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

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

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 Job Vacancies

English Teacher - Jan 2010

One of our better schools in Central London are recruiting an English teacher from January 2010 until the end of the academic year in the first instance. This is an all-girls school with an excellent reputation in the borough, with fabulous staff and fantastic facilities. You would need to have had at least one years experience teaching English in the UK up to GCSE level with excellent references.

• Maths NQT

January start, interviews to be conducted immediately

• The school is looking for a fully qualified Maths teacher and is very encouraging towards employing an NQT

• The staff at the school are highly committed to their students success• The school boasts outstanding facilities and a dedicated staff to help students shine in and out of the classroom

• You will be required to teach Maths to KS3 & 4 and the successful candidate will be fortunate enough to work alongside a very supportive Head of Maths – the perfect opportunity for an NQT that is looking to further their teaching career with the guidance of a very supportive and experienced department.

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

Classroom Assistant & Support Vacancies

• Higher Learning Support Assistant for EBD Centre

Classroom Ltd is looking to recruit a highly experienced Learning Support Assistant to work in an EBD Centre in Bromley. The students are secondary ages and are on the brink of being permanently excluded.

You will need to have experience working either as an unqualified teacher or use to working with small groups of students. This position will be a challenge but you will have a lot of support from the centre manager. The role will be to start in January 2010 and could be through till summer 2010.

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

· Minimum of 3 months experience working in a school
· The right to work in the UK
· Recent CRB check
· You’re able to provide 2 written references or referee details that cover the last 2 years of your employment – one child related.

• Learning Support Assistant for PRU


• Classroom Ltd is looking to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to work in a primary PRU in South London. The position is to begin in January and will be through till Spring 2010.
  
  For this position you will need to have some experience working with children who have emotional and behaviour difficulties. It’s not essential that you’ve worked in a PRU before but it is essential that you have worked in a school environment. This position also requires you to go to other schools in the same area as the PRU to help prevent students from being permanently excluded from their school. The PRU is very well managed and everyone works as a team so you will need to be a team player as well as having a good sense of humor.
  
  Please only send your CV if you have the relevant experience and the following:
  
• Minimum of 3 months experience working in a school
  The right to work in the UK
  Recent CRB check
  You’re able to provide 2 written references or referee details – one needs to be child related

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

SEN TEACHING VACANCIES

• Various Posts

Are you caring? Sensitive? Dedicated to helping others, with a can do attitude?
Classroom are looking for qualified teachers to teach in Special needs schools in Greenwich and Bexley from January 2010. Special needs schools typically have small class sizes and are well supported by the teaching assistants in the class. The job itself can often yield great rewards as it gives the opportunity to work with the students on a close basis and form good relationships with them. If you think you have what it takes and are interested, speak to someone in the SEN division.

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

Primary Teaching Vacancies

• Reception Teacher

A successful school in the borough of Greenwich requires a Reception class teacher for the January term. The school requests that you MUST have 2 years experience of teaching in the foundation stage. This post is for two terms until July. If you have a good understanding of the Early Years foundation stage then please contact Classroom ASAP.

• Reception Teacher

A very popular school in Southwark requires a Reception class teacher for a new January intake. This is a two form entry school in a modern building with excellent facilities. You must be an energetic and enthusiastic teacher with an understanding of the foundation stage. This post is for one term initially but could be extended.

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.

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?

A day in the life of a Classroom Consultant

Just what does a Consultant at Classroom do I hear you ask?! Whenever you call - we always claim to be busy - but busy doing what? Take a look at a typical day in our lives at the Regent Street offices:

6.45am - For those of us on the early shift we must drag ourselves out of bed at a time when most people are still dreaming sweet dreams! Arriving at work in the dark and wiping the sleep out of our eyes we check the answerphone for messages. Most days there will be messages - more often than not from our poorly teachers or support staff who (bless them) have called at 3am to say they won't be going in to school today.

7am - The onslaught begins. Our available teachers begin calling in their masses (at our request of course!) to remind us that they are still available for work. At the same time, the schools begin to call. Most of them are stressed out about the fact they need a supply teacher and they need them quick smart! Our job is to fulfill their requests in the quickest time possible. We must match their requests to the right teacher with the right skills who is living in the location most accessible to the school which might mean we can't always offer the work to the teacher who might need it the most if they are not living in the most suitable location. Sometimes the school ask for a particular person and so the race begins to try and track down that teacher and find out if they are actually still available. Amongst all the mayhem - we have to input all the bookings on to our computerised system, organise journey plans and act as guide when our teachers get lost en route. Its a two hour period during which time we have no idea if we will be busy or not - and if its manic - we thrive on the stress!

9am - Breakfast run. After 2hrs at our desks the stomachs need sustenance - we just have to hope that when we are out ordering tea and hot toast that we don't receive any late late bookings from schools..... it happens!

10am - 3pm The late shift arrives for work. The teams meet for a debrief of the mornings events and to discuss the days timetable. No day is ever the same for a consultant at Classroom! Perhaps we will have a string of interviews with new teachers and support staff. We might possibly have arrivals from one of our overseas offices which means we might have some very nervous and exhausted people who need our help, guidance and reassurance. Our job is to support, induct and prepare these brave individuals for the British education system and its so rewarding when things work out well for them! We might find ourselves anywhere in London visiting one of our schools. We visit all schools that we send our staff to. Its important for us to check out the environment into which we will be sending our staff and to meet the education professionals whom they will be working alongside. No one visit is ever the same. Last week for example, I visited a wonderful Primary school and met the most extraordinary Year 6 boy who gave me a tour of the building. He felt it was important for me to see where "gold class line up and indigo class line up and where magenta class line up - because the supply teacher ALWAYS gets it wrong"!! Come 3pm - the early shift at Classroom are meant to go home - but it doesn't always work out that way - bookings are coming in for the following day and teachers need to be spoken to, debriefing with them on how their day has gone and ironing out any possible issues that have arisen.

3pm - 6pm - The late shift. If we are not busy organising teachers for schools the following day, then perhaps we are busy working on longer term positions which might have come in. We search the computer systems to match the right candidates with the skill set required by the school. Perhaps we have to work with the candidate on updating their CV to ensure they are promoting themselves as the best person for the job. We might need to advertise for the job (cue online ad design) or we might need to organise interviews for candidates. If we aren't working on a particular vacancy then perhaps we are engrossed in a big marketing campaign to attract new schools for our teachers or to attract new candidates to Classroom. Amongst all this - we must call around all of our teachers and support staff to confirm their availability for work the following day and/or week. That's a lot of telephone calling, and that is without any major drama's occurring for our teachers who will need our comfort, support and most importantly, our time.

6pm - If we are lucky we can leave on time! If its been a stressful day then we might have a glass of wine en route to our homes and if its been a successful day (we celebrate just like you do if you've secured a longed for job!) we might just do the same, just like the rest of you I am sure! Our days are varied and we love what we do. We all feel a sense of triumph when we see how well our teachers and support staff are doing and a day doesn't pass without the sound of laughter filling Classroom's offices!

Still don't understand what we do or what you need to do to make sure you are making the most of your agency? Don't hesitate to give us a call for a chat!

When should children start learning?

Nicole Morgan, Primary consultant at Classroom returns with her second blog examining the recent debate in the media about delaying the age at which Primary school children begin formal learning:

"The education columns have seen some animated debate over the last week upon the release of the Cambridge Primary Review, a document that has made some controversial suggestions about the direction in which the education of our youngsters should be heading.

Six years of research and several hundred pages of report later, the review is largely centred around the concept that our nation’s children should be starting formal schooling later than they presently are, and thus benefitting from a further year’s worth of play-based learning as currently taught in our Nurseries. This change in policy would bring us in line with many European and Antipodean countries where serious and structured education begins at age 6 or 7, not to mention our Welsh neighbours who have already extended the Foundation stage to the age of 7.

On publication of the review, opinions have been bandied around left right and centre, with the government instantly rejecting the report on several counts. In the meantime however discussion amongst journalists, parents and many currently working in education suggest that there could be many who are pro the initiative, perhaps those who place great value on the extra time children would have to learn to play, socialise and generally adapt to the way of a classroom in a Nursery setting.

Dame Gillian Pugh who acted on the advisory board for the review claims ‘If you introduce a child to too formal a curriculum before they are ready, you are not taking into account where they are in terms of their learning and their capacity to develop’. With such a push in recent years on the numeracy and literacy strategies, the review argues that where play-based learning ceases too early, formal education could actually become ‘counterproductive’.

Philip Collins, Times Online columnist suggests perhaps we should be following the example of our Scandinavian counterparts in an attempt to raise the standards of our children’s education over the long-term;-

‘Finnish kids don’t’ start until 7 either and they are the brainiest in the world at 11’

Incredibly, within a few days of the Cambridge Review being published we have also been privy to a debate that would reinforce the views of those in Government such as Chris Woodhead, former Chief Inspector of Schools who has voiced concerns that a delayed start to formal education would result in lower standards overall.

In its frightening account of the basic levels of language and communication with which some children are entering school, the Times outlines a grave situation that Ms Gross, former director of the Primary National Strategy calls a ‘ticking timebomb’. With some students beginning their education with a speaking age of just 18 months and 18 % of children aged 5 failing to meet the anticipated level of speech for their age, a further delay in formally educating our little ones would surely only exacerbate this issue?

So, what do you think? For many of you who were educated and trained overseas, does a later start in Primary education make for a positive or a negative effect on a child’s education? Does that extra year allow for important development both short and long-term, or should our focus lie on pushing the levels of language and communication forward, so that Foundation stage children start their formal education with solid bricks on which to build"?

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.

Ten things to do in the half term break (as suggested by Classroom's consultants!)

Its hard to believe but from Monday October 26th it is half term week - a full 5 days off for our weary teachers and support staff. With London and its surrounding area being a positive cornucopia of opportunity - just what do Classroom's consultants suggest to keep yourselves entertained when money is tight? Read on....

• Nicole suggests "No trip to Trafalgar Square is complete without a visit to the imposing St Martins in the Field Church situated on the North East side of Trafalgar Square. This stunning Eighteenth Century landmark boasts a spire taller than Nelson’s Column, and has been witness to many a royal Christening throughout history including that of Charles II. Upholding one of the finest musical reputations of churches across the world, St Martins in the Field hosts an incredible repertoire of music performed and recorded on a daily basis at the church which is also famed for its incredible acoustics and (fairly pricey) candlelit concerts. Our advice? Get in before the evening crowds and don’t pay a penny! Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm grab yourself a pew, sit back and relax to a free lunchtime recital in one of the city’s most serene settings".


• Lucy suggests "A lazy Thursday or Friday morning and then a trip to the Borough Market (open from 11am on Thur and 12pm Fri), soak up the atmosphere whilst perusing the vast array of stalls, grab a delicious bite (so much to choose from) but don’t leave without the world famous brownie! Then wander down along the Southbank – if it’s wet escape into the Market Porter pub– my perfect afternoon"


• Eleanor suggests "The Battersea Art Centre is great. It has a month long festival with lots of play over the half term. Some only £5. Check it out"!
  
• Louise suggests "Why not treat yourselves to a wonderful meal at a top London restaurant during the half term break but for half the price it would normally cost. TopTable is a restaurant website that has offers on some of London’s finest restaurants where you will find amazing deals such as 50% off the bill or 2 for 1 offers at some of the most exclusive restaurants in London. You get to check out the menu beforehand and customers have rated the restaurants on food/ atmosphere/service etc so you can do your research before deciding which one to go for. I have used TopTable many times and have never been disappointed".


• Deon suggests "I recommend visiting my local area, The Chiltern Hills. Only a few miles north west of London is this wonderful area of outstanding natural beauty which couldn't seem further away from London! Rolling hills and charming villages. Hop on a train from Marylebone and you can be there before you know it. Check out the website for walking guides etc! Or even better - call me and get the inside scoop"!
  
• Matt suggests "A visit to the Chislehurst caves in my neck of the woods is a great trip on the outskirts of London. 20 mins on the train from Charing Cross and you can be exploring 20 mile labyrinths and passageways of Saxon, Druid and Roman descent. The caves are often used as a tv and film locations - Doctor Who and more recently Merlin have been filmed here. Its a cheap entry price and the area around the caves is lovely - why not pop in to one of the local pubs nearby for a typically english ploughmans lunch? Much needed after your exhausting explorations"!


• Jenna suggests "How about a day out near where I live! Bushy Park & Hampton Court Palace – also close to Kingston if you want to incorporate some shopping and/or lunch on the river into your day out! Hampton Court Palace in particular is great! If you cannot afford the entry in to the palace itself - why not explore the vast gardens (a much cheaper alternative!) and try to escape from the very confusing maze"!


• Nicole's second suggestion: "The Old Bailey has dealt with some of the most publicised criminal cases in London's history. Amongst those to have stood trial here are Oscar Wilde in 1895, Dr Crippin in 1910 and Peter Sutcliffe in 1981. Today, when the courts are in session the public are admitted to watch trials. There are 19 courts and the oldest courts. one, two and three, usually hold the most interesting trials. The public galleries at the Old Bailey are open daily from Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm for members of the public to watch trials in session".
  
• Deon says "For you Pizza lovers, I have discovered a little place in Brixton who make the BEST pizzas in town! This little restaurant goes back to the pizza making basics with well-sourced, quality ingredients (many are organic) , a fire oven imported from Naples and a cheese maker flown in from Sorrento, teaching their Somerset suppliers the art of mozzarella making. The toppings are absolutely delicious and the prices are CHEAP! A perfect way to spend a hungry hour on a rainy half-term day"!


• Jason says "One of my wife's favourite things to do is a daytrip to Bicester village, a heavily discounted outlet mall in a lovely setting - west of London. A short train ride from Marylebone will get you there! Break for lunch in one of their exclusive but affordable eateries. Its bargain city - on our last visit I managed to buy 2 pairs of Ralph Lauren chino's for just £4!! Its the perfect place to buy gifts for Christmas"!

So what do other readers recommend? We would love to hear your ideas!

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 launches its blog!

Well its a new academic year and here at Classroom we are all feeling positive about the forthcoming months - so what better time than now to launch the Classroom blog?

Classroom is an education agency supplying teachers and support staff to schools throughout London. We are really committed to building strong relationships with our supply staff and this blog (we hope!) will bring us all closer together with the sharing of views, ideas and the latest issues to affect our superb education professionals who are supply teaching in London.

I am personally new to blogging so I can't do this alone! My dear colleagues here in the office are all chomping at the bit to have their say via the blog and I am determined to cajole our wonderful teachers and learning support assistants in to making contributions themselves. In other words a collective blog for us all to have our say!

When will the blog be posted and what will it be about?

• MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS: Issues in Education, Agency news, Relevant hints and tips to make your supply teaching life easier.


• FRIDAYS: Job posting day! Every Friday we will be posting the best of our vacancies - be sure to check them out weekly.

It goes without saying we would like as many people as possible to follow this blog so do keep your eyes peeled for our first few blog posts. If there are any burning issues in Education or supply that you think we should look at or you are keen to be a contributor to our blog - do tell us. Everyone is welcome.....