very closely with the class teacher and working with small groups of students helping to improve their numeracy and literacy skills. The placement requires you to have an extensive amount of experience working as a Classroom Assistant with key stage one or two or have worked as a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant previously. This position is long-term to begin straightaway through till the Spring term 2010.

Please only send your CV if you have the following:

• An up to date CRB
• At least 3 months experience of working with children
• 2 years of references - child related
• The right to work in the UK

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

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Science (Central London)

One of our Secondary mixed comprehensives in central London is looking for a Science teacher for a January long term. They are looking for someone that can ideally commit for two terms and be able to teach General Science and Biology to KS4. The school will be short listing in the next few days!

• Science (South East London)

All boys Secondary school in SE London is looking for a General Science teacher for January. You will be required to teach Science and also cover ‘general cover’ lessons where required. The school has a very good reputation and has sports status so they are inclined to offer extra coaching responsibilities to teachers that are interested.

• Music (Central London)

Large mixed comprehensive with excellent Music department seeks an enthusiastic, motivated Music teacher for January. There is potential for this job to go perm if all goes well. Woodwind and Strings experience would be beneficial!

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

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 5 Class Teacher

A large primary school in South East London requires a Year 5 class teacher to start in Jan 2010. You should have experience of working in upper KS2, preferably in the UK. A sound knowledge of Phonics is also very important. This position is until the summer term, July 2010.

• Reception Class teacher

A small infant school in the borough of Croydon requires an experienced Foundation stage practitioner to take on a Reception class which starts in January. You should have a clear understanding of the UK foundation curriculum and have good behaviour management skills. UK is experience is a MUST.

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

That's all for this week and in fact this blog will not return until Monday 2nd November as we are breaking for half term. We hope everyone has a relaxing and rested week!

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.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT AND SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Experienced Learning Support Assistant to work with students who have mental health problems

We currently have two long-term positions (South and East London) to work with primary and secondary aged students who have psychological difficulties. You will need to have previous experience working with students who have depression, anorexia, anxiety, autism and behavioural difficulties. Ideally you would have a psychology background but this isn’t essential. Both positions are to start after half-term so you will need to have a recent CRB check. Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:

• Recent CRB check
• Excellent communication skills
• At least two references covering the last 2 years of your employment. One must be child related
• Relevant experience working with psychological needs

• Special Needs Support Assistant to work with PMLD students (South East London)

We are looking to fill a position to work in a primary school which caters for students who have severe learning difficulties. This particular position is to work with a group of students who have profound and multiple learning difficulties. The students will have more than one disability and will have complex health needs. It’s essential that you have previous experience working with students who either have severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties.

This position is long-term but we are always getting similar day-to-day work so please still send your CV if you’re only looking for short-term work.

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

• Recent CRB check
  Excellent communication skills
• At least two references covering the last 2 years of your employment. One must be child related
• Relevant experience working with psychological needs

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

SECONDARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Government & Politics and Sociology – A Level – East London

A mixed comprehensive school in East London are looking for a qualified teacher to teach AS and A2 with some KS3/4 Humanities lessons. This is an ideal post for teachers who enjoy working with post-16 students. The post starts in January 2010 until July 2010 with the chance of the right candidate going on permanent contract thereafter.

• Mathematics – KS3 &GCSE – SW London

A very well run girls’ school in SW London are looking for a teacher of Mathematics to start in January 2010, perhaps sooner for the right candidate. This is a Maternity cover which would take you up till the end of the academic year in July 2010.

The school is set in a beautiful, leafy, SW London suburb with fabulous grounds and facilities. The results are above average and the staff are dynamic and very supportive of new staff members. The school has excellent training for Newly Qualified and Overseas Trained teachers in place.

• English – KS3, 4 and 5 – NE London

One of our top schools are looking for a teacher of English to start in January 2010 until the end of the academic year in July 2010. They would like a candidate with at least one terms experience teaching English to at least KS3 and 4 levels.

The school is the top Secondary school in the borough, boasting excellent results, fantastic facilities and brilliant senior management staff who are very supportive of new staff members. The students are a delight to teach – classroom management will never be an issue there!

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

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING VACANCIES

• SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) teachers

A small and supportive Special Needs school in South East London are looking for a confident and versatile teacher to cover in a number of classes. The school caters for Primary and Secondary students with severe learning difficulties, many of the students will have physical difficulties, may be in wheelchairs and have medical needs. The right teacher must have experience working with children with severe needs, the confidence to lead and coordinate a small team of support assistants and the ability to deliver an appropriate curriculum based on the needs of the students. The class sizes in the school are small with no more than 7 students in each, you will also benefit from experienced teaching assistants and a great team atmosphere.

• EBD (Emotional and Behavioural Learning Difficulties) teachers

Classroom's SEN division is looking for exceptional teachers who are up for a challenge! Whether you are Primary or Secondary trained we have opportunities available across London in PRU’s. Working in EBD/PRU schools with pupils with emotional or behavioural difficulties is a demanding yet rewarding role for any teaching professional. It gives teachers the opportunity to support students with a number of Educational needs in small groups of 6-8 pupils which can often be more personal and yield even greater benefits.

PRIMARY TEACHING VACANCIES

• Year 2 Teacher

A top school in the area of Highgate, Islington is looking for a strong Year 2 teacher to start soon after half term. Year 2 is important as its the SATS year and you must therefore have sufficient knowledge of the UK keystage 1 curriculum. The headteacher maintains very high standards and this is a high achieving school. You must be prepared to work hard to maintain such standards. You should definitely have long term teaching experience in the UK in a relevant year group. Overseas trained teachers will be considered.

• Year 3 Teacher (Nov start)

A church of England Primary School in West London is seeking a teacher with long-term lower KS2 experience to take on a Y3 class from mid November through to July next year for a maternity cover. The ideal teacher will have a minimum of one academic year in a class teacher role and will be familiar with the curriculum at this level of KS2. This is a great opportunity for a teacher with enthusiasm and a sense of humour to take on a lovely class in a well supported school with a very positive ethos and genuinely friendly team. The school is well placed for public transport links, and is within a few minutes of Central London.

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

That's all for this week and in fact this blog will not return until Monday 2nd November as we are breaking for half term. We hope everyone has a relaxing and rested week!

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 TEACHING POSITIONS

• Drama Teacher

One of our regular clients is soon to be looking for a Drama teacher for a two month cover booking. This school is centrally located in the borough of Camden and will need a Drama specialist to start with them after the half term break. They would like to look at CV’s ASAP so if you are a drama specialist looking for a long term role (could be for a month or possibly extend to two months) forward your CV as soon as possible.

• Head of Maths in fantastic independent school

We have supplied teachers to this school for over five years now and can honestly say that this is a fantastic teaching environment in which to work. Teachers love working there it can be a very rewarding experience. Students are well behaved and work to a very high standard. Emphasis will be on keeping achievement levels high and keeping the children actively involved. If you are a teacher with lots of energy and a passion for teaching then this is the ideal job for you. They require a new Head of Maths to start in January. There is a strong possibility that it will be a perm post and this will be discussed at interview stage. Although the start is in January they would like to see CV’s as soon as possible. You will need to be a fully qualified Secondary Maths teacher with head of department experience in order to apply for this job. Experience within the independent sector would be beneficial but it's by no means essential.

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

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING POSITIONS

• Home Tuition

We are looking for people who are interested in becoming home tutors; to work with children in South-East London who are not able to receive education in school. These pupils have varying needs and circumstances. Some pupils may have come from disadvantaged backgrounds and present challenging behaviour. Other pupils may have Learning Difficulties or be on the Autistic Spectrum. We need teachers who can help these pupil’s re-build their confidence, allowing them to take a positive attitude towards the educational environment. For this role we are looking for people who are compassionate, flexible and self-motivated.

• SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) Teaching post

This East London School supports students at Primary 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.

Please contact the Special Needs team on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

PRIMARY TEACHING POSITIONS

• Year 3 post - November start

A church of England Primary School in West London is seeking a teacher with long-term lower KS2 experience to take on a Y3 class from mid November through to July next year for a maternity cover. The ideal teacher will have a minimum of one academic year in a class teacher role and will be familiar with the curriculum at this level of KS2. This is a great opportunity for a teacher with enthusiasm and a sense of humour to take on a lovely class in a well supported school with a very positive ethos and genuinely friendly team. The school is well placed for public transport links, and is within a few minutes of Central London. Trial days to take place next week.

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

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• One to One Suppost Assistant

We currently have long-term and block bookings in South London Primary Schools working one-to-one with students who may have autism, emotional and behavioural difficulties or mental health difficulties. The positions require someone with a patient and calm disposition with previous experience working with students who have special educational needs. You will need to be able to work using your own initiative as well as responding to instructions and guidance.

• Experienced Support Assistant for Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)

A Secondary PRU in East London requires an experienced support assistant to work with students who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The position is to work with a group of boys in Key stage 3 supporting them with sporting activities. It would be an advantage to have a sporting background but this isn’t essential. However, you do need to have previous experience either in a Pupil Referral Unit or working with students who have Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. The school needs someone who can be flexible as you may be working as a general Learning Support Assistant but also doing some one-to-one work with students.

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

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

Being the best and beating the rest!

It's been a rather rocky start to the new academic year for supply teachers. The first six weeks of the September term are always a scary, unpredictable time for supply teachers and this year has seemed harder than ever; like all teaching agencies in London, Classroom has certainly not been imune. For whatever reasons (and there are many - not least the current economic climate) both Primary and Secondary supply work has been slower than normal, and whilst Primary seems to be clawing its way back to its usual healthy state, it is still proving to be a tough time for Secondary school teachers. So how can you all ensure you are the one being selected for the supply day over all the other teachers waiting just as patiently as you for the work?

Well, there are plenty of things you can be doing to help your chances. Its all about being the best you can be! Take a look at the checklist below. Can you lay claim to fulfilling everything on the list?

• KEEPING IN TOUCH

The most obvious is keeping in touch with your agency. Its seems so obvious and easy and yet not everyone does! Always keep your mobile phone close, always check for messages (text or voicemail) and don't ever think you are being a pain by calling your agency and telling them you are still free to teach! If you have called at 3.3o pm on a Monday afternoon to tell your agency contact that you are free the following day, still call them at 7am and re-iterate this information. Feel free to call in your lunch hr too if you have a moment. The more you call - the more likely you are to get a call...!

• ATTITUDE

Believe it or not, your agency will want you to work as often as you do. The first six weeks of the academic year are never easy for us either, and it can be frustrating knowing that we may not have enough work for everyone. When you are competing against so many it is so important that you have the right positive attitude, both with your agency as well as with any schools in which you do teach. Always be honest but polite. If you have had a tough day, your agency will sympathise but don't express this feeling at school either to other teachers, office staff or teaching assistants. It will inevitably filter through to the schools supply contact who will more often than not inform the agency that you are not welcome back and this information will certainly make an agency think twice before offering you further teaching work. In contrast, always report any incidents however insignificant they may appear to your school contact. Attitude is also linked to presentation (a scruffy teacher will never be a hit!) and reliability; for any advanced bookings - your timekeeping is SO important - get up early and get to school early - if you are at school before the permanent teachers you can't help but impress!

• SELF PROMOTION

I always remind my supply teachers that self promotion is one of the most important things to remember. Earlier I said that you should NEVER give negative feedback directly to schools you teach in (tell your agency however!) but for positive days, the polar opposite is true. Always make sure you speak to someone in authority at school if you have had a great day, if you have had a successful day and if its a school you would dearly like to return to. Schools deal with so much negativity that to hear a supply teacher offer praise will be remembered. And you will be! Our busiest supply teachers are those whom schools personally request back time and time again. Most have made it known to the school that they want to return and several will have asked to have their names remembered should a suitable long term post arise. It's simple to do, and it works.

• PLANNING AND PREPARATION

Don't ever assume you wont need to deliver some of your own plans on any given supply teaching day, especially if you are a Primary teacher. Know your subject and have resources prepared in advance. Always take plans to school, regardless of whether or not you have been told that work is set. There is always a possibility that you will have to fill gaps in the timetable or plan whole lessons and it goes without saying that the more prepared you are ,the better your class will run, the better the behaviour of your students will be, the better your day will be and therefore the better the feedback from the school, meaning more work coming your way. In the same vein, get clued up on the national curriculum for your subject or teaching level. It really is worth the advanced effort! If you need guidance on resources, contact your Classroom agent.

• FLEXIBILITY

If you can teach more than one thing, make sure your agency knows this! There are many Secondary school teachers out there who can teach Primary, especially upper Primary. If you have some experience make sure your agency knows this. The more you can do, the more chances to teach. You may be a Primary teacher with subject specialism in PE, French or maybe even Music. This may mean you can teach the subject at secondary school level. It might certainly be worth investigating this. In the same vein, if you have Special Needs teaching experience let your agency know. If you are unsure if your SEN experience is enough, then why not phone and speak to someone in SEN? It does no harm.

Supply teaching is getting busier, but the nature of supply is its unreliability. If you follow these steps to make sure you are part of the "cream of the supply crop" then you give yourself the best chance of staying busy. Classroom is always understanding of the worries and concerns and are keen to support you, but you do need to approach the role with a professionalism and positive attitude. If any readers wish to discuss their own supply situation with a member of Classroom, please don't hesitate to contact us as we are always here for you.

Classroom Job Alert

Its Friday - which means its Classroom's day to post a selection of its best or most immediate job vacancies. It is our intention to post job alerts every Friday - though obviously certain times of the year will have more vacancies than others.

For September - a lot of positions are already filled - however we are still looking for excellent teachers and teaching assistants and below are a selection of jobs which may interest you. Please note that for ALL teaching vacancies you MUST have a valid teaching qualification recognised in the UK:

SECONDARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Science and Maths Teachers - Good School

2 Science teachers and 1 Maths teacher required for a well run mixed comprehensive school in East London. All the posts are Maternity cover, the duration being months to a full academic year.

The Science candidates would be expected to teach General Science to KS3 and focus on their Science specialism (Chemistry, Biology or Physics) at KS4 Level. The Maths post requires a teacher experienced in teaching KS3 and 4 (GCSE) classes.

The start date for the Science and Maths posts is November 2009 (after the 1/2 term break)

• ICT Vacancies

We are recruiting ICT teachers for 2 excellent London schools. One is based in Central London and the other based in West London. Both schools ideally require candidates with A Level experience but would also be willing to look at candidates with GCSE experience if they are willing to take the challenge of taking on more responsibility with A Level teaching.

The start date for both schools is November 2009 - after the 1/2 term break.

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

PRIMARY SCHOOL VACANCIES

• Year 3 Teacher

A small one form entry Primary school in Lewisham seeks an experienced teacher to take on a class of 22 children with immediate effect. The school are inviting applications from teachers who have taught specifically in lower KS2 in a London Primary school on a long-term basis; ideally you will have a thorough working curriculum knowledge coupled with an imaginative teaching style that will genuinely engage the class and motivate them to learn. Enthusiasm, character and a sense of independence are a must!

The school is a very multicultural environment with a high proportion of children with English as their second language. Experience in teaching in a similar environment would also be beneficial. The post will commence within the next week and will be for the duration of this academic year.

• Year 6 Job Share

A small one form entry school in the borough of Merton are seeking an experienced KS2 teacher for this 3 day Yr 6 job share. The position will run Mondays through to Wednesdays.

Ideally this school is looking for a teacher with KS2 experience in a London school setting on a long-term basis. If you have Yr6 and Yr6 SATS experience then we would especially like to hear from you. This position requires a teacher with superb planning schools and strong classroom management skills.

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

SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHING VACANCIES

• ICT and English Position

A well-run Pupil Referral Unit in Bexley is looking for an ICT and English teacher. If you have one or both of these as your specialist subjects then this could be the job for you! The position will initially be daily with the possibility of becoming long-term. Working with emotional and behavioural difficulties is challenging and rewarding. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged teenagers.

• Maths Post

A very supportive PRU in Havering require an experienced Maths teacher with an excellent knowledge of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum. The right teacher must have good behaviour management and experience working with challenging behaviour. The class sizes are small with excellent support. This position has the potential to go perm for the right teacher.

• Teacher of EBD (Emotional and behavioural difficulties)

We require an experienced EBD teacher to work in the borough of Bromley. The position requires the teacher to work 2 days in an intervention Centre supporting 2 members of staff; and 3 days visiting schools in the area assessing the needs of EBD students and offering support and guidance on the best course of action to take. You must be confident and articulate with an excellent working knowledge of EBD, the role requires contact with heads of department and senior management. A fantastic opportunity for an ambitious EBD teacher.

• Year 3 and 4 Teacher

A lovely Special needs school in Lambeth is looking for a qualified teacher until the summer term 2010. The position is to work with a year 3 and 4 class with a mix of severe learning difficulties and medical needs. Some of the children will be in wheelchairs and require special medical equipment while others may be non verbal and use PECs and Makaton communication techniques. This is a really nice group of students; however the role does require a teacher who has had prior experience with these needs. This is a long term position with the possibility of being taken on permanently by the school after 2 terms.

Please contact the SEN division on 020 7636 0600 or email: sen@classroomteachers.co.uk

CLASSROOM ASSISTANT & SUPPORT VACANCIES

• Qualified Nursery Nurses

Our division are always looking for qualified Nursery Nurses (NVQ Level 3) for day to day and long term bookings across London. If you have experience within the last two years and have an up to date CRB we would love to hear from you.

• Classroom Assistants with Special Needs Experience

Our SEN schools based in Lambeth, Southwark and Ealing are looking for day to day and long term teaching assistants with special needs experience. You must have experience within the last two years along with the patience, passion and flexibility for day to day and long term cover.
If you hold an up to date CRB and have the relevant experience then send your CV as soon as possible.

Please send your CV to: support@classroomteachers.co.uk

*Please note that due to the volume of applications for support roles we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us within 7 days please note that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

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