Supply Teaching Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I become a teacher?
A: If you are considering teaching as a career then we have found that
the Training and Development Agency website is one of the most comprehensive
sites available. The site gives readers a detailed overview of the different
training routes available as well as the specific entry requirements.
www.tda.gov.uk
Q: What services can Select Education provide?
A: We provide teaching staff to cover on a short-term temporary basis
for more than 15,000 days each week to nursery, primary, secondary and special
schools throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We also provide staff
for longer-term temporary posts and can help you to locate and appoint
permanent staff.
Q: How can I contact Select Education?
A: All offices are open from 7.00am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday. We
are also open during holiday periods except on bank holidays. You may place
bookings either for a pre-booked absence or for emergency cover using our
local office out of hours on-call service whereby a consultant from
each office will be contactable on the
local office number until 10.00pm each evening and throughout the
weekend. An answering machine is available at all other times.
Q: I'm not a qualified teacher but I want to work in education, where can I get experience?
A: In order to work for Select Education on a supply basis as teaIn order to work for Select Education on a supply basis as teaching
assistant, unqualified teacher (instructor) cover supervisor, exam invigilator
or nursery assistant you will require 3 to 6 months in an environment where you
are working with children aged 0 to 16. This can be in any number of
environments such as
- Teaching assistant in primary, secondary and special needs schools
- Working in private nursery
- Coordinating workshops (such as drama, art, outdoor workshops etc)
- Working with children as part of church/community/mosque groups
- Teaching abroad
- Private tuition (any subject)
- Providing support to University students with special needs
- Working in after school clubs/ breakfast clubs/ holiday clubs
- Camp America or working as a children's holiday rep
- Working as a carer in a children's home/ home for vulnerable adults
- Youth club leader/ Brownies/Guides/ Sunday school teacher
- Working with children or vulnerable adults in the NHS (such as speech therapists and occupational therapists)
Q: I already have some experience when can I get started?
A: If you have experience of working with children, you can provide suitable references and have an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure you can work for Select. The registration takes about an hour, and once we have obtained references you can work for us the following day.
Q: I haven't got a CRB/ I've lost my CRB, what do I do?
A: If you do not have an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure you will have to apply for a CRB (costing £36) and wait for this CRB to be returned before you can work for Select. This will take 6-8 weeks. If you have lost your CRB it's a good idea to tear your house apart looking for it, the CRB will not provide another copy 2 months after it was issued.
Q: What can I do to maximise my chances of getting work regularly?
A:Try to call your local office every morning at 7am to ensure the team know you are available for work.
Q: How much notice will I be given for a new
booking?
A: This can vary from a few weeks to being contacted the morning of the
actual booking.
Q: Do I have to pay a joining fee?
A: No there is no joining fee, neither is there a placement fee for
teachers.
Q: Can you offer me work in other locations?
A: Yes we have over 30
offices in the UK which collectively cover all LEAs throughout the UK.
Q: I am moving to a new region, but I cannot get in
to register
and I need work immediately when I move, what do you suggest?
A: We can pre-register
you via the internet, email, fax or post, then when you arrive in the area all
you will need to do is call in to see us for a quick chat.
Q: Can you send me the application forms?
A: Candidates are able to pre register online, however it is not
possible to complete the whole process as part of the
registration process includes undertaking a face to face interview with
a consultant from your
local branch.
Q: How can I help speed up my
registration?
A: You can email or fax details of your references as chasing up
references can sometime take a long time.
Q: Do you offer perm work?
A: Yes we do. We work in close partnership with schools throughout the
country and keep in regular touch with heads to assess their needs, find them
top-quality teaching staff - and to proactively search for your ideal position.
Please speak to your local education consultant to discuss your career aims.
Q: Can I choose to work part time?
A: Yes this wouldn't be a problem. We understand everyone has different
requirements for work, we can work with you to find a suitable placement to
match your lifestyle.
Q: I think I am paying too much tax, what can I do?
A: You will need to check your tax code on your payslip. If you are on
Basic Rate and Select Education is your main employer you will need to fill in
a P46.
Q: How do I work out my tax if I am registered with
more than one agency?
A: You will need to decide which agency is getting you the most work and
make sure the tax office has them registered as you main employer.
Q: Are we entitled to travel expenses?
A: No but sometimes at our discretion we can help towards a particularly
long journey.
Q: What checks are carried out by Select Education
when recruiting staff?
A: All potential staff are interviewed by a consultant in their
local office. Qualifications are checked, professional references
obtained and a medical history form is completed. Select Education also carries
out the Criminal Records Bureau checks, or check any that are provided by the
applicant in addition to List 99 checks (under the Protection of Children Act).
Q: How long do CRB's usually take to process?
A: Although the length of time can vary depending on the time of year,
it usually takes between 4 - 6 weeks.
Q: Do you have access to resources?
A: We have an excellent range of teaching resources available which
offer to all candidates. Every
branch has a dedicated Resource Library and there is also an extensive
range of materials available online.
Q: Who will be my point of contact?
A: Each office
has a specialist consultant who is dedicated to Early Years, Primary, Secondary
or Special Needs. This individual will be introduced as your main point of
contact.
Q: Do you offer social gatherings?
A: Indeed we do, each office organises its own social events at
different times of the year and holiday seasons. Contact your
local office to find out more.
Q: I've just moved to the UK/ I've been working abroad, what do I do?
A: If you have lived abroad in the last 12 months or have arrived from overseas you must have an overseas police check and a Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure before you can work for Select.
What's next?
A: Once you are registered with Select will be able to offer you a variety of roles from day to day work to long term and permanent placements. All we ask is that our candidates show willing, are flexible and reliable!
If you would like to gain a wealth of experience in education, work when you want and possibly obtain permanent employment or experience to go on to do a PGCE then working with Select is definitely for you!
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