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<h2>Are School Leaders Ready for Resignation Day?&nbsp;</h2>
Every year, Resignation Day marks the point at which many teachers formally signal their intention to leave their roles, and in some cases, the profession altogether.&nbsp;
High workloads, challenging work-life balance, and limited progression are not new challenges, yet they remain the greatest workplace struggles of many educators across the UK. For leaders committed to building stable, thriving school communities, Resignation Day offers an opportunity not just to reflect, but to act.&nbsp;
<h2>Retention Isn&rsquo;t a &ldquo;Future Problem&rdquo;&nbsp;</h2>
National workforce data shows that teacher attrition remains stubbornly high, particularly in the early years of a career, with a significant proportion of newly qualified teachers leave within their first five years. The consequences of this are wide‑reaching, including disrupted learning for pupils, and rising pressure on remaining staff.&nbsp;
Our recent survey of almost 1,000 educators and school leaders across the UK reveals a workforce that is deeply committed to education yet increasingly strained by the realities of the role. Educators spoke clearly about what makes staying difficult and what might encourage them to remain.&nbsp;
<h2>Listening as a Leadership Strategy&nbsp;</h2>
Moving the needle on retention requires more than conversation alone. Retention improves when leaders actively partner with educators to design solutions that reflect their lived experiences.&nbsp;
Our findings show that educators are not disengaged or uncommitted - they are resilient, dedicated, and passionate about their work. What they are calling for is leadership that listens closely, acts deliberately, and aligns their strategy with the experiences of their educators.&nbsp;
There is good news here. Positive relationships and supportive cultures already exist in many schools. When leadership is encouraging, communicative, and genuinely invested in staff development, educators are far more likely to stay and grow.&nbsp;
<h2>Turning Insight Into Action&nbsp;</h2>
This Resignation Day could be a catalyst for change. Schools that take a proactive, data‑informed approach to retention are better positioned to stabilise their workforce and build environments where people want to remain. That means:&nbsp;
Reviewing whether progression and development opportunities truly meet educators&rsquo; needs&nbsp;
Addressing workload sustainably, not just reactively&nbsp;
Embedding meaningful recognition into everyday practice&nbsp;
Creating open, collaborative channels for feedback and dialogue&nbsp;
<h2>Read the Full Report on Educator Retention&nbsp;</h2>
Ultimately, retaining educators is about more than filling vacancies. It&rsquo;s about creating school environments where people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.&nbsp;
Our full research report explores these findings in depth and provides clear, data‑led, actionable recommendations to help school leaders strengthen their retention strategies and support educator wellbeing.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/educator-retention-insights-report">Read the full report and discover how you can turn insight into action for your school here</a>.&nbsp;

Resignation Day and Teacher Retention: What Schools Can Do Now 

<h1>Why educator wellbeing must be a priority&nbsp;</h1>
Mental Health Awareness Week offers a timely opportunity for schools and trusts to reflect on the wellbeing of those at the heart of education. Education is a sector rooted in care and commitment, yet for many educators the emotional demands of the role can take a toll on their mental health.&nbsp;
<h2>A growing wellbeing challenge&nbsp;</h2>
Our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/educator-retention-insights-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent research into educator retention</a> highlights a clear pattern; high workloads, limited progression opportunities, and inconsistent recognition are leaving many educators feeling overstretched and undervalued.&nbsp;
Over time these pressures can compound and contribute to stress, reduced morale, and burnout. The Department for Education&rsquo;s <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england/2024#section-teacher-sickness-absence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">workforce data</a> shows a steady rise in sickness absence among teachers, reinforcing the link between workplace pressure and health outcomes.&nbsp;
When we asked over 700 educators directly about the impact of their roles on their health, the findings were stark. Half of all educators surveyed said their mental health had been negatively affected by their job.&nbsp;
These findings align with national data. <a href="https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/media/ftwl04cs/twix-2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Education Support&rsquo;s Teacher Wellbeing Index 2024</a> found that 77% of education staff experienced symptoms of poor mental health due to their work.&nbsp;
<h2>Investing in those who invest in others&nbsp;</h2>
Educators give so much of themselves to support young people&rsquo;s learning and development, so this Mental Health Awareness Week should serve as a reminder that their wellbeing deserves the same care and attention.&nbsp;
With half of educators already reporting an impact on their mental health, the question is no longer whether action is needed, but how quickly and thoughtfully it is taken. By addressing workload, recognition and support at a systemic level, schools can help ensure that educators are not just coping, but able to thrive in the roles they are passionate about.&nbsp;
We urge school leaders to encourage empathetic conversations about mental wellbeing with your educators and look into the practical steps you could take to move your school&rsquo;s policies beyond awareness and towards action.&nbsp;
For data-led recommendations on what your school could do to support educator mental health and other factors impacting retention, reach out to get your free copy of our new research report, <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/educator-retention-insights-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Driving Change in Educator Retention</a>.&nbsp;

Supporting Educator Mental Health 

In March the Tradewind team were pleased to visit Aston Manor Academy to present them with a &pound;500 donation for their Books for Brilliance project, funded through the Titan Partnership&rsquo;s Titan Fund. The Books for Brilliance initiative has been designed to build a love of reading and improve literacy proficiency through creative activities like book-themed competitions, student-led reviews, and reading buddy programmes. It was fantastic to meet the pupils and staff and hear first-hand how much this project means to them. Many thanks to Titan Partnership for facilitating this donation.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/__gallery/df721a91-58d4-4399-ab86-d75fb8fa3aa5" alt="" width="438" height="457">
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/__gallery/58fd6662-db41-4204-8199-98b34f6816cf" alt="" width="438" height="457">

Books for Brilliance Donation

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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW259323077 BCX0">International Women&rsquo;s Day 2026 - #GiveToGain&nbsp;</h2>
This International Women&rsquo;s Day, our teams across the country came together to celebrate the remarkable women we work alongside every day.&nbsp;
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Throughout the day we recognised not only the achievements of women within our organisation, but also the countless ways women contribute to our communities, our sector, and our shared mission.&nbsp;
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This year&rsquo;s International Women&rsquo;s Day theme, &ldquo;Give&nbsp;To&nbsp;Gain,&rdquo; shaped our conversations, encouraging us to think about&nbsp;what each of us could give to support&nbsp;and uplift women.&nbsp;Across&nbsp;the country, our teams&nbsp;gathered to explore this year&rsquo;s theme in depth&nbsp;and&nbsp;to&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;one another and our achievements.&nbsp;
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We took the opportunity to&nbsp;connect with each other and&nbsp;reflect on what giving can look like in everyday life. It can be offering knowledge,&nbsp;expertise, or mentorship. It can be sharing resources or opportunities.&nbsp;It can be&nbsp;making time&nbsp;to support a colleague, advocating for fairness, or using your&nbsp;voice&nbsp;to increase visibility for others.&nbsp;
</div>
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In the spirit of&nbsp;&ldquo;Give&nbsp;To&nbsp;Gain&rdquo;,&nbsp;we invited&nbsp;the women of Tradewind&nbsp;to make a personal pledge&nbsp;-&nbsp;something meaningful to them&nbsp;that&nbsp;they are committed to doing to support other women in 2026. These pledges reflect not only individual promises, but a collective commitment to building a stronger, fairer future for all.&nbsp;
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<h3 class="Paragraph SCXW259323077 BCX0">Here&rsquo;s&nbsp;what&nbsp;some of&nbsp;them&nbsp;shared:&nbsp;</h3>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to uplift all of the women at Tradewind by spreading positivity and complimenting the women around me.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to encourage females to recognise their potential by acknowledging their strengths.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to always support women&rsquo;s dreams and ambitions.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to encourage women to take up space and not shrink themselves down to fit others&rsquo; expectations.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to support other girls and be non-judgemental &ndash; let&rsquo;s be kind to each other.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to advocate for women&rsquo;s health.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<ul class="BulletListStyle1 SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="list">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW259323077 BCX0" role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1">
&ldquo;I pledge to mentor and support the women I work with.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
</div>
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Each pledge&nbsp;represents&nbsp;a step toward progress, and a reminder that change often begins with small, intentional actions.&nbsp;
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Our International Women&rsquo;s Day&nbsp;gatherings&nbsp;served as a great&nbsp;reminder of how essential it is to build a culture where women&rsquo;s voices are amplified, where their achievements are visible, and where their impact is acknowledged and championed&nbsp;- because when women are uplifted, we are all uplifted.&nbsp;
</div>

International Women’s Day 2026 at Tradewind Recruitment 

World Book Day: Why Nurturing a Love of Reading from Childhood Matters More Than Ever 

<h2>Helping School Leaders to Flourish with Stier Support&nbsp;</h2>
We are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Stier Support.&nbsp;
As part of this partnership, we are delighted to offer a variety of coaching services to the schools and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) we work with*. This reflects our commitment to adding genuine value for our partners, offering more than recruitment support alone.
<a href="https://sites.google.com/stiersupport.co.uk/stiersupport/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stier Support</a> is an organisation that works with individuals, schools, and MATs to create meaningful, sustainable growth for educators and organisations. Their work is underpinned by a clear purpose: enabling people to achieve the &ldquo;Freedom to Flourish.&rdquo;
With a strong reputation for impact and integrity, founder <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bull-stier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andrew Bull</a> and his team provide expert support through executive coaching, professional coaching, mentoring, education consultancy, and leadership development.
<blockquote style="margin-left: 20px; padding-left: 20px; border-left: solid 8px #005CA9; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 8px;">
"I'm incredibly excited about the partnership with Tradewind Recruitment. We share a common vision to help leaders flourish in their roles which we hope will be transformational for all involved."
Andrew Bull, Founder of Stier Support
</blockquote>
Our Partnerships Director, Ali Lincoln, added: &ldquo;We are really pleased to be able to offer high-quality coaching to our school and MAT partners with Stier Support. At Tradewind Recruitment, we believe that every educator has the power to impact students&rsquo; learning experiences. Through this new partnership, we hope to empower educators, strengthen school communities, and create richer, more inspiring learning experiences for every student.&rdquo;
We are excited to embark on this journey with Stier Support and look forward to supporting educational leaders and professionals to thrive.
To find out more about this partnership and the coaching opportunities available, please complete the form on our contact us page <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;
*Terms &amp; Conditions apply. Please contact us for further information.

Helping School Leaders to Flourish with Stier Support 

We&rsquo;re excited to launch our partnership with andResilience, bringing together the expertise of Tradewind&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.andresilience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">andResilience</a> to strengthen mental health support in schools.
<a href="https://www.andresilience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">andResilience</a> puts the importance of building Resilience at the centre of the &ldquo;Mental Health&rdquo; narrative and mindset. It encourages everyone &ndash; schools, businesses, individuals &ndash; to ensure that building resilience becomes an integral part of their approach to addressing and managing Mental Health challenges.
Mental health challenges are placing increasing pressure on schools and colleges, consuming significant time and resources. Despite the availability of support tools and training, demand continues to outpace the capacity of staff, counsellors, and budgets.
andResilience for Schools promotes proactive, preventative approaches to strengthen wellbeing by fostering an environment where students, staff, and parents can adapt and thrive amid stress and adversity. It encourages everyone to:
<ul>
<li class="p1">Recognise that wellbeing depends on how we respond to life&rsquo;s challenges.</li>
<li class="p1">Develop a positive, &ldquo;can-do&rdquo; mindset when facing difficulties.</li>
<li class="p1">Use proven techniques and resources to lessen the impact of adversity.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
andResilience helps schools reshape their mental health narrative to include resilience at its core by Creating a Positive Narrative and Adopting Best Practices.
We are proud to support andResilience and are looking forward to collaborating this academic year, to support the mental health and resilience of the trust and school staff we work with, and, of course, the pupils we support daily.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h4 class="p1">Changing the Narrative and Mindset around Mental Health to always include andResilience Webinar</h4>
&nbsp;
To launch our partnership with andResilience, we hosted a webinar&nbsp;on&nbsp;28 January 2026.&nbsp;
Please sign up via the link below to watch on-demand.&nbsp;
<a style="color: #005ca9; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://2esbvu.share-eu1.hsforms.com/2gP19JekTTNKYnmQN4eDGUA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch here</a>
&nbsp;
Because Education Matters

Reshaping Mental Health Support in Education with andResilience

After 20 years in educational recruitment, I&rsquo;ve had a unique bird&rsquo;s-eye view of the changing landscape of UK schools. I&rsquo;ve spent hours speaking with teachers, support staff, headteachers and trust leaders, listening to their challenges, celebrating their successes and, more importantly, noticing how their needs have evolved.&nbsp; 
One message has come up time and time again: agencies are seen as a last resort, mainly because of cost. For years, schools felt they had to prioritise advertising over agency support simply because budgets were tight and traditional recruitment felt cheaper. It&rsquo;s an understandable instinct, and one many leaders have felt pressured to follow. But the reality is that the cost of recruiting and employing teachers has shifted dramatically and so has the role an agency plays. Today, the conversation is very different.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">The Rising Cost of Recruiting a Teacher</h3>
When schools think about hiring, the focus is often on salary but that&rsquo;s only part of the picture. In April 2024, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-pension-scheme-employer-contribution-grant-further-education-providers/teachers-pension-scheme-employer-contribution-grant-further-education-providers-academic-year-2025-to-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teacher pension contributions increased from 23.6% to 28.6%</a>. This year, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-secondary-threshold-the-secondary-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-rate-and-the-empl/changes-to-the-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-secondary-threshold-the-secondary-class-1-national-insurance-contributions-rate-and-the-empl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Insurance contributions rose from 13.8% to 15%</a>, and the threshold for NI was lowered from &pound;9,100 to &pound;5,000. For many trusts and local authorities, the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pay-apprenticeship-levy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">0.5% apprenticeship levy</a> also applies.
And when you break those costs down, the impact becomes even clearer. At the current market rate for the 25/26 academic year, a school employing a teacher on the M6 scale is effectively paying around &pound;331.48 per working day, with rates varying across regions depending on local pay scales. In inner London, where costs are higher, this rises to approximately &pound;388.80 per day.
All of this means the on-costs linked to hiring a classroom teacher has risen by 7% practically overnight. And that&rsquo;s before considering everything else schools must take on:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Advertising costs &mdash; often up to &pound;3,000 on paid job adverts, with no guarantee of finding the right candidate</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Time spent screening applications, arranging interviews and observations</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Sickness absence &mdash; <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england/2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teachers average 8 days a year</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Safeguarding and compliance checks</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Insurance and training requirements</li>
</ul>
When you put all of this together, the question becomes less about whether agencies are expensive and more about what recruitment actually costs schools when done alone.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Recruitment Isn&rsquo;t Just About Filling a Vacancy. It&rsquo;s About Getting the Right Person</h3>
Regardless of sector, the success of any organisation depends heavily on the people who walk through the door. Schools are no different, in fact, the impact of the &ldquo;right hire&rdquo; is even greater.
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">A great teacher can transform a class.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">A strong leader can stabilise a whole school.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">A well-chosen support staff member can change the way pupils feel every day.</li>
</ul>
This is where an agency brings value far beyond cost.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">A Window of Opportunity Schools Don&rsquo;t See Alone</h3>
A good agency doesn&rsquo;t just save time. It expands your reach and strengthens the quality of your recruitment:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">We introduce schools to teachers they wouldn&rsquo;t otherwise meet.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">We attract candidates who aren&rsquo;t actively applying to adverts.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">We spot potential that a CV alone could never show.</li>
</ul>
Here are the ways an agency will work to secure the best possible candidate for your school:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Advertising roles across multiple platforms</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Speaking to candidates daily</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Screening, shortlisting and assessing suitability</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Completing all safeguarding and compliance checks</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Arranging interviews, trial days and follow-ups</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Managing expectations on both sides to find the right fit</li>
</ul>
Some consultants have worked with their partner schools for years. They know the community, the culture, the leadership team, and the environment. They understand who will thrive and who won't.
In many cases, they can identify the right type of teacher for a school even before the school has fully articulated what they need. Read our article on the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-the-main-school-types-in-the-uk">differences between main school types in the UK</a>.
That&rsquo;s the level of understanding a long-term agency partnership can bring.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">We only charge a fee once we place a candidate into your vacancy.&nbsp; </h3>
We handle all the advertising, shortlisting, compliance and candidate conversations behind the scenes. You only pay a fee when we place a candidate in your role. If that placement isn&rsquo;t the right match, we&rsquo;ll continue the search and support you until you have the right person for the job.&nbsp; 
For many schools, especially in the current climate, that&rsquo;s not just convenient, it&rsquo;s genuine value for money.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">In Conclusion</h3>
With rising costs, increasing pressures, and a challenging labour market, schools need more than a last-minute fallback. They need a recruitment partner who understands the sector, the local landscape, and the realities of running a school in 2026. For more insight, read our article on the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/myth-busting-recruitment-agency-processes">myths around recruitment agencies</a>.
Agencies aren&rsquo;t the last resort anymore. We&rsquo;re the strategic choice. For more insight, read our article on the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-benefits-of-working-with-an-education-recruitment-agency">advantages of using an agency</a>.
And when you work with the right one, the value goes far beyond filling a vacancy; it strengthens your school community for the long-term.

Why Schools Are Re-thinking Recruitment and Why Agencies Are No Longer the “Last Resort”

Supply teaching and support work can be incredibly rewarding but only if you know how to make it work for you. With the right approach, you can enjoy flexibility, build experience, and even earn pay that reflects your skills. Here&rsquo;s how.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Share Your Idea of a Good School&nbsp; </h3>
If you tell your consultant what your ideal school or role looks like, we can help you find it. Whether it&rsquo;s a specific culture, supportive environment, or a certain location, being clear about what works for you means we can match you with placements that fit your preferences, making supply work feel more like a choice and less like a compromise.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Try Different Roles Before Committing</h3>
Supply work is also a great way to explore different roles and settings before committing to a long-term placement. You might try teaching a different age group, covering a subject you haven&rsquo;t taught before, or supporting in a classroom with a different approach. This flexibility lets you discover what works best for you before settling into a more permanent arrangement.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">How to Start Off Well in Any School</h3>
A strong start can make your day easier, help you build positive relationships, and leave a great impression. Here&rsquo;s what works:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Arrive early: Give yourself time to settle in and get organised.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Bring your DBS and photo ID: Schools may ask for it, so it&rsquo;s good to be prepared.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Ask about policies: Check in on the school&rsquo;s behaviour, safeguarding, and marking policies.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Show an interest in the class: Engaging with students and staff sets a positive tone.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Mark work to a professional standard: Leaving completed work in good shape helps both staff and students.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Communicate before you leave: Let staff know when you are leaving and share any key updates or points for follow-up.</li>
</ul>
Following these steps helps you feel confident, supported, and ready to make the most of each placement.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Set Your Travel Limits</h3>
One of the biggest perks of supply work is flexibility but it&rsquo;s important to be clear about your limits.
Some teachers are happy to travel further for a school that&rsquo;s a particularly good fit. Others prefer to stick very close to home. Both approaches work perfectly well, as long as you communicate your preferences to your consultant. It&rsquo;s also worth checking the location before deciding, what might seem far on paper could be closer than you think if there are good transport links. Being upfront saves frustration and ensures you get placements that suit your lifestyle&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Know the 12-Week AWR Rule&nbsp;</h3>
If you&rsquo;ve been in the same school for 12 continuous weeks, the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) mean you should be paid the same as a permanent member of staff doing that job.
This is often the point where long-term supply becomes noticeably more rewarding. So, if you&rsquo;re consistently in a placement you enjoy, this rule ensures your time and expertise are properly recognised.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Make Supply Work for You</h3>
Supply work isn&rsquo;t just a stopgap, it can be a sustainable, fulfilling way to work in education. By understanding your rights, setting boundaries, and spotting the schools that support you, you can make sure supply work works for you, not the other way around.
Ready to find a supply or long-term role that works for you?&nbsp; 
Explore our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest opportunities</a> or speak with your local consultant for more information.

How to Make Supply Work for You 

We&rsquo;re excited to introduce our new candidate app, launching in Spring 2026, designed to make finding and managing shifts faster, easier, and more convenient than ever.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Find and apply for work in seconds&nbsp;
Easily see and apply for short-term bookings that will be matched to your profile or be invited to roles instantly with just a tap. It&rsquo;s all about ease, speed, and simplicity.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
All your bookings in one place&nbsp;
View all your upcoming assignments in one convenient location. Everything you need will be right at your fingertips.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Let us know when you&rsquo;re free&nbsp;
Quickly add your availability through the app or tap &lsquo;Request Work Today&rsquo; to tell us you&rsquo;re ready to work. Doing so will prioritise you for same-day opportunities.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Smarter matching for faster placements&nbsp;
When you mark yourself as available, our system will automatically give you extra weighting based on factors like location and previous experience, helping you get matched to the most suitable roles, faster.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Stay connected, stay in control&nbsp;
With our new app, managing your shifts and availability will be easier than ever &ndash; all while staying connected to our team of experts for support whenever you need it.&nbsp;
While the app makes things digital, our team will still be here to support you every step of the way. Watch this space for updates, we can&rsquo;t wait to show you what&rsquo;s coming next!&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Coming soon: TWS Education App

<h3 class="p1">A new way to manage your bookings, now on mobile!</h3>
We&rsquo;re excited to announce that our new client portal will be available as a mobile app as well as on desktop from Spring 2026. Managing your bookings has never been easier, whether you&rsquo;re at your desk or on the move.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">Book staff in seconds&nbsp;</h3>
Making a booking will be quicker than ever. Simply use the portal to request the staff you need, and your consultant will be notified instantly to confirm.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">Rate and review candidates&nbsp;</h3>
After each shift, you will be able to rate your candidates directly in the portal. Your feedback helps us match you with your preferred staff, ensuring the right people for your team every time.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">Access flexibility your way&nbsp;</h3>
Whether you prefer using the app or the desktop portal, the choice will be yours. Enjoy a seamless experience that fits how you work. While we&rsquo;re taking our service digital, it&rsquo;s still our consultants at the heart of everything we do. You&rsquo;ll continue to receive the same personal support you know and trust, with the added convenience of managing bookings online.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Watch this space for updates &ndash; we can&rsquo;t wait to show you what&rsquo;s coming next!&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Coming Soon: The Tradewind Education App

We are excited to announce that <a href="https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/">Children with Cancer UK</a> is our new charity partner!&nbsp;
Every year, our team votes on a charity to support, and this year, we have chosen Children with Cancer UK! We&rsquo;re thrilled to support their incredible work helping children diagnosed with cancer and funding life-saving research. Their mission truly aligns with our values, and we can&rsquo;t wait to make a difference together.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">About Children with Cancer UK</h3>
Founded in 1988, Children with Cancer UK is the leading childhood cancer charity in the UK. Their mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every child and young person survives their cancer diagnosis.
The charity funds pioneering research into childhood cancers, helping develop safer and3 more effective treatments. In addition, they provide practical and emotional support to families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, from offering family activities to delivering guidance and information to parents and carers.
Learn more about their work <a href="https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/">here</a>
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">Why We&rsquo;re Supporting Them</h3>
Childhood cancer affects around ten young people in the UK every day, yet research into childhood cancers receives far less funding than adult cancers. By supporting Children with Cancer UK, we aim to help change that by funding research that saves lives and providing families with the support they need during incredibly difficult times.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">How We&rsquo;ll Be Getting Involved</h3>
Over the coming months, our team will be organising fundraising events and initiatives to support Children with Cancer UK. From team challenges to charity drives, we&rsquo;re committed to making a meaningful impact.
We encourage our colleagues, clients, and community to get involved. Every donation, every fundraiser, and every share of awareness helps bring hope to children and families facing cancer.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p2">Join Us in Making a Difference</h3>
We are proud to partner with Children with Cancer UK, and we look forward to seeing the impact we can create together. Whether through fundraising, spreading awareness, or volunteering, there are many ways to support this vital cause.
To learn more or donate directly, visit Children with Cancer UK <a href="https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/make-a-donation/">here</a>.

Announcing Our New Charity Partner: Children with Cancer UK

Educate with Pride: Celebrating Pride 2025 in the Classroom Through Activism and Social Change

When the sun is shining, it's the perfect opportunity to take the classroom outside. In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the amount of time children spend outdoors. With the increasing use of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, video games, and television, many children are spending less time engaging in outdoor play or socializing with friends.
To better understand how this shift affects education, we explored the advantages and disadvantages of outdoor learning for both children and teachers.
<h2 data-start="769" data-end="803">Advantages of Outdoor Learning</h2>
Research from educators, mental health professionals, and scientists highlights several benefits of outdoor learning. These include:
<ul data-start="943" data-end="1604">
<li class="" data-start="943" data-end="1009">
Children who spend more time outdoors tend to make more friends.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1010" data-end="1083">
Active outdoor learning can improve children's attitudes toward school.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1084" data-end="1142">
Time outside encourages creativity and imaginative play.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1143" data-end="1209">
Children who learn outdoors often feel happier and more engaged.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1210" data-end="1270">
Outdoor environments help improve focus and concentration.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1271" data-end="1344">
Learning outside enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1345" data-end="1416">
Being in nature supports better mental health and higher self-esteem.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1417" data-end="1478">
Freedom in outdoor settings can lead to reduced aggression.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1479" data-end="1537">
Regular outdoor activity helps combat childhood obesity.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1538" data-end="1604">
A love for the outdoors developed early can last into adulthood.
</li>
<li class="" data-start="1538" data-end="1604">Develops skills, problem solving and communication. Read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-sen-teachers-can-use-outdoor-activities-to-aid-teaching">how SEN teachers use outdoor activities to aid teaching</a>.</li>
</ul>
By providing a hands-on and engaging environment, outdoor education supports both physical and emotional development.
<h2>Disadvantages of Outdoor Learning</h2>
While the benefits are clear, there are several challenges to consider when teaching outside the classroom:
1. Health and Safety Responsibilities
Teachers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their students. You must follow school health and safety policies, which are typically based on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance. Be sure to review these policies before conducting lessons outside.
2. Extra Paperwork
Planning outdoor lessons usually involves completing risk assessments, obtaining parental consent, and preparing evaluation forms. Schools often have templates to help with this, but it still requires additional time and effort.
3. Curriculum Requirements
Subjects like maths or science may be harder to teach outdoors while meeting curriculum goals. Simple activities on school grounds can still be effective, but some creativity and planning may be needed.
4. Weather Challenges
Unpredictable weather can disrupt outdoor learning. If students are not dressed properly, activities may need to be cancelled or postponed. Remind students to bring appropriate clothing in advance.
5. Supervision and Risk Management
The UK Department for Education emphasizes the importance of managing risks during outdoor activities. Adequate adult supervision and proper safety measures must be in place at all times.
6. Natural Hazards
Uneven ground, insect stings, or other natural risks are part of the outdoor experience. While accidents like tripping may happen, conducting a site check in advance helps identify and manage potential hazards.
<h2>Is Outdoor Learning Worth It?</h2>
Despite the added planning and potential challenges, outdoor learning offers powerful benefits for student well-being, academic engagement, and personal growth. With the right precautions and preparation, teaching outside can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both teachers and children.
<h4 data-start="3426" data-end="3723">Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-benefits-of-outdoor-learning-activities-for-primary-students">The benefits of outdoor learning activities for primary students</a>
&nbsp;

What are the advantages and disadvantages of teaching outside?

At Tradewind Recruitment, we believe in the power of storytelling and the creativity of students. Recently, our schools participated in an exciting story-writing competition, giving young writers the opportunity to showcase their imagination and talent. From thrilling adventures to heartfelt tales, students poured their ideas onto the page, creating incredible stories that captivated judges and readers alike.
One outstanding story stood out among the rest,&nbsp;Super Rex, written by Max Byrnes from St Anne&rsquo;s Year 7 class. Max&rsquo;s imaginative tale was selected as the winning entry, earning him the incredible opportunity to see his story brought to life with stunning illustrations and professionally printed as a real book!
To celebrate this achievement, and to mark International Children&rsquo;s Book Day, we are thrilled to share a special moment: Max proudly holding his winning book,&nbsp;Super Rex! His journey from writer to published author is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our students.
Why We Run This Competition
Encouraging storytelling among students is more than just a fun activity, it&rsquo;s a powerful way to develop literacy skills, boost confidence, and spark creativity. Writing stories helps students:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Improve writing and vocabulary</li>
<li class="li1">Develop critical thinking skills</li>
<li class="li1">Gain confidence in expressing ideas</li>
<li class="li1">See their imagination come to life</li>
</ul>
By celebrating young authors like Max, we hope to inspire more students to pick up a pen and start writing!
Congratulations to Max and all the talented young writers who took part! Keep reading, keep writing, and keep dreaming.

Search teaching jobs

Super Rex: A Young Writer’s Journey to Success

If you're asking yourself whether you want to be a teaching assistant, you've come to the right place. Perhaps, you were <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/5-signs-you-were-born-to-be-a-teaching-assistant">born to be a teaching assistant</a>.
A teaching assistant is a vital part of the classroom environment. In fact, they account for almost&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england" target="_blank" rel="noopener">29% of the total teacher workforce</a>. TAs provide much-needed help to teaching staff to ensure that all pupils can reach their potential. From aiding those with learning difficulties to encouraging top pupils to excel, being a teaching assistant is a highly rewarding role with plenty of opportunities.
There are many great reasons to become a teaching assistant. Here are our top five:
&nbsp;
<h2>1. It's incredibly rewarding</h2>
&nbsp;
The role of a teaching assistant is incredibly rewarding as you'll get to <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/teaching-assistant-expectations-supporting-one-to-one">spend one-on-one time with students</a>, helping them to reach their goals and being there for them every step of the way. You'll share in the joy and satisfaction of their accomplishments, making every effort worthwhile.
You&rsquo;ll likely need&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-are-the-key-strengths-of-a-teaching-assistant">different approaches to help each pupil</a>, as some will learn in alternative ways to others &ndash; this helps to broaden your own skills at the same time, meaning you&rsquo;re able to continually develop and learn in the role.
As a teaching assistant, you will act as both a role model and a friend, providing academic and emotional support as and when it is necessary to ensure that each child can flourish.
&nbsp;
<h2>2. Put your skills to good use</h2>
&nbsp;
One of the joys of being a school assistant is the opportunity to share your own unique skills, knowledge, and passions with students. Whether you have a knack for art, music, sports, or any other subject, you can introduce students to new experiences and help them discover their own interests and talents.
You can create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that inspires students to explore and excel.
&nbsp;
<h2>3. The first step in a long career?</h2>
&nbsp;
Being a teaching assistant offers plenty of opportunities for career progression &ndash; either into specialist support roles or as the first step towards becoming a teacher.
The classroom experience that is gained during your time as a teaching assistant can prove invaluable when it comes to dealing with challenging situations or when making the step up to&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/steps-to-become-a-teacher" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a fully-qualified teaching role</a>.
&nbsp;
<h2>4. There's plenty of variety</h2>
&nbsp;
The nature of a teaching assistant role means you'll never experience a dull moment. Each day presents new challenges, opportunities, and surprises. Whether you&rsquo;re faced with new parts of the curriculum, unexplored topics or different student learning challenges to overcome.
School assistant jobs require one-to-one support, assistance to pupils with special needs and disabilities (SEND),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-teaching-assistants-can-help-with-lesson-planning">guidance with lesson planning</a>, help with classroom preparation and a helping hand at school events and trips.
&nbsp;
<h2>5. Flexibility and a healthy work-life balance</h2>
&nbsp;
One of the advantages of being a teaching assistant is the ability to <a title="" href="https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/resources/for-individuals/guides/wellbeing-resources-for-teaching-assistants/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maintain a healthy work-life balance</a>. You&rsquo;ll only need to work during school hours, which frees you up for quality time with your loved ones or to spend time doing the things you enjoy most.
This balance allows you to recharge and bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the classroom, benefiting both you and the students you support.
&nbsp;
<h2>Browse teaching assistant jobs across the UK</h2>
If you're ready to&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" data-ol-has-click-handler="">explore teaching assistant jobs</a>, look no further than Tradewind. We've got a range of roles across the UK, so you're sure to find a local job that suits you. Take the first step towards making a lasting impact.
Or, why not use our quick apply option to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" data-ol-has-click-handler="">send your CV</a>? One of our team will reach out with roles that match your experience and preferences.

Great reasons to become a teaching assistant

For those looking for a career pathway into teaching, a teaching assistant role can provide abundant useful classroom experience.
But with nerves and new surroundings, settling into a new&nbsp;school or job can present its challenges, although that shouldn&rsquo;t put you off from what can be a highly rewarding and highly enjoyable role.
If you&rsquo;re just starting out as a teaching assistant, we have tips to help you on your way, from guidance on lesson plans and behaviour to knowing who to ask for assistance.
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>What new teaching assistants should do:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Build Relationships: Establish a strong rapport with the lead teacher, students, and other staff members.</li>
<li>Clarify Expectations: Understand your roles and responsibilities by communicating with the teacher and attending training sessions.</li>
<li>Be Proactive: Offer assistance when you see a need, but also ask if unsure about something.</li>
<li>Stay Organised: Keep track of lesson plans, student progress, and other administrative duties to help the teacher run a smooth class.</li>
<li>Continue Learning: Attend workshops and professional development sessions to keep up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques.</li>
<li>Maintain Confidentiality: Respect students' privacy, records, and classroom incidents.</li>
<li>Show Patience: Students learn at different paces and may require different approaches.</li>
<li>Be Adaptable: Be ready to adjust to dynamic classroom situations and switch between tasks as needed.</li>
<li>Collaborate Effectively: Work harmoniously with the teacher, offering appropriate insights and feedback.</li>
<li>Use Positive Reinforcement: Encourage and praise students, focusing on their strengths to motivate them.</li>
<li>Stay Professional: Dress appropriately, be punctual, and avoid discussing personal problems in the classroom.</li>
<li>Promote Inclusivity: Ensure all students, regardless of background or ability, are included and engaged in the classroom.</li>
<li>Seek Feedback: Regularly ask the teacher and sometimes students for feedback to continuously improve.</li>
</ul>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>What new teaching assistants shouldn't do</h2>
<ul>
<li>Avoid Overstepping: Don't assume the role or authority of the lead teacher.</li>
<li>Don't Play Favourites: Avoid giving undue attention to any particular student.</li>
<li>Avoid Being Unprepared: Always be ready for the day's tasks and potential challenges.</li>
<li>Don't Publicly Disagree: If you have disagreements with the lead teacher, discuss them privately.</li>
<li>Avoid Negativity: Steer clear of gossip and don&rsquo;t badmouth students, staff, or the institution.</li>
<li>Don't Ignore Policies: Familiarise yourself with the school&rsquo;s policies and ensure you always follow them.</li>
<li>Avoid Overdependence: While guidance is essential, don't rely too much on the teacher without trying to handle situations yourself.</li>
<li>Don't Disregard Feedback: If given criticism or advice, take it constructively.</li>
<li>Avoid Inconsistency: Ensure you&rsquo;re consistent in enforcing rules and providing assistance.</li>
<li>Don't Neglect Self-care: Remember to take breaks and manage stress to remain effective in your role.</li>
</ul>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>The 10 most important skills for a Teaching Assistant</h2>
<ul>
<li>Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication is crucial for interacting with teachers, students, and parents.</li>
<li>Interpersonal Skills: Building strong relationships with students, teachers, and staff is essential.</li>
<li>Organisational Skills: Managing tasks, resources, and time efficiently.</li>
<li>Patience: It&rsquo;s often required when dealing with students of different abilities and backgrounds.</li>
<li>Adaptability: Flexibility in addressing different learning styles and classroom scenarios.</li>
<li>Initiative: Proactively addressing issues or tasks in the classroom.</li>
<li>Teamwork: Working well with the lead teacher and other staff members.</li>
<li>Problem-solving: Thinking on your feet and effectively addressing classroom challenges.</li>
<li>Technical Proficiency: Being comfortable with classroom technology, software, and tools.</li>
<li>Cultural Sensitivity: Recognising and valuing the diversity of students and their backgrounds.</li>
</ul>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Top 10 Tips For Teaching Assistants</h2>
<img style="max-width: 500px; border-radius: 3rem; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="10 tips for a new teaching assistant" src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/tvz02ftmed6lz0lwzusz805eqkdn" alt="A teaching assistant helps an SEN student with their work">
<h3>1. Passion can inspire</h3>
Your body language and approach to tasks will ultimately rub off on the pupils around you, so any<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/great-reasons-to-become-a-teaching-assistant">&nbsp;teaching assistant&nbsp;</a>should be as passionate as possible about the tasks that are set to inspire those they help.
If you&rsquo;ve spoken to the teacher beforehand about lesson plans, it can be much easier to be enthusiastic if you know what is coming up.
<h3>2. Remember to smile!</h3>
To make the most of a teaching assistant role, you should be as welcoming and approachable as possible.
Constantly smiling, even if you&rsquo;re not in the best of moods, can help break down barriers with pupils and make them more likely to feel they can approach you for assistance.
<h3>3. Get to know the pupils quickly</h3>
Building relationships with pupils is a vital part of being a teaching assistant, as it hugely influences your ability to carry out the role effectively and show that you are invested in their learning.
This includes learning their names, which allows you to communicate more effectively, alongside any specific details that may impact their ability to learn from relevant education, health and care (EHC) plans.
<h3>4. Be proactive!</h3>
Teaching assistants support teachers to minimise disruption if issues occur &ndash; you should be proactive in such situations, as you have a pivotal role in keeping the class on track.
<h3>5. Encourage pupils to question work</h3>
By encouraging pupils to be inquisitive, a teaching assistant can enhance their understanding of the work in front of them.
Working in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis can be particularly useful as it can encourage pupils to speak out who may otherwise choose not to.
<h3>6. Don&rsquo;t expect to know everything</h3>
As a teaching assistant, you could easily end up helping with subject matter that you are unfamiliar with &ndash; but it shouldn&rsquo;t be a reason to panic.
You&rsquo;ll still know more than the pupils in the classroom, so you should still be able to think of ways to take critical approaches to the topics &ndash; again, talking through lesson plans in advance with the teacher can make this process much easier.
<h3>7. Look for help!</h3>
From speaking to teachers and other teaching assistants to doing your own research online, there are a number of people and avenues that you can explore for help.
More experienced staff may know of approaches you can use to tackle certain behavioural issues or other types of disruption &ndash; all you need to do is ask!
<h3>8. Flexibility is key</h3>
As teaching assistants work with various school staff, all of whom will have different approaches, flexibility becomes an essential part of the role.
You should be ready to adapt to new teaching styles and numerous different learning styles too.
<h3>9. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to speak out</h3>
Communication between&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/teaching-assistant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teaching assistants</a> and teachers is pivotal to ensuring that both individuals can work to their maximum potential.
Clear instructions and feedback enable teachers to understand your way of working, which is beneficial to both them and the pupils your support.
<h3>10. Always think about how you can make a difference</h3>
Being a teaching assistant gives you a unique means of supporting pupils to achieve their full potential and enjoy their time in the classroom.
Consider how the tasks you are doing can make a difference to the pupils you support, as this should enable both you and them to get the most out of each learning situation.
For more advice, check our blog, which covers the best answers to common<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-best-answers-for-common-teaching-assistant-interview-questions">&nbsp;teaching assistant interview questions</a>.

10 tips for New Teaching Assistants

William Shakespeare authored some of the most famous and widely read works of the English language, yet relatively little is known about him.
For instance, the exact date of his birth in 1564 is not known, and is now celebrated annually on the day of his death &ndash; April 23, 1616.
This means it is currently the ideal time of year to introduce his plays and other works into the classroom to encourage discussion and debate.
His works include 38 plays, 154 sonnets, a couple of narrative poems and a scattering of other verses, and have been translated into every major language.
Famed for penning comedies, tragedies and histories &ndash; although there is plenty of overlap &ndash; his works are read by thousands of children every year as part of the national curriculum.
His birthday represents the perfect opportunity for teachers &ndash; and not just those in English classes &ndash; to approach his works and relate them to modern life, historical Europe or any other topic of their choosing.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="p2">Shakespeare in the curriculum</h2>
Several major themes are explored across Shakespeare&rsquo;s works, with loyalty present in nearly all of them. On top of that, betrayal occurs in Hamlet, there is jealousy in Macbeth and love in Romeo and Juliet.
These themes are still key for today&rsquo;s younger generations and approaching them through the use of literature enables children to find more about their own responses to topics and situations.
Since 2013, all pupils between the ages of 11 and 14 must study at least two Shakespeare plays in full.
Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night&rsquo;s Dream are among the works that are most commonly studied.
All of these works enable teachers to approach symbolic language, poetry and storytelling in both a historical and social context.
However you choose to approach the Bard&rsquo;s works, you should find that they can be tied into the vast majority of topics and used to promote creativity, self‐expression and out‐of‐the‐box thinking.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="p2">The role of English language</h2>
Shakespeare used English terms and expressions that had never been used before, and while language has changed a lot since his times, he had a leading role in helping to shape it.
This means many of his works are open to interpretation, which is why so many of his works feature in the curriculum.
It&rsquo;s also essential to remember that Shakespeare&rsquo;s works were never meant to be read, but to be performed &ndash; another factor as to why they feature so heavily in drama lessons.
Understanding is therefore just as much about getting into character, as it is about understanding the words being spoken.
Shakespeare provided the basis for exploring written creativity, and any activities in class should focus on ensuring that creative spark is not lost.
You may want to get your students to write a short script to then perform in front of each other, or to put a modern spin on scenes from famed Shakespeare works.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="p2">Historical ties</h2>
Having been born in Stratford‐upon‐Avon, Shakespeare lived in Tudor England at a time when plague was prevalent and survival not guaranteed.
Around two‐thirds of children born in 1564 in the town died, but not young William. Teachers may therefore want to look at the conditions of the time, and to see how they contributed to Shakespeare&rsquo;s life and upbringing.
For younger students you may want to approach some of the major historical events that occurred during Shakespeare&rsquo;s life &ndash; including the voyage of Francis Drake, the Spanish Armada, the coronation of King James I and the Gunpowder Plot to name but a few.
Alternatively you may wish to consider the impacts of his works in the 400 years since his life, in terms of creating modern language, shaping the arts and even his influences on society more generally.
Regardless of if you&rsquo;re a newly qualified teacher, or a long‐serving secondary school teacher, embracing the words of the Bard this April can bring excitement and discussion to your classroom.
Tradewind Recruitment are an education recruitment specialist and with 13 offices across the UK, we have tons of fantastic temporary / supply, long‐term and permanent jobs in primary, secondary and SEN schools, including:
<ul>
<li class="p4" style="color: #005ca9;"><a style="color: #005ca9;" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">Primary teacher jobs</a></li>
<li class="p4" style="color: #005ca9;"><a style="color: #005ca9;" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs">Secondary teacher jobs</a></li>
<li class="p4" style="color: #005ca9;"><a style="color: #005ca9;" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs">SEN teacher jobs</a></li>
<li class="p4" style="color: #005ca9;"><a style="color: #005ca9;" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">Teaching Assistant jobs</a></li>
</ul>
Interested in applying? You can view all of our jobs <a style="color: #005ca9;" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs">here</a> or alternatively you can <a style="color: #005ca9;" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started">submit your CV</a> ‐ your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Marking William Shakespeare’s birthday in the classroom

Storytelling is a powerful way to share ideas and spark your imagination. Whether you&rsquo;re writing a short story for fun or entering a competition, a well-crafted story keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
In this guide, we&rsquo;ll break down the key ingredients of a great story and share some expert tips to help students from primary to secondary school develop their storytelling skills.
&nbsp;
1. Start with a strong idea
Every great story begins with a big idea. To get your students going, you can start by asking these questions:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">What do I want my story to be about?</li>
<li class="li2">Who are the characters?</li>
<li class="li2">Where does the story take place?</li>
</ul>
Tip: If you&rsquo;re stuck, try using the &ldquo;What If?&rdquo; method. For example: What if a cat discovered it could talk?
A simple idea can grow into an exciting story.
&nbsp;
2. Create interesting characters
Great stories have characters that feel real. Think about:
What do they want? (Their goal)
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">What is stopping them? (The challenge or conflict)</li>
<li class="li2">What makes them unique? (Personality, quirks, strengths, weaknesses)</li>
</ul>
Tip: Give your main character a small flaw&mdash;this makes them more relatable!
&nbsp;
3. Build the perfect scene
Where does your story take place? The setting can help bring your story to life. Describe the sights, sounds, and even smells to immerse the reader in your world.
Tip: Use the 5 senses to make your descriptions vivid.
&nbsp;
4. Plan a strong story structure
A well-structured story has a clear beginning, middle, and end:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Beginning: Introduce the main character and the setting. What is their goal?</li>
<li class="li2">Middle: Add conflict or a challenge. What obstacles do they face?</li>
<li class="li2">End: Resolve the problem. How does the character change or grow?</li>
</ul>
Tip: Use the Story Mountain method: Start with an introduction, build up tension, reach the climax, then wrap up with a resolution.
&nbsp;
5. Use exciting language
Your choice of words can make a big difference! Try: Show, don&rsquo;t tell &ndash; Instead of saying &ldquo;He was scared,&rdquo; show it: &ldquo;His hands trembled as he took a step back.&rdquo;
<ul>
<li class="p5">Use dialogue &ndash; It makes characters come alive. &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t believe it!&rdquo; Sophie gasped.</li>
<li class="p5">Vary sentence lengths &ndash; Short sentences create suspense, while longer ones build description.</li>
</ul>
Tip: Avoid overused words like &lsquo;nice,&rsquo; &lsquo;big,&rsquo; or &lsquo;said.&rsquo; Use more creative alternatives.
&nbsp;
6. Edit and improve your story
Even the best writers edit their work! After finishing your story:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2">Read it out loud&mdash;does it sound natural?</li>
<li class="li2">Check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.</li>
<li class="li2">Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to give feedback.</li>
</ul>
Tip: Try rewriting sentences in different ways to see what sounds best!
&nbsp;
For classroom resources to help you deliver exciting storytelling projects, you can visit the National Literacy Trust link <a href="https://literacytrust.org.uk/resources/national-storytelling-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

How to write a great story

In this ever-evolving era of growing screentime, TikTok trends and constant distractions, fostering a love of reading can prove quite challenging &ndash; but it is definitely worth the time and effort. Reading is a great way to help children build language skills, but it also aids cognitive development, boosts creativity and improves critical thinking.
So how do you go about encouraging reading in Key Stage 2 readers?
Aside from <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/why-a-book-club-is-a-good-idea-for-your-students">setting up book clubs</a>, find stories that captivate and engage them! We&rsquo;ve searched our library shelves to select the following book recommendations for KS2 readers, which we think are great examples of books which spark imagination and will keep inquisitive minds turning the page again and again.
&emsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/0m5005r9sprcwwj3b0dnn34pfwwl" alt="" width="300" height="249">&nbsp;
<h3> Charlie and the Chocolate Factory &ndash; Roald Dahl</h3>
A master of childlike whimsy and creative concepts, Roald Dahl is a classic children&rsquo;s author that we simply had to include in this list. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of his most popular stories &ndash; and for good reason!
It tells the story of Charlie Bucket&rsquo;s strange introduction to eccentric chocolatier, Willy Wonka, and his enchanting chocolate factory. This story engages all the senses, with delightful descriptions of colourful candies and tasty treats which are sure to excite young readers.
An outrageously funny book with plenty of brilliantly bizarre characters!
Reading age: 7+ &emsp;
&emsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/hjemtjvci0edypam1g5e6ucexicd" alt="" width="300" height="249">&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp; Harry Potter and the Philosopher&rsquo;s Stone &ndash; J. K. Rowling</h3>
We couldn&rsquo;t write a list of engaging children&rsquo;s books to inspire young readers without including the Harry Potter franchise! This imaginative world and its charming cast of characters has captured the hearts of generations of children since it first hit the shelves back in 1997.
An immense cultural export from the United Kingdom, this series is the cornerstone of fantasy fiction for children. It follows the exploits of 11-year-old Harry Potter, as he discovers he has secret magical powers and heads off to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft &amp; Wizardry for a thrilling year of excitement and wonder.
A truly magical adventure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Reading age: 8+ &emsp;
&emsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/vz93m1fjeljj799k42koe4joofj4" alt="" width="300" height="249">&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp; Kensuke&rsquo;s Kingdom &ndash; Michael Morpurgo</h3>
Kensuke&rsquo;s kingdom is a multi-award winning book by past Children&rsquo;s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo. The story follows a young fictionalised version of Michael as he and his dog wash up on a seemingly uninhabited island. He soon finds that he is not alone and must learn to get along with the island&rsquo;s other occupant &ndash; an aging Japanese castaway named Kensuke.
Featuring heavy themes such as nuclear war, we would only recommend this book to readers aged 9 and above. Morpurgo touches on these complex topics with sensitivity and paints a masterful picture of grief and acceptance which is sure to aid in emotional development.
A uniquely heart-breaking tale full of empathy and understanding.
Reading age: 9+ &emsp;
&emsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/hofg28vx1p0j6kmjx5dxw49plmx5" alt="" width="300" height="249">&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp; Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief &ndash; Rick Riordan</h3>
The first in a massively popular children&rsquo;s series, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief follows the titular character as he discovers that his true father is Poseidon, the Greek God of the sea.
Percy begins the story as a troubled boy of 12, struggling with dyslexia, ADHD and mysterious events happening around him &ndash; but soon goes on the adventure of a lifetime to find the entrance to the underworld and put a stop to a war between gods.
A wonderfully inclusive and empowering series for children of all kinds.
Reading age: 10+ &emsp;
&emsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/k87keij5u34ofefm7b8zho9ckzsm" alt="" width="300" height="249">&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp; The Story of Tracy Beaker &ndash; Jacqueline Wilson</h3>
Accompanied with illustrations by Nick Sharratt, The Story of Tracy Beaker is a beautifully observed vision of how life is for children growing up in residential care homes. It follows 10-year-old Tracy Beaker, an imaginative but impulsive young girl who has been in and out of foster homes and who yearns for a family.
Creatively presented and shockingly poignant, The Story of Tracy Beaker is pillar of children&rsquo;s literature.
Reading age: 9+
Related Articles
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/innovative-ideas-for-teaching-reading-and-writing-at-primary-level">Innovative ideas for teaching reading and writing at primary level</a>

5 books to encourage reading in KS2 children

We&rsquo;re so pleased to announce our charity partner for the 2024/2025 academic year - <a href="https://www.magicbreakfast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Magic Breakfast</a>!
At the start of each new academic year, the Tradewind recruitment team chooses a new charity partner as voted for by our consultants. We asked our teams to submit suggestions for charities they&rsquo;d like to support and then voted to decide on our partner charity for the year.
And now, after several rounds of voting, we&rsquo;re pleased to introduce you to the charity we&rsquo;ve elected to partner with this year, Magic Breakfast.
&nbsp;
<h3>Who are Magic Breakfast?</h3>
Magic Breakfast is a Children&rsquo;s Charity based in the UK. Their work provides daily nutritious breakfast meals to more than 200,000 children in need. They work with schools in both England and Scotland to deliver healthy breakfasts daily to the children who need them.
Their work helps to support the health and learning of the next generation, by allowing them to prevent morning hunger for children and young people.
<blockquote style="margin-left: 20px; padding-left: 20px; border-left: solid 8px #005CA9; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 8px;">
"Magic Breakfast is delighted to be working with Tradewind Recruitment. With the incredible fundraising efforts from you and your team, we are able to provide breakfasts for children and young people at risk of going hungry. A nutritious breakfast helps ensure that no child is too hungry to learn, enabling children and young people to reach their potential. Thank you to Tradewind, your support is highly valued."
Ali Roberts, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Magic Breakfast
</blockquote>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>How do they work?</h3>
The breakfasts provided by Magic Breakfast are funded through school membership fees and donations from individuals, trusts and corporate partners, like Tradewind.
Their service delivery team then calculates appropriate portion sizes and use their expert knowledge to target the children and schools who need the most support.
Their aim is to make sure that no child in the UK is too hungry to learn.
&nbsp;
<h3>What will we be doing to support them?</h3>
Throughout the year, our 13 Tradewind offices across the country will be running fundraising events (both as teams and individually) to support Magic Breakfast in their mission to end childhood hunger. In previous years, we&rsquo;ve ran marathons, climbed mountains and abseiled down cathedrals for charities like <a href="https://www.youngminds.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YoungMinds</a> and <a href="https://www.clairehouse.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Claire House</a> and we can&rsquo;t wait to tell you all about what we&rsquo;re planning for Magic Breakfast this year.
To learn more about Magic Breakfast, you can visit their website at <a href="https://www.magicbreakfast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.magicbreakfast.com</a> or speak to a member of our team on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us">your local telephone line</a>.

Announcing our new Charity Partner

If you&rsquo;re one of a growing number of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">teaching assistants</a>&nbsp;in Britain, you&rsquo;ll know that organisation is one of several key skills required for the role. This is where a teaching assistant planner could transform your education experience, as we&rsquo;ll explore here.
There is the full-time equivalent of more than 281,000 teaching assistants in state-funded schools in England, according to the latest government <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england">school workforce figures</a>, published in June 2023. This equates to around three in ten of the overall education workforce and these staff play a vital role in supporting teachers both in and out of the classroom.
With many tasks to oversee throughout the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-sen-teaching-assistant">typical school day</a>, using a teaching assistant planner can help you to keep track and really make a difference in the classroom. It&rsquo;s a useful tool which can enable you to be a successful teaching assistant, so you can stay on top of tasks and aid your professional development.
<h3 class="p3">Be better organised</h3>
One of the main benefits of using a teaching assistant planner is its ability to help you stay organised. By planning the week ahead, you can manage your time and tasks effectively, meaning that all pupils receive the help and support they need. You&rsquo;ll be able to track any classroom preparation requirements, lesson planning and lunch/playground duties. You&rsquo;ll also be able to use a teaching assistant planner to make a note of any breakfast or after school clubs you are involved in.
<h3 class="p3">Develop clear lesson/project plans</h3>
Good teaching assistants will work closely with teachers when it comes to lesson planning too. Having a better understanding of the lesson material will enable you to complement the words of the teacher. This ultimately avoids stereo teaching &ndash; the idea that a TA just repeats what has previously been said &ndash; which can cause confusion rather than driving engagement and a willingness to learn. Here, a teaching assistant planner enables you to make a note of key lesson objectives, which can then be considered in any guidance that is given to pupils.
<h3 class="p3">Track pupil progress and interventions</h3>
If you&rsquo;re regularly providing support to pupils with special educational needs (SEN), tracking their development can ensure that each and every intervention is relevant. Use your teaching assistant planner to note progress of individuals at the end of each lesson, as it can then be used as a reference tool when you next work with them. You&rsquo;ll also have a clear means of logging assessments or any behavioural issues, as well as any other key milestones in a pupil&rsquo;s development.
<h3 class="p3">Develop a reference tool</h3>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/schools/the-national-college">Continued professional development</a>&nbsp;is vital for TAs, as building up your skill set can pave the way for future opportunities in education. By tracking your daily routines and development in a teaching assistant planner, you have a handy reference tool that you can look back on for notes and guidance. It could also be used to shape personal development plans if you&rsquo;re able to identify situations where your skills could be enhanced or where you may have done something differently with hindsight.
As you can see, there are many benefits to using a teaching assistant planner and you&rsquo;ll find a wide array of options online which can be downloaded. We recommend finding one that you like and including it in your daily working routine &ndash; you certainly won&rsquo;t regret it!
<h3 class="p3">Let Tradewind help you build a rewarding teaching assistant career</h3>
If you're ready to start the search for your next role, we can help. As one of the UK's top teaching assistant agencies, we help candidates all around the UK find an education job that is suited to them. View <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">all teaching assistant careers</a>&nbsp;to find an assortment of roles, including part-time TA jobs, graduate teaching assistant jobs and SEN TA jobs.&nbsp;Or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started">submit your CV</a> and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Why you should be using a Teaching Assistant planner

There are a myriad of reasons for embarking on a career as a supply teacher, not least the fact that industry demand is particularly high at present. With the amount UK schools spend on supply teacher agencies increasing by 18.5% in the past four years and the expected addition of 13,800 new teachers required by 2020/21, it&rsquo;s clear that the need for skilled, qualified supply teachers is more urgent than ever.
Whether you&rsquo;re just launching your career as a supply teacher or you are a seasoned professional, you&rsquo;ll likely need more tools and techniques up your sleeve to meet the growing demand for supply teacher services. With supply teachers working across different schools, age levels and subjects, it&rsquo;s important to be able to hit the ground running in every new teaching situation.
Here are a few of our favourite strategies to help you excel in your next supply teacher job:
<h3 class="p3">Set the tone from the beginning of the lesson</h3>
When you&rsquo;re starting a new supply teacher assignment, it pays to arrive at your new school &ndash; and classroom &ndash; early, for many reasons. The first is to familiarise yourself with school procedures, such as behaviour policies and health and safety regulations. If your new classroom has a seating plan, run through it and practice the pronunciation of student names. Examine lesson plans and notes left by previous teachers, setting up the whiteboard and other teaching resources according to your preferences. There may be behavioural management strategies in place or other important information about students, along with disciplinary action plans that apply to the whole classroom. Learn these and adhere to them &ndash; the regular teacher will likely have gone to great lengths to implement such policies, and you&rsquo;ll help to assert yourself sooner if you stick to the same rules.
Set the tone with your new pupils from the moment they enter the room by greeting them with confidence &ndash; and a smile. You&rsquo;ll want to assert your authority while also coming across as approachable. Be firm but fair, and be prepared to &lsquo;wing it&rsquo; as required &ndash; students can sense weakness or fear in supply teachers, so you&rsquo;ll need to appear calm and composed at all times.
<h3 class="p3">Have a contingency strategy if there are no lesson plans</h3>
In an ideal world, supply teachers will always be met with up-to-date notes on student behaviour and progress, along with detailed lesson plans. However, there will be times when unexpected or unplanned teacher absences leave you without guidelines on how to run your lesson. In these situations, it&rsquo;s vital you&rsquo;re prepared with your own resources to lead the classroom. Activity books, extra stationery, curriculum guides and games are all important to have in your supply teacher kit &ndash; and if you can read up in advance to stay fresh on curriculum expectations for your year level and subject, you&rsquo;ll feel even more prepared walking into the classroom.
If there&rsquo;s a teaching assistant in your class, ask them to help guide you on lesson plans and where the classroom is at. Always have time-filler activities in the back of your mind to help transition from quiet periods. Spelling games, group story-telling, news discussions and mathematics games like Around the World can all help to liven up a classroom running out of things to do.
<h3 class="p3">Explain your expectations and don&rsquo;t budge on them</h3>
Discipline can be particularly challenging as a supply teacher, where students can feel tempted to act up and see how much they get away with. Set your expectations for the classroom from the get-go, and deal with every problem as it arises. If students see you letting them get away with behaviour they would normally be pulled up on, you can quickly lose control of the classroom. Instead, be diligent with discipline, even if it&rsquo;s as simple as addressing someone when they are being disruptive by reminding them that it&rsquo;s another student&rsquo;s time to talk. For more insight, read this article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/everyday-struggles-of-a-teacher-and-how-to-overcome-them">everyday teaching challenges and solutions</a>.
Enjoy it!
Supply teaching can be challenging, but so rewarding. You&rsquo;ll encounter many students who you can help in different ways, leaving your mark on classrooms and schools alike. And don&rsquo;t forget to communicate your feedback to teachers and your supply agency!&nbsp;
At Tradewind Recruitment, we thrive on finding the right education employment opportunities for teachers and support staff across the UK. For your next opportunity, click here to <a href="/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">view our latest jobs.</a>&nbsp;

Strategies for classroom management as a supply teacher

What is the role of an Early Years Teaching Assistant?
Early years teaching assistants play a pivotal role in supporting children during their initial years in education. While you can expect the role to vary from school to school, you&rsquo;ll still be able to make a big difference to the pupils you help, both in and out of the classroom.
Expect to support teachers during lessons, providing one-to-one support to youngsters when required and helping to maintain behavioural standards to minimise any disruption. This may include assistance for pupils with special educational needs (SEN), ensuring that they have the best environment in which to learn.
&nbsp;
What does an early years teaching assistant do?
Early years teaching assistants have a unique opportunity to help nurture each child&rsquo;s natural curiosity to learn, with a degree of freedom over this is done. This will include supporting a teacher with lesson delivery, such as sourcing and printing worksheets, creating eye-catching wall displays and collecting pupils&rsquo; work. All of these tasks enable the main classroom teacher to focus on the delivery of lesson content and behaviour, helping to cut their workloads and potential stress levels.
For young pupils, early years teaching assistants can also play a pivotal role in identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This can make a big difference to a pupil&rsquo;s development, as it ensures that teaching is tailored to their specific needs. In instances where pupils are shy, nervous or unsure of their surroundings, staff can also help them to feel safer in the school environment. Early years teaching assistants can also help those with low self-esteem or with behavioural issues, as these youngsters can often benefit from additional attention.
&nbsp;
What other skills might be required in the role?
Depending on your experience as an early years teaching assistant, you may also play a role in helping teachers to create lesson plans. Here, your knowledge of individual pupils and their specific needs will enable you to shape lessons that best support their learning requirements. Good communication skills are a necessity in the role, as you&rsquo;ll need to speak with other school staff, pupils and sometimes their parents on a regular basis, providing information in a way that all can understand. Ultimately, you&rsquo;ll be helping each child you support to develop a set of essential skills that they&rsquo;ll use throughout their lives.
If the thought of being an early years teaching assistant is appealing, get in touch with us today to discover how we can help with your career progression.
&nbsp;
How Tradewind can support Early Year Teaching Assistants in their job search
We have hundreds of teaching assistant roles available, find your perfect job here.
We have lots of resources online to help support your TA job search, from writing the perfect CV to our top interview tips. If you have any worries about starting a new Teaching Assistant role, we have collated our top 10 tips for new TA&rsquo;s.

What is the role of an Early Years Teaching Assistant

If you&rsquo;re looking for a new role in the education sector, turning to a recruitment agency could be just the ticket. But with false information to be found in all corners, what do you need to know to tell fact from fiction? Aside from the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-benefits-of-working-with-an-education-recruitment-agency">benefits of working with an education recruiter</a>, here we bust the myths that surround recruitment agency processes and reveal how to go about finding your dream role.
<h2>&lsquo;The only jobs available are what is online&rsquo;</h2>
False! While there are many&nbsp;hundreds of jobs listed online, there&rsquo;s a lot going on behind the scenes in agencies too. Via close connections with the schools they work with, recruitment agencies are often the first in the know when it comes to new vacancies. This puts those they work with at a serious advantage, as individuals could be put forward for roles that are yet to be publicly advertised. Recruiters should also be able to talk you through the job market in your region, providing a range of careers advice and different opportunities.
<h2>&lsquo;Recruiters just want to place me into roles quickly&rsquo;</h2>
False! The majority of recruiters have long-standing relationships with schools and local councils, and they don&rsquo;t want to risk damaging those relationships by rushing into things. The majority of contracts require new staff to be in a role for a minimum period of time prior to payment, so recruiters will want to ensure that you&rsquo;re the right fit for the role you&rsquo;re being put forward for. Ultimately it benefits all parties if you&rsquo;re happy and successful in a new teaching job. This means doing a series of checks, getting to understand what you do and don&rsquo;t want from a role, and ultimately not submitting an application on your behalf if it isn&rsquo;t the right fit for you.
<h2>&lsquo;Recruiters only care about money&rsquo;</h2>
False! As touched on above, it&rsquo;s beneficial to keep both job hunters and schools happy. This puts the emphasis on finding the right placement for a candidate, and this has a knock-on benefit of enhancing the wellbeing of all involved. Our recruiters want to place you into a role that best suits your skills, in a school that will appreciate them.
<h2>&lsquo;Recruiters won&rsquo;t help me after I get the role&rsquo;</h2>
False! Not only do our recruiters stay in regular contact with our candidates, but they&rsquo;re also on-hand to provide useful guidance and advice. There&rsquo;s also a range of carefully curated continued professional development courses available which can help you to enhance your skills and stay fully up-to-date with the latest developments in the sector. Your recruiter is always just a phone call away.
<h2>&lsquo;Recruitment agencies are only good for short term fixes&rsquo;</h2>
While we do offer interim roles and fill supply teaching jobs, we also look to the&nbsp;<a href="/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longer term</a>. Catering to your needs is incredibly important to us and we&rsquo;ll go that extra mile to ensure you&rsquo;re in the best position possible to succeed next time you step into a classroom. We&rsquo;ll look at your skills and personality to ensure you&rsquo;re suitable for a placement, and can provide a range of resources to increase your likelihood of being a success.
<div>
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Primary Teacher or Secondary Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;resources to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
&nbsp;
We have&nbsp;hundreds of primary teacher vacancies&nbsp; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secondary teaching positions</a> available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.
</div>

Myth busting recruitment agency processes

The number of pupils with special educational needs has increased over the last three years, driving up demand for intervention specialists in schools.
But what role do they have to play in primary and secondary schools, and why are educational settings so keen to have them on board?
<h2>Demand for SEN support is rising</h2>
According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/985162/Special_educational_needs_Publication_May21_final.pdf">latest figures</a> from the Department for Education, there were 1.37 million pupils with some form of special educational need in 2020, accounting for 15.5% of the school population.
Despite falling steadily from a peak in 2010, the number of pupils requiring SEN support has grown since 2018, resulting in a growing demand for related assistance services.
This has a knock-on impact on student needs across the education system, as primary and secondary schools will need to make adjustments to cater for pupils with SEN.
<h2>What are intervention specialists?</h2>
Intervention specialists are responsible for helping children with SEN and a range of other social adjustment needs in whatever educational settings they find themselves in.
They&rsquo;ll be expected to create means of support for pupils and to deliver them within school settings in order to help provide better learning outcomes.
These programmes of support are often tailored based on a number of different factors, such as considering the pupil&rsquo;s age and cultural background, to meeting more specific needs.
<h2>What role do they play in schools?</h2>
A key part of an intervention specialist&rsquo;s role relates to identifying pupil needs and developing strategies to enable those pupils to be successful.
Crucial to this is communication with parents and other school staff to ensure that all parties are aware of how best to provide support to meet pupil needs.
Most interventions are done in primary schools to support pupils with English and mathematics, including with key skills such as reading and writing, although it is not uncommon for further support be provided in secondary schools as well.
Different methods of learning may be required in order to enhance understanding and a wide range of techniques and support might be used, depending on what help a specific pupil requires.
Ultimately, intervention specialists will look to make a difference to pupil education and learning outcomes, making them a key asset for schools across the country.
Interested in applying? You can view all of our jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Why demand is high for Intervention Specialists in schools

English is a notoriously difficult language to master, meaning English teachers are constantly on the lookout for <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-tips-to-help-your-english-students-in-the-classroom">top tips to make english lessons fun and engaging</a>.
Once pupils reach&nbsp;secondary school, they start to tackle some of the more complex elements of English, but with the written word all around them, there&rsquo;s plenty of resources at a teacher&rsquo;s disposal.
Here we take a look at some of the more innovative ways of exploring the English language in a secondary school classroom, from role play through to new ways of encouraging discussion&hellip;
<h2>Balance the use of technology</h2>
It may sound like a simple approach, but with the prevalent use of phones and laptops, many youngsters rely on technology to correct mistakes and to help them write.
By removing this technology, they can be forced to consider why they are saying what they are and to put the methodology into practice.
Pupils will learn as they work and there&rsquo;s plenty of opportunities to provide feedback, enabling a constant process of development.
At the same time, some online learning platforms can provide students with valuable support, especially if they are struggling to grasp certain theory or reasoning.
In these instances, encourage pupils to take advantage of the technology at their disposal, as the change of approach may enhance their understanding.
For further information, read this article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-could-chatgpt-change-the-world-of-education">how AI tools like ChatGPT could change education</a>.
Also related is this article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-does-computing-help-with-core-subjects">how computing supports core subjects</a>.
<h2>Creative ways of starting discussion</h2>
As a language subject, a fantastic way of developing English skills comes via discussion and debate in the classroom.
English teachers can facilitate these discussions in a wide number of ways, from posing vast open-ended questions around world topics such as sustainability or climate change, through to &lsquo;what if&hellip;&rsquo; scenarios with a range of outcomes.
This encourages pupils to express themselves and to apply elements of English learning to real-life situations.
To take things a step further, pupils could be asked to act out their answers or to deliver them via role play in front of the class &ndash; this can help to bring to life what they are saying and to stimulate further discussion.
An alternative is to invite speakers and guests into classroom to encourage discussion through thought-provoking talks and presentations.
<h2>Look to be authentic</h2>
From newspaper cuttings to digital news stories, there&rsquo;s plenty of information out there, and thanks to the internet more becomes available by the day.
These authentic resources enable secondary school English teachers to use topics of interest within daily classroom work, which tends to boost pupil engagement.
Whether it is YouTube videos or news channels, pupils could be asked to recreate what they see, to discuss it, or to analyse it against a set of differing ideas or criteria.
By mixing up the resources used, English teachers can ensure that no two lessons are the same and that there are numerous opportunities to make the learning memorable.
<h2>Think about the classroom space</h2>
The learning environment makes a big difference to how pupils learn and it&rsquo;s important for it to be dynamic where possible.
Secondary school English teachers should give thought to how their classroom is laid out, as ideally the set-up will enable space for individual working at times, as well as for group work and collaborative learning.
This might be achieved by simply moving a few tables, or you might want to have certain spaces which are dedicated for certain tasks so that pupils can easily concentrate.
By thinking outside-of-the-box, it should be possible to create an environment which can enhance language teaching.
Search for the latest <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/english-teacher-jobs">English teacher positions</a> and apply today or read <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-tips-to-help-your-english-students-in-the-classroom">top tips to help your English students</a>.

Innovative methods for teaching English in a secondary school classroom

Teaching assistants are a valuable asset in any classroom, as they can support teachers in the delivery of top quality education.
Not only can they enhance access to the curriculum for pupils, especially for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), but teaching assistants also have a key role to play when it comes to <a title="" href="https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/best-practice/inclusion-how-to-plan-lessons-with-your-teaching-assistant-classroom-teaching-teachers-send-pupil-support-pedagogy-intervention-small-group-tutoring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promoting inclusion</a>.
To maximise the potential impact of a teaching assistant, communication between them and teachers is vital &ndash; from managing classroom behaviour to developing lesson plans so that all pupils can benefit.
Developing good working relationships is key to this so that a teaching assistant can understand the teacher&rsquo;s style of teaching and their classroom techniques.
<h2>Utilising the knowledge of teaching assistants</h2>
Teaching Assistant amass a special set of skills throughout their career. Ideally, teachers should incorporate a teaching assistant into all of their lesson planning and should not simply view them as an add-on to the classroom setting.
All support staff, whether they are teaching assistants or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/sen-teaching-assistant-how-to-become-one">SEN teaching assistants</a>, will often be aware of issues that a pupil might be facing. It's important they they can follow the pupils progress so they can liaise with teachers when it comes to planning how to help pupils reach their learning goals.
Even if a teacher does not have the opportunity to sit down and discuss lesson plans in great detail, they should still ensure that a teaching assistant has prior access to the resources so they are aware of what to expect.
<h2>The importance of feedback</h2>
Both teachers and a teaching assistant should have feedback sessions as regularly as possible to discuss the things that pupils do and do not understand.
Their observations on pupil performance can be used to shape future lesson planning as tough topics can be revisited to maximise pupil understanding.
<a title="" href="https://www.jotform.com/blog/student-progress-tracking/">Tracking student progress</a> could be in note format at the end of the lesson or as part of a more formal weekly catch up, if time allows &ndash; either way, it provides the teaching assistant with a chance to highlight topics and subjects that need attention.
<h2>Sharing and supplementing teaching</h2>
Teachers can also instruct teaching assistants to provide support across the classroom &ndash; rather than just to an assigned child &ndash; to ensure that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-can-teaching-assistants-help-students-engage-in-the-classroom">all students are engaged</a>&nbsp;and can develop their conceptual understanding.
This could involve group work, whereby the teacher works with one group while a teaching assistant works with another, giving the teacher a chance to work with pupils who might be struggling.
With effective lesson planning, the teacher and teaching assistant can swap groups throughout the lesson or week so that all pupils can benefit.
By empowering teaching assistants, teachers can create a healthier and more engaging learning environment, which is better for both staff and pupils.
For more useful information, read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-are-the-5-key-ingredients-of-a-great-lesson-plan">5 key ingredients of a great lesson plan</a>.
<h2>Let Tradewind help you build a rewarding teaching assistant career</h2>
If you're ready to start the search for your next role, you can view&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">all teaching assistant jobs</a>. Or,&nbsp;<a title="" href="/get-started">submit your CV</a> and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

How teaching assistants can help with lesson planning

If you&rsquo;re an early career teacher preparing for your first week in the classroom, we appreciate that it can be as daunting as it is exciting.
After all, you&rsquo;re about to embark on a journey of nurturing the next generation of talent, so you&rsquo;ll undoubtedly be keen to get off to a great start.
But preparation really is key when it comes to making your <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-ect-induction-period">ECT induction</a> years a success, so here are some useful tips to guide you through the first few days in a new school&hellip;&nbsp;
<h2>1. Ask!</h2>
It&rsquo;s important to remember that many of the things you&rsquo;ll experience as an ECT will be new, so if you&rsquo;re ever unsure of anything, just ask!
You won&rsquo;t be expected to know everything, and the majority of staff will have completed an ECT induction, or similar, during their career, meaning they&rsquo;re well placed to provide support and guidance.
<h2>2. Take charge</h2>
From the outset, make sure you have a clear set of expectations for your class &ndash; that way they&rsquo;ll know when they may be sanctioned or rewarded.
Don&rsquo;t be afraid to poach behaviour management from other ECTs or senior school staff too, as ultimately it should help you to forge positive relationships with your pupils.
<h2>3. Be confident!</h2>
After all the effort that you&rsquo;ve put into becoming an ECT, make sure that&rsquo;s reflected when you&rsquo;re in the classroom.
If you&rsquo;re ever short of confidence in your first few days, or during your ECT years more generally, just remember that you&rsquo;ve earned the right to be a teacher by completing all the training to date!
<h2>4. Think about how you present yourself</h2>
Just as you can show confidence, it&rsquo;s also vital to make a great first impression and that means giving plenty of thought to how you present yourself.
While you may want to appear friendly and relaxed, being too much of either may ultimately make it more difficult to control and discipline the class in the long term &ndash; finding the right balance is key.
<h2>5. Be a friendly face for school staff</h2>
It may sound obvious, but in the early stages of your ECT induction years you should be friendly to all school staff you meet &ndash; you never know when you might need their support with something.
From the head teacher to support staff and the caretaker, get to know everyone as that way you&rsquo;ll know who to turn to if you require specific help.
<h2>6. Don&rsquo;t be a perfectionist</h2>
While you may want to be a perfectionist, learning when to say something is &lsquo;good enough&rsquo; is imperative to getting things done.
Spending too much time on tasks as an ECT or not being able to take yourself away from something will ultimately put more pressure on both you and your time management.
<h2>7. Be flexible</h2>
If you deviate from your lesson plans at any stage, don&rsquo;t worry, as you should look to give pupils as many opportunities as possible to express themselves.
It&rsquo;s also important to recognise that while one class might find something engaging, another might not, so factoring in a degree of flexibility can be pivotal towards enhancing learning outcomes.
<h2>8. Reflect</h2>
Everyone makes mistakes during their ECT year and they will form a vital part of your learning process as a teacher &ndash; be sure to take time to reflect on each day or week as part of your own professional development.
Think about what worked and what didn&rsquo;t in lessons, and ask yourself if anything could have been done differently to improve teaching delivery.
<h2>9. Make sure to switch off</h2>
For your first week as an ECT, it&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll be very tired at the end of each day, so make sure you give yourself enough time to sleep and recharge your batteries!
You might find yourself thinking a lot about each day at work, but switching off and relaxing in the confines of your own home should help as you get used to a new way of working.
<h2>10. Embrace the experience!</h2>
Now you&rsquo;re an ECT, make sure you embrace the experiences and the challenges of the classroom as that way you&rsquo;ll stand the best chance of helping your pupils to be successful!
How Tradewind Recruitment support ECTs during their induction period
Keep in touch with your local recruitment consultant during your induction period and they will be able to help you with any questions you have from lesson planning to planning your journey to your school! Check out our&nbsp;top tips for ECTs, our favourite&nbsp;resources you can use,&nbsp;how to manage behaviour in the classroom&nbsp;and how you can&nbsp;keep organised during your first year.
Looking for a new <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/early-career-teaching-jobs">ECT role</a>? We have&nbsp;hundreds of vacancies available.

Top 10 tips to support you in your first week as an ECT

If you&rsquo;re on the hunt for a new teaching role, knowing what to expect in an interview can make all the difference.
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Whether you want to look for a new role within your current school, are pursuing a role elsewhere, or are an early career teacher looking to embark on your career, here&rsquo;s what you may want to consider.
<h2>Pre-interview preparation</h2>
Preparation is key when it comes to teaching interviews and interviewers will be able to spot when you&rsquo;ve put the effort in. Do your research ahead of the interview and seek out all the information you can about the school, its history, ethos, policies and the like. Understand the approaches that are taken to safeguarding, behaviour management and assessments for learning, and refer to them when answering questions during the interview itself.
Plan your journey to the school and give yourself enough time to make the journey comfortably and without rushing. Being on time is vital!
<h2>What to wear to an interview</h2>
First impressions can make all the difference and it starts with your attire. Dress smartly, be friendly and have a smile on your face &ndash; these factors may seem simplistic, but they don&rsquo;t go unnoticed.
<h2>What to take with you</h2>
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation so you can go equipped with it all to the interview too. Have a copy of your DBS certificate and have ID handy, as well as any other papers that have been requested.
<h2>During the interview</h2>
Be prepared for tough questions and prepare answers, and parts of answers, in advance. If you can, discuss them with a friend or family member as you may find that you can expand on parts of your answers or add in lines on certain experiences. Be sure to relate your answers to the teaching role and the school you are applying for.
<h2>The interview/demo lesson</h2>
As a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills in action, engagement can be key to getting to know a new set of pupils quickly. Include lots of question and answer sessions in the lesson and don&rsquo;t be afraid to do something different if it engages the class.
You should have several copies of your lesson plan to hand too, as interviewers can see what you are planning to do. If the demo lesson is cut short for any reason, at least your intentions can be seen.
<h2>Questions to prepare for</h2>
Why did you apply for this particular role?
You should talk about the key aspects of the role and what specifically attracted you to it, as well as wider points related to what attracted you into teaching. Your answer will be unique to you and it will provide plenty of insight into why you have made the choices you have. You can also show passion for teaching and link in your career aspirations if you&rsquo;re an ECT.
Why did you choose to teach this particular age range?
Again, this answer will be unique to you and is an opportunity for you to detail why you prefer to work with specific year groups, or why you differentiate between primary and secondary school teaching. You may want to talk about the rewarding nature of the work and the ability to deliver various different outcomes.
Why do you want to work at our school?
Showcase your research and highlight what makes the particular school standout from others &ndash; be it achievements, its ethos or other factors. Know key information around results, the school&rsquo;s reputation, its catchment area and anything else you think is relevant.
How would you work with a teaching assistant in your classroom?
Discuss how you can work with others and highlight the need for collaborative working in the classroom. Show how you would integrate a teaching assistant into your lesson plans and to what degree you would rely on them for assistance. This will vary by teacher and by the lessons being delivered, so you should showcase flexible approaches to teaching where possible.
How will you manage challenges at work?
Teaching brings with it numerous challenges and the interviewer will want to see that you recognise that. Refer to instances from your time in teacher training or during your ECT year and detail how you overcome them. Did you struggle to balance lesson planning with a full teaching caseload? If so, talk about it. Or if you&rsquo;ve had additional responsibilities in past roles that required more time than anticipated, discuss how you found a solution.
What are the core skills and qualities that pupils look for in teachers?
This question should enable you to showcase your teaching style and to explain how you feel it fits in a classroom environment. Recognise that different styles exist and showcase the positive aspects &ndash; including your drive, passion for teaching, patience, sense of humour and ability to communicate &ndash; that are associated with your particular way of doing things.
What qualities do you have which would make you an effective teacher?
Take this opportunity to assess the role you are applying for and to relate your skills to the key requirements of the role. Aspects such as patience and flexibility could be considered, alongside how a role can be rewarding. Think about the means of creating and delivering lesson plans and of the need to adapt to different situations as they arise.
Describe a good lesson
Look to mention the importance of preparation and refer back to successful lessons you have taught in the past. What worked well and what didn&rsquo;t, and discuss how the experience enabled you to shape your teaching style as a result. This is a chance to show that you analyse your lessons on a regular basis and that you can pick out strengths and weaknesses to work on and develop.
Describe the teaching method you find most effective
Showcase the need for flexibility and that different teaching styles can be required in different situations. Although you will likely have a predominant style that you prefer, it&rsquo;s an opportunity to highlight how you can use various approaches as you see fit. You may also want to discuss why you feel some methods are more effective than others in those situations.
How would you deal with a pupil who is not co-operating?
This is an opportunity to discuss behaviour management strategies and to talk about what works for you in detail. Refer to previous experiences and talk about situations where you were able to bring a difficult, or potentially difficult, situation under control. It&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll have plenty of examples, so you can showcase how your approaches have the desired results.
Show examples of how you have achieved each of the Teaching Standards
Highlight your knowledge of the&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/665520/Teachers__Standards.pdf">Teaching Standards</a> and remember that they represent the bare minimum of what is expected. Look to showcase examples where you excel and approach each standard individually when answering.
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-resources-for-sen-teachers">Inteview resources for SEN teachers</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-cover-supervisors">Interview techniques for cover supervisors</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-best-answers-for-common-teaching-assistant-interview-questions">The best answers for common teaching assitant interview questions</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-5-things-to-include-in-a-job-application-for-ects">Top 5 things to include in a job application for ECTs</a>
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Interview techniques for teachers

There are more than half-a-million teaching assistants and other similar school staff in England, providing valuable support to teachers and pupils alike.
From helping&nbsp;to craft lesson plans to providing one-to-one classroom assistance, TAs are often called on to help pupils fulfil their potential. They may also work with pupils with special educational needs, depending on their experience and qualifications.
But did you know that there are plenty of different contract options for TAs? You could&nbsp;work as a part-time TA,&nbsp;and while some staff are employed on permanent full-year contracts, most are employed on term-time only, casual or part-time contracts.
&nbsp;
<h2>Could a part time TA role be right for you?</h2>
For those in teacher assistant part-time jobs, it means flexibility and the chance to often work when and how often you choose. You can expect to find these types of TA roles in primary and secondary schools, special schools, academies and nursery settings, providing plenty of choice when it comes to selecting your place of work too.
Your salary will vary depending on how much you work and your responsibilities, with employment conditions set by the school or by the local authority. As a general rule of thumb, if you take on greater responsibility, you can expect to be paid more accordingly.
<h2> Understanding TA working hours</h2>
It will come as little surprise that TA working hours often match those of the school day, especially during term time. Even if you work part-time (such as on selected days), you can still expect to generally work core hours of 9am to 3pm, with a little leeway on either side.
You may also be required to oversee after school clubs and other events depending on your experience, while attendance at training sessions might also be needed at certain points throughout the academic year. You can expect all of these to be paid at your regular rates.
If you&rsquo;re considering a teacher assistant part-time job, you&rsquo;ll want to look carefully at your contract to see what exactly is expected of you. Many schools look for temporary solutions to meet their specific needs or those of their pupils, especially if focused one-to-one support is required. This type of work might heavily influence the hours or days you are required to work, while you may also be able to split individual support between other TAs, depending on the situation.
Ultimately, you should find that part-time TA roles provide an abundance of flexibility, enabling you to find a work-life balance that suits you.
<h2> Begin the search for your next teaching assistant role</h2>
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Now that you know the skills that you need to succeed, it's time to put your career in gear. Check out the latest&nbsp;<a href="/teaching-assistant-jobs">teaching assistant jobs </a>and you'll find vacancies across the UK. Our process is streamlined, so you could have your applications submitted in just a few clicks.
Alternatively,&nbsp;<a href="/contact-us">contact our team </a>and we'll be in touch to discuss how we can support your education career. Our recruitment consultants take great pride in being one of the leading education recruitment agencies in the UK. We work hard to deliver the highest quality candidate care and match you with a teaching job that is perfect for you.
</div>

Can you work part time as a TA?

The&nbsp;importance of teaching assistants within the education sector is well recognised, as they provide valuable support for teachers in and out of the classroom. From primary and secondary school settings to special schools and other institutions, thousands of TAs help pupils to maximise their potential.
To achieve this, teaching assistants require a highly varied skillset, and they&rsquo;ll often have strengths in several areas, as we demonstrate here.
<h2>Relationship building</h2>
Alongside developing working relationships with other school staff, TAs also need to build trusting relationships with the pupils they support.
This helps to keep pupils engaged in lessons and increases the likelihood of them raising any issues if they&rsquo;re struggling to understand elements of the curriculum.
<h2>Communication</h2>
It might sound obvious, but much of the teaching assistant role in schools revolves around communication &ndash; from planning lessons with teachers to discussing topics with pupils.
TAs will need to chat clearly and concisely with pupils as this helps to limit confusion while simplifying tasks can also benefit youngsters by ensuring they understand the nature of the work.
<h2>Understanding learning</h2>
Any TA needs to know how youngsters learn, and this involves having a clear understanding of the key educational, development and learning theory.
This knowledge enables a teaching assistant to adopt different approaches with different pupils, making it possible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-can-teaching-assistants-help-students-engage-in-the-classroom" data-ol-has-click-handler="">provide the best learning environment</a> for them.
<h2>Resilience</h2>
Working as a TA can mean individuals deal with a wide range of different situations, and not all of them will be straightforward to manage.
A teaching assistant will need to quickly assess a situation and act accordingly in line with any school rules and procedures, making resilience a key strength.
<h2>Patience</h2>
Pupils will learn at different rates and will understand topics differently too, meaning a TA will require patience to help them through the learning process.
They&rsquo;ll need to be calm and composed in any given situation and will need to recognise that there won&rsquo;t necessarily be a quick fix to a problem.
<h2>Passion</h2>
Passion and enthusiasm often shine through in many different job roles, but this is especially the case with teaching assistants.
This passion reflects well on an individual and helps to boost engagement too, as pupils can tell when a TA has a genuine interest in helping them to succeed.
<h2>Other things to consider</h2>
If you&rsquo;re considering a role as a TA, you&rsquo;ll also want to showcase additional skills and knowledge at the interview, including any relevant qualifications you might have.
Experience in care and school settings is often also considered relevant for teaching assistant roles, as many of the key soft skills are easily transferable between the sectors.
Lastly, remember that while TAs will have a range of strengths, there are many opportunities for personal development to overcome any weaknesses that might exist too &ndash; so you don&rsquo;t have to be the finished article right now.
<h2>Find your next Teaching Assistant job with Tradewind</h2>
As one of the leading teaching assistant recruitment agencies in the UK, you can trust us to help you find your next role. Whether you're looking for a part-time TA role to find around your other commitments, an SEN teaching assistant job where you can have a big impact or you're looking to find your first TA role after your studies, we can help. Check out all&nbsp;<a title="" href="http://https//www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" data-ol-has-click-handler="">teaching assistant vacancies</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us" data-ol-has-click-handler="">get in touch</a> if you need some help finding a role that's suited to you.
Have you found the role you were looking for? The next step is to brush up on your interview techniques and you can start by familiarising yourself with the&nbsp;<a title="" href="http://https//www.twrecruitment.com/post/2020-12/answers-for-common-teaching-assistant-interview-questions" data-ol-has-click-handler="">commonly asked TA interview questions</a>.

What are the key strengths of a teaching assistant?

Pupils are currently returning to exam halls, providing teachers with fresh challenges that they haven&rsquo;t needed to address for several years. With many youngsters taking tests for the first time since the pandemic and with exams running until the end of June, here&rsquo;s how teachers can support pupils in the weeks ahead. This is especially important given that&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/children-gcses-alevels-nspcc-association-of-school-and-college-leaders-b999996.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">ChildLine</a> has reported a surge in youngsters seeking support for stress and anxiety issues relating to exams in recent months.
One way to support pupils is to acknowledge the challenging nature of exams, as this also helps to normalise some of the anxiety that they are facing. It can also be helpful to encourage youngsters to take regular breaks during periods of revision and to emphasise the importance of sleeping and eating well.
<h2>Guidance for your students</h2>
It&rsquo;s imperative to note that the exam period this year is slightly longer than normal, starting mid-May through to the end of June, as part of efforts to mitigate the potential impacts of Covid-19. In some subjects, there will be at least a 10-day gap between exams to ensure that pupils will not miss all tests in that subject. Teachers should look to reassure pupils on the processes associated with exams and should check the relevant exam boards for the latest information as this can then be relayed to students.
<h2>How exam grades will be decided</h2>
Exam boards are also set to be more lenient when deciding grade boundaries this year, designed to alleviate some of the anxiety faced by pupils who feel they have lost out on education. Be as supportive as possible when any questions are asked and remind pupils of the ways they could break down challenging questions to make them more understandable.
<h2>Changes to exams and how they work</h2>
It is key to note that there have been some <a title="" href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1052385/advance_information_postcard_2022-02-03_1446.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">adjustments to the way that the exams will work</a>, including more information being provided to students on what to revise, fewer topics needing to be learnt and the use of support materials. This is expected to only be available this academic year so be sure to give all the information that you can to your students.
<h2>Support for students</h2>
YoungMinds has a wealth of&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/resources/staying-mentally-healthy-during-exams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">support materials for school staff</a> which can be downloaded, all of which are designed to make it easier to help pupils through the exam period. Exam results are expected in mid-to-late August, with A-level outcomes released on 15 August, and GCSE results following a week later on 22 August. Also, read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/4-tips-to-prepare-your-students-for-their-upcoming-exams">4 tips to prepare your students for their upcoming exams</a>.
Here by mistake and looking for our current <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/exam-invigilator-jobs">Exam Invigilator roles</a>? Take a look at our current exam vacancies.&nbsp;
<h5>Related Articles</h5>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/supporting-students-emotional-wellbeing-throughout-the-exam-period">Supporting students emotional wellbeing throughout the exam period</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/4-tips-to-prepare-your-students-for-their-upcoming-exams">4 tips to prepare your students for their upcoming exams</a>
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How to support your students during the exam period 

Taking the classroom outside brings with it an array of&nbsp;exciting benefits for youngsters, which is why a rising number of primary teachers are choosing to embrace nature.
As the weather improves, encouraging youngsters out into the playground for lessons can be a great way of getting them more engaged, both&nbsp;with lesson content&nbsp;and the world around them. It&rsquo;s a move that is also known to enhance wellbeing,&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://ltl.org.uk/news/evidence-shows-outdoor-learning-supports-childrens-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bringing with it mental benefits</a>, while also supporting child development.
Here we explore the many benefits of outdoor learning and take a closer look at what&nbsp;primary teachers may wish to focus on as summer looms.
<h2>How outdoor learning helps to develop key skills</h2>
For primary teachers, using an outdoor space can be a&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.aspe-uk.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ASPE-Nov-2021-Bulletin-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">great way to enhance learning</a>. Pupils tend to be more engaged and can develop a number of skills, in addition to a better awareness of the environment.
You can put the focus on basic communication or problem solving, working to enhance what has been discussed in the classroom. Alternatively, venturing outdoors provides ample opportunity for experimentation or contextual learning.
<h2>Providing a welcome confidence boost</h2>
A key benefit of outdoor learning is the impact it has on youngsters. At an age when they are highly inquisitive, the sense of independence that comes with being outdoors is known to motivate and boost confidence.
The move often has a positive impact on a child&rsquo;s self-esteem too, again because they can feel that they have a greater degree of freedom to explore and to learn at their own pace. According to a 2018 report into&nbsp;<a href="https://outdoorclassroomday.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/11/Muddy-Hands-FINAL.pdf">Outdoor Classroom Day</a>, a move outdoors is one of the &lsquo;cheapest and easiest ways&rsquo; to reduce some of the pressures faced by children.
Enhancing the curriculum
<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The national curriculum</a> is packed with topics that are designed to be explored in a multitude of ways. Learning the theory in the classroom can be one small part of the process, as going outdoors provides youngsters with an opportunity to experience certain subjects up close and to put the theory into practice.
From outdoor reading and drama to discovering nature, primary teachers can bring teaching alive with real-life experiences. This tends to increase recall and enables youngsters to learn new skills as they go, including critical thinking and problem solving.
<h2>Putting inclusivity at the heart of learning</h2>
For some children, the classroom environment may not be the best place for them to learn. Moving outside into a different environment, especially when supporting children with special educational needs, can drive engagement and provide new opportunities. For inspiration, read our guide on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/summer-learning-ideas-for-sen-teachers">summer learning ideas for SEN teachers</a>.
All pupils can be encouraged to participate when outdoors, as it should be possible to find a broader range of ways to engage with them. When planning lessons, look to give primary youngsters plenty of different chances to take part, ideally via numerous different activities. Ultimately, this should allow you to maximise the benefits of taking the session outdoors.
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Primary Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Primary Teacher looking for support in writing your CV,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/planning-and-organisation-strategies-for-primary-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">general help with keeping organised</a>, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">resources</a> to help with that.
If you're looking for your next <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">primary teacher school role</a>, we have many opportunities for newly qualified primary teachers. Alternatively, if you're not completely sure what role would best suit you,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">register with us today</a> and one of our consultants will be able to help you out!

The benefits of outdoor learning activities for Primary students

If you&rsquo;re an early career teacher and have your eyes set on a career in the classroom, showcasing your skills and experience in the right way will be pivotal to landing your first role.
Alongside the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-5-things-to-include-in-a-job-application-for-ects">top things to include in a job application</a> and creating a standout CV that demonstrates exactly what you can bring to the table as a new teacher, you&rsquo;ll also need an eye-catching cover letter to go with it.
Here we&rsquo;ve listed some handy tips and resources to help you on your way, which we hope will give you the best possible chance of landing your dream ECT role.
<h2>Polishing your CV and online presence</h2>
In order to make your CV stand out, you&rsquo;ll need to do plenty of research before you get started, as you should target your CV at the specific role and school you&rsquo;re applying for.
Recruiters will notice when time and care has been taken over an application, so avoid sending generic documents and tailor your CV every time you go for a new teaching position.
Although not directly related to your CV, you&rsquo;ll also want to check how you appear online, to ensure that nothing appears which could be detrimental to your application. Adjusting your social media settings, for example, can limit what a potential recruiter or employer could find out about you.
<h2>Demonstrating your experience</h2>
Even though you might lack some classroom time when compared to other applicants, make sure your ECT placement experience is prominent in your application.
Details around the type of school and class sizes, as well as pupil ages and any additional responsibilities, should all feature in the experience section.
You should also showcase this demonstrable experience in your personal profile at the top of your CV so that it is one of the first things that a recruiter sees.
Also consider if you have transferable skills from previous employment or life experiences that could be applied in a classroom setting &ndash; again, you&rsquo;ll want to be able to demonstrate any examples of things like teamwork and communication, time management or IT skills.
Keep things simple and easy to read throughout, and don&rsquo;t feel you need to be extravagant in order to stand out &ndash; recruiters want to find information, so the easier that is, the better chance you have of success!
<h2>Crafting your cover letter</h2>
The key thing to remember with your cover letter is that it&rsquo;s your first impression &ndash; so make it count!
You should keep the structure of your cover letter simple &ndash; alongside contact details at the top, include space for your signature at the bottom and keep it to one side of A4 paper.
Keep examples short throughout and aim for between six and ten sentences in total, as keeping things clear and concise will help your letter to stand out.
Address it to an individual, such as the recruiter or hiring agent (often named in the job advertisement), or contact the school if the information is not provided. If all else fails, opt for &lsquo;Dear Sir/Madam&rsquo; instead.
Following this, you should detail the name of the school, the position you&rsquo;re applying for, and where you saw the job advertised, before reiterating that your documents represent an application for that ECT position.
<h2>Showcasing the best of you</h2>
To make an impression, you&rsquo;ll want to make sure that your cover letter reflects the specific needs of the school you&rsquo;re applying to be a new teacher at.
We recommend reading the job description carefully and picking out the main two or three asks.
This is where you can really excel, as this section provides an opportunity to demonstrate situations you have been involved in, alongside the actions and positive results that you were able to achieve.
Relate these to the main requirements of the role to ensure they reflect your subject knowledge, understanding of behavioural policies and personal skills.
In addition to the points relating to the job listing, you should also provide a brief introduction to yourself, although we recommend avoiding repetition from anything that may be on your CV.
Ideally, you&rsquo;ll be able to show your educational background, previous experience and cover any potential career gaps.
<h2>Re-read everything!</h2>
Once you&rsquo;ve finished writing your cover letter and CV, it&rsquo;s important to read through it and to check for spelling and other grammatical errors.
Then, look to get a friend or family member to do the same, as they should be able to highlight any errors or recommend structural changes if it doesn&rsquo;t read clearly.
All that&rsquo;s left is to apply for your <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/early-career-teaching-jobs">ECT job role</a>, so good luck!
<div class="edit">
Interested in applying?&nbsp;Check our openings or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
</div>

How ECTs can write a standout CV and cover letter

<h2>The 5 key ingredients of a great lesson plan</h2>
No two lessons are the same, but they should always be underpinned by the same core set of teaching principles.
Delivering great lessons requires great planning, and here we have the five key ingredients to ensure that your lessons hit the mark every time.&nbsp;
<h2>1. Follow-up / recap</h2>
Have pupils retained knowledge from previous classes?
Great lessons don&rsquo;t exist in isolation and each should be linked to the last when possible. One way to do this involves recapping at the start of lessons, either through small activities or classroom discussion.
An alternative is to talk through homework tasks if they relate to the last topics covered, with pupils encouraged to discuss areas they found difficult and topics they struggled with.
This part of the lesson is also vital when one lesson is used as the building block for next, as a teacher will need assurances that pupils understand the basics before progressing onto more complex material.
<h2>2. Objective setting</h2>
What do you want to achieve in the lesson?
It&rsquo;s important for all lessons to have recognisable learning outcomes and these can be detailed in the form of learning objectives.
What elements of the curriculum are being covered and what should a child be able to do by the end of the lesson?
By telling pupils what they should be able to achieve, they are given a sense of purpose and those with a competitive streak will often strive to out-do their peers.
Ideally all of these objectives will follow the SMART approach too, as it provides a good way for teachers to track progress. This means they will be:
<ul>
<li>Specific</li>
<li>Measurable</li>
<li>Attainable</li>
<li>Relevant</li>
<li>Time-bound</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. Introduce the new concepts</h2>
A chance to explain the core theory and principles being looked at
Any lesson needs to build on a pupils existing knowledge by introducing something new, as this ensures a constant process of learning and development.
Numerous approaches can be used to do this, from presentations and class readings to demonstrations showcasing experiments in the sciences.
Less is usually more in the first instance, as pupils can take the information on-board, process it and then follow up if they are unsure.
There should be time for discussion, giving pupils the opportunity to ask questions and for a teacher to revisit anything that is not fully understood.
<h2>4. Practice by doing</h2>
Allow pupils to put the theory to the test
After discussing the theory and the principles on which it is based, pupils should be given time to put it into practice through a range of tasks and activities.
This may include elements of textbook learning, further research, pre-set questions or a set of hypothetical situations displayed on the board.
All should be underpinned by the new subject matter and must direct pupils towards achieving the objectives set out at the start of the lesson.
<h2>5. Wrap-up</h2>
Test pupils knowledge and understanding
A great lesson looks back over what has been taught and looks to ensure that pupils can demonstrate their understanding.
This might take the shape of quick-fire questions or a mini-test, a game or even a discussion, depending on the subject.
Teachers can then shape future lessons based on the outcomes, as the wrap-up should demonstrate whether pupils have grasped the core learning, or whether a different approach might be needed to embed understanding.
And there you have it, the five key ingredients for a delectable lesson plan!
<a href="/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Start your Tradewind journey today</a> and put your good lesson planning into practice!
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/lesson-observation-guide-for-primary-teachers">Lesson observation guide for primary teachers</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-power-of-collaborative-learning">The power of collaborative learning</a>
&nbsp;

What are the 5 key ingredients of a great lesson plan?

Cover supervisors have a pivotal role to play in classrooms across the UK, and for those looking to further their careers in education, it can provide several routes into teaching.
Although the role involves supervision and no active teaching &ndash; a <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-to-be-a-successful-cover-supervisor">successful cover supervisor</a> must simply watch over pupils and administer pre-set work &ndash; it can provide useful experience of the classroom environment.
Other elements of the role, such as understanding school policies and managing pupil behaviour, are also important in a teaching job and are, therefore, suitable skills that can provide a platform for the future.
Not only do you gain valuable insight into what life in a school is like, but you&rsquo;ll also get first-hand experience of the responsibilities and challenges faced by teachers daily.
&nbsp;
<h2>Several potential routes into teaching</h2>
A cover supervisor role can act as a route into teaching as a stepping stone towards becoming a qualified teacher, and it can be possible to gain qualified teacher status via a school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) programme or an equivalent.
These programmes are often delivered by groups of schools in partnership with universities, and you should be able to gain a post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE), as well as Qualified Teacher Status.
In some instances, schools may offer these opportunities to individuals in supply roles &ndash; such as cover supervisors and teaching assistants &ndash; if they feel they are suited to making the transition into teaching.
Another option is the assessment-only route, although this is predominantly for very experienced staff who have spent a lot of time in the classroom previously, but who may not have qualified teacher status.
This route requires an individual to be job-ready, and assessors will look at a trainee&rsquo;s portfolio and observe lessons as part of the process, which takes around 12 weeks.
If you&rsquo;ve worked as an unqualified teacher previously, have a degree and can demonstrate substantial classroom experience, this option may be available from a cover supervisor role.
While full-time teaching represents a huge step up in terms of qualifications and experience, a cover supervisor role can provide the basis for a successful career in education.
You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs">jobs</a> here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
Related Articles
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-cover-supervisor-and-a-supply-teacher">What is the difference between a cover supervisor and a supply teacher?</a>

How can a Cover Supervisor become a teacher?

Teaching assistants have a pivotal role to play both in and out of the classroom, and especially when it comes to supporting pupils with special education needs (SEN).
But what does an SEN teaching assistant do and what does their average day consist of? If you&rsquo;re tempted by a career as a teaching assistant, here&rsquo;s what you need to know.
Not only does the role provide an opportunity to make a big difference, as it revolves around helping pupils with SEN to reach their potential, but every day will be different.
You can expect to work with pupils with a wide array of behaviour and learning challenges, meaning varied approaches will be needed, depending on the individual and situation.
Primarily, an SEN teaching assistant is there to support the teacher and to aid the pupil to develop their understanding.
<h2>What does the average school day include?</h2>
The day for many SEN teaching assistants begins with a briefing with other staff to discuss the day ahead and the challenges that may need to be addressed.
In special schools designed for pupils with <a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs">SEN</a>, more than one teaching assistant might be present in each classroom.
Lessons will be delivered throughout the day, with an SEN teaching assistant providing support when necessary to the teacher.
An SEN teaching assistant may also provide care and support to pupils during break times, depending on their particular needs and requirements.
<h2>The rewards of the role</h2>
At the end of the school day, teaching assistants may have a short debrief or a planning session to ensure that specific lessons or materials are prepared and ready in advance.
Planning is a key part of the role as it helps to recognise potential challenges and to ensure that resources are available to mitigate any behavioural or other issues.
Over time, SEN teaching assistants will form close bonds with the pupils they support and will be there to help them succeed and to witness their successes.
The role might require patience at times, but being an SEN teaching assistant offers rewards that you won&rsquo;t find in many other roles.
Interested in applying? You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs">Special Educational Needs jobs</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
<h3>Related Articles</h3>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/5-teaching-strategies-for-sen-pupils">5 teaching strategies for SEN pupils</a>

A day in the life of an SEN Teaching Assistant

Since being added to the&nbsp;National Curriculum in 2014, computing has helped hundreds of thousands of pupils to develop new digital skills. But the impact of that education goes far beyond just computing as a subject, as the skills learnt can be applied across the learning syllabus.
From aiding the development of problem solving and team working skills to enhancing communication, here we look at how computing can help with a range of core subjects.
<h2 class="p3">Introducing National Coding Week</h2>
The addition of computing to the curriculum coincided with the launch of National Coding Week, the brainchild of head teacher Richard Rolfe and technology entrepreneur Jordan Love. Marked annually from the third Monday in September, it seeks to encourage more adults and young people to learn coding, while highlighting the benefits of possessing technological skills.
<h2 class="p3">How computing helps develop a broad skill set</h2>
Knowledge of technology is increasingly important in the modern world, but an understanding of how to apply it is equally vital. Many of the skills can be applied in different aspects of the workplace, helping to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed. This also enables teachers to bring digital skills into other areas of the curriculum.
<h3 class="p3">Computing and maths</h3>
Computing requires similar skills to those used in&nbsp;maths, as it requires the use of logic when trying to solve problems.&nbsp;Mathematical processes are found at the heart of computer algorithms, while computing can also help to build an understanding of data and how to use it.
The two subjects are often linked in higher education too, so the development of key skills at a young age can help to lay the foundations for children considering a career in IT or computer science.
<h3 class="p3">Computing and English</h3>
The theory behind computing syntax &ndash; how data is ordered and understood &ndash; is closely linked to the syntax of the&nbsp;English language. An understanding of the basics can help pupils with their sentence structure, as it encourages them to give careful consideration to how sentences are formed. For example, does a line include all of the necessary information and does it drive the desired thought process among those reading it?
<h3 class="p3">Computing and History</h3>
Computing can also provide a pathway for developing our understanding of past events and the people behind them. You may want to look into the life of Ada Lovelace, who wrote the world&rsquo;s first computer program in 1843.
Alternatively, you could teach your class about the role of Alan Turing, a mathematician and computer scientist who is arguably one of 20th century Britain&rsquo;s most influential figures. Considered to be one of the founding fathers of artificial intelligence, alongside his work on probability theory and machine learning, he was influential in helping the Allies to crack secretive German Enigma codes during the Second World War.
These are just a handful of instances where computing can be linked into other core subjects, but it can provide numerous routes for starting discussion and debate during lessons. Teachers looking to mark Coding Week in their classrooms can also find a wide range of resources on the&nbsp;National Coding Week website.
<h3 class="p1">Artificial Intelligence</h3>
Look our emerging education AI technologies like <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-could-chatgpt-change-the-world-of-education">ChatGPT which could benefit both teachers and students</a> alike.
<h4 class="p3">How Tradewind can support you in finding your perfect role in education</h4>
We have hundreds of vacancies available, take your next career move and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs">apply for our current roles.</a>

How does computing help with core subjects?

Thousands of teaching assistants play an essential role in supporting teachers across England and it can be both a flexible and highly rewarding position.
From aiding those in primary or secondary education to giving support to those with special educational needs, it&rsquo;s a role that often involves working with individuals or small groups of pupils.
It&rsquo;s also a great opportunity to gain experience ahead of a potential career in the classroom, and if you&rsquo;re considering a teaching assistant role it helps to know what qualifications are out there to help you on your way.
You should also note that local authorities and schools will set the requirements for roles, so the required skills and qualifications can vary greatly by geographic areas.
&nbsp;
What qualifications are there for teaching assistants?
Among the main qualifications are the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and the Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate, in addition to the Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools and the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma.
These awards often include elements of classroom time and are designed to be flexible, while they can be completed without working in an educational setting.
Alongside cementing the basic skills, these qualifications will help to demonstrate an understanding of behavioural management, learning processes and pupil welfare &ndash; vital elements of a teaching assistant role.
If you&rsquo;re considering a teaching assistant role, previous experience in childcare, youth work or nurseries can be useful, while a university degree can also be used to show skills competency.
In addition, you&rsquo;ll also need qualifications in literacy and numeracy at GCSE level or equivalent to enrol.
&nbsp;
The differences between teaching assistant qualifications
The key difference between level 2 and level 3 is the depth of information that is tested, with level 2 designed to outline the basic principles and knowledge needed to fulfil a teaching assistant role.
This provides preparation for work in primary education or with older pupils, giving you the platform to successfully transition into a career in the classroom.
You&rsquo;ll also be prepared for some of the challenges you may face and will have the necessary knowledge to support a wide array of classroom activities.
Level 3 qualifications aim to build on the basics, enhancing your skills and knowledge in the process, while deepening your understanding of what to expect.
These qualifications are more likely to be required for specialised roles, including those in SEN education, or for higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) roles, which have greater responsibility.
&nbsp;
You can view all <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our job postings</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications?

Teaching assistants require a great deal of patience, but it&rsquo;s an incredibly rewarding role where individuals can see success happening in front of them.
This is especially the case when a teaching assistant is providing one-to-one support to pupils, as they will deliver tailored assistance to help them reach their potential.
Some roles also provide support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), although qualifications and prior experience are often required.
Teaching assistants in these roles may support pupils from a diverse range of backgrounds and with a range of learning and behavioural difficulties.
<h2>The role of 1:1 support</h2>
Delivering 1:1 <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/supporting-dyslexic-students-in-schools">support for dyslexic students</a> as an example is designed to ensure that a pupil&rsquo;s needs are met, providing them with the necessary tools to concentrate and complete tasks assigned to them.
From listening to pupils and guiding them where appropriate, to giving feedback on their progress to parents and school staff, teaching assistants who provide specialist support have many responsibilities.
They are also committed to safeguarding and protecting a pupil&rsquo;s wellbeing while ensuring that any particular care needs are met.
A teaching assistant should look to develop a supportive and secure relationship with the child that is built on respect, inclusivity and which promotes self-esteem.
&nbsp;
<h2>Specialist assistance</h2>
In certain instances, pupils may also have specific intervention programmes and needs, which will differ from child to child &ndash; a teaching assistant will have a key role in ensuring these programmes are delivered effectively.
As specialist teaching assistants have a good understanding of the pupil&rsquo;s needs, they can also play a pivotal role in developing learning activities, tasks and resources that can most benefit their needs.
On the back of this, they are well-placed to guide the child on how best to use the materials to target specific learning outcomes.
Confidence in one&rsquo;s ability to provide effective support is essential, and several courses and qualifications are available for those who want to enhance their skills.
It is generally expected that all work will be carried out in line with the particular ethos of an individual school and that a teaching assistant will stay up-to-date with educational policy developments and other factors which may influence their role.
For more information, read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-by-new-teaching-assistants">frequently asked questions by new teaching assistants</a>.
You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-assistant-jobs">SEN TA jobs</a> here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

What is expected of teaching assistants when supporting a child on a 1:1 basis?

In such a fast-paced environment where the classroom setting is ever changing, it can be a pretty daunting exercise maintaining the structure.
Although adaptability is everything in the classroom, here&rsquo;s some top planning and organisation tips to help stand you in good stead throughout the school year.
<h2 class="p3">Keep things as simple as possible</h2>
It&rsquo;s important to remember that every primary school&nbsp;pupil will be different and they may require varied levels of help and support.
All planning and organisation should therefore take account of this, ensuring that pupils have adequate time to both understand and complete the tasks being given to them. Also, you should <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-teachers-can-best-prepare-for-ofsted-visits">prepare for Ofsted visits</a>.
While this may slow elements of the lesson down, especially where additional resources or materials are required, some basic approaches can make a big difference.
Instructions and processes should be simplified as much as possible, and you may wish to break down bigger tasks into smaller manageable chunks.
It&rsquo;s also worth ensuring that pupils understanding what is being asked of them, so time should be included to demonstrate and run through the learning processes.
<h2 class="p3">Think about the classroom set-up</h2>
Organising a classroom requires a primary teacher&nbsp;to consider several key pointers &ndash; from their own desk to the layout of tables.
Look to keep the number of items on your own desk to a minimum and place it in a position where can have oversight of the entire class.
Tables should then be arranged so that no one has their back to the board, with desks arranged in small groups or in a U-shaped layouts often popular.
Children should also have space to move around as necessary and any resources should be positioned in easy to access areas to ensure that classroom tasks can be started as quickly as possible.
<h2 class="p3">Know the week ahead</h2>
With many different lessons and tasks to manage throughout a week, alongside meetings and other essential activities, it&rsquo;s important for a teacher to know what any day involves.
A desk calendar can help with organisation, acting as a support to digital calendars found with email account and similar, as it provides a simple and visual means of tracking important dates, events and meetings.
You may also want to colour code your diary for certain lessons or tasks, as it can be a useful way of staying on top of any marking or lesson planning deadlines.
<h2 class="p3">Remember that flexibility is key</h2>
As touched on previously, children may learn at different rates and understanding things differently, meaning it might not always be possible to stick rigidly to plans.
Flexibility is therefore vital within any planning, as you&rsquo;ll need to have back-up activities and support resources ready in case the direction of a lesson changes slightly or youngsters are not sure on certain concepts.
Worksheets can be easily organised into folders by topics to help with this, and kept in easily accessible locations so that they can be used as and when required.
Interested in applying? You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">primary teacher job roles</a> and apply today&nbsp;or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
Related Articles
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/lesson-observation-guide-for-primary-teachers">Lesson observation guide for primary teachers</a>

Planning and Organisation Strategies for Primary Teachers

Trainees will be able to gain qualified teacher status based on their progression if they are unable to complete their courses due to the pandemic, according to new guidance.
The updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-criteria">guidance </a>for initial teacher training providers from the Department for Education is designed to give trainees a chance to qualify and recognises that varying levels of disruption have occurred across the country.
Training providers can put in QTS recommendations in instances where they are &ldquo;satisfied that the trainee has demonstrated adequate progress towards meeting the teachers&rsquo; standards during their course, and would have met them, were it not for disruption relating to coronavirus&rdquo;.
<h2>Mimicking the approach from 2020</h2>
The new guidance matches that from the last academic year when a similar process was used for ITT courses which were disrupted.
Providers have been told that courses should remain as &ldquo;comprehensive as possible&rdquo; and that the process for recommending teachers for QTS should only be used &ldquo;where appropriate and necessary&rdquo;.
All of the updated guidance remains subject to parliamentary approval and is set to be discussed in detail in the spring.
<h2>Further guidance expected</h2>
In instances where trainees are unable to demonstrate the required progress towards meeting the teachers&rsquo; standards, the guidance states they should not be recommended for QTS.
The guidance suggests that this may include individuals with limited practical teaching experience, especially in instances where their classroom time was &ldquo;significantly curtailed&rdquo; as a result of the pandemic.
The Department for Education is yet to issue guidance for initial teacher training providers on what to do in such instances, although they have said they are monitoring the situation closely and will publish further guidance in due course.
An additional ruling could permit trainees to gain practical experience outside of England in the coming year, in recognition of the disruption caused by the pandemic.
While it is normal for the majority of training to be completed in the country, the Department for Education has acknowledged that 2021 provides an unprecedented situation which may require alternative approaches to those usually used.
You can view all of our jobs here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

What guidance will help trainees gain qualified teacher status?

Teaching assistants play a key role in supporting classroom teachers, as well as helping to engage pupils and aid their development.
There is the full-time equivalent of more than 271,000 teaching assistants working in England, according to the <a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest government data</a>&nbsp;&ndash; the highest figure for more than a decade.
Although teacher assistant jobs won't always be easy, there's always a solution to a challenge. When it comes to boosting engagement in the classroom, there are a few options and we'll take you through them. What's important is to remember that the best methods to use will depend on the students that you're teaching.
From working with pupils on a one-to-one basis, to providing guidance and support when it is needed most, here&rsquo;s how teaching assistants can boost pupil engagement.
Supporting the classroom teacher
Creating an effective learning environment relies on school staff making students feel comfortable and safe, and TAs provide valuable support to teachers to help make this happen.
TAs have an opportunity to build trust with pupils and to assist with communication&nbsp;so that all tasks and lesson materials can be understood.
This helps to keep pupils focused on the subject matter while minimising any potential disruption to their learning or that of others.
Why communication with teachers is vital
Communication with the teacher and in advance of lessons and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/resources/for-individuals/articles/advice-for-improving-your-workplace-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">practice active listening</a>. This will put you in a better place to answer questions that pupils may have.
Providing clear answers and guidance is crucial when looking to keep pupils engaged, as it ensures they understand what they are being asked to do.
A teacher can also talk through the learning aims of the lesson and provide details of any pupils who may have specific learning requirements and can take this into account when providing answers.
Encourage pupils to discuss their learning
Some TAs will work with individual pupils, while others may work in small groups, but all should be encouraged to talk through what they are learning.
Not only can this highlight areas that pupils might not fully understand, but it can also help to shape future lesson planning&nbsp;if several youngsters are struggling with the same subject matter.
By talking about the work at hand, pupils are also more likely to be focused on learning rather than potentially causing disruption. Edutopia has outlined <a href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/9-strategies-getting-more-students-talk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nine strategies to get students talking</a>&nbsp;that you can put into action in your classroom.
Just be mindful that you will need to tailor the level of questioning to the ability levels of the students, as questions that are too complex could create confusion.
Be prepared to adapt
Lessons don&rsquo;t always go to plan. So no matter whether you're a graduate teaching assistant or you're a tenured employee, you always need to be ready for the unexpected &ndash; there might be a need to adapt the work slightly or to change tasks entirely to keep pupils engaged.
Having a mini whiteboard and pen available can be good for demonstrations, while it can also be used to encourage pupils to think differently about a task.
This can be a particularly engaging means of teaching support, as it can enable pupils to break tasks down into smaller pieces or to explore the theory they are learning in different ways.
It&rsquo;s best to prompt youngsters rather than provide answers, as that way they are encouraged to discover the subject matter and understand it in their way.
Are you looking for a change in your education career?
Whether you're looking to specialise in special education needs, find a flexible part-time job or a challenging role that will give you the experience you need to progress, we can help you. At Tradewind, we are a specialist teaching assistant recruitment agency and we're passionate about matching education staff with roles where they feel that can have a huge impact. View&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all teaching assistant jobs</a>, or you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
<h4 class="p1">Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/keeping-the-classroom-engaged-for-the-final-weeks-of-term">Keeping the classroom engaged for the final weeks of term</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/strategies-for-motivating-secondary-students">Strategies for motivating secondary students</a>
&nbsp;

How can teaching assistants help students engage in the classroom?

With exam season fast approaching,&nbsp;teachers have a pivotal role to play when it comes to preparing their students.
If they&rsquo;re to succeed in the exam hall, pupils will need to be confident in their abilities and prepared for what they will face.
This involves make the whole process easier to understand, often achieved via the use of learning tools and mock exams.
Here we have four top tips for teachers, so you can ensure your pupils are as ready for their exams as can be.
1. Your preparation is key too
Knowledge and understanding is needed close to home too, and every teacher should take time to ensure they know the exam process and what the assessment will look for.
This way, you&rsquo;ll be able to answer any questions that your students may have, helping to put any potential fears at ease, while also being aware of any changes that may have recently occurred.
Pay careful attention to any minor curriculum changes and think about how parts of it could be assessed &ndash; especially in instances where the exams commonly follow a standardised format.
2. Revision sessions
Structured revision sessions can be a great way to boost your students&rsquo; confidence and to focus on particular areas of the curriculum that they may be struggling to understand.
First up, encourage pupils to discuss areas they are not sure on, as the revision sessions can then be tailored to best support them.
Pupils should also be encouraged to support each other in the sessions too, as peer to peer learning can also help to enhance their understanding ahead of exams.
3. Reflect on learning
If you&rsquo;ve worked through past questions as part of the revision process, have a period at the end to chat through answers too and to note down the key elements of each answer.
You may also want to revisit some of the work from previous sessions when starting a new one, just as you would in lessons.
This serves to deepen knowledge and understanding, while also keeping the content fresh in pupils&rsquo; minds.
4. Constantly focus on the basics
As exams get closer, always remind your pupils of the exam basics they need to remember &ndash; using past papers can be a great way of doing this.
Ensure they know to always read the question through multiple times in order to answer effectively and make sure that your students recognise the language of exams too, as this will also influence how they go about answering on test day.
Explain the importance of looking out for key words which detail the task, such as &lsquo;describe&rsquo; or &lsquo;summarise&rsquo; and the role that time management plays &ndash; less time on questions worth fewer marks and a greater amount on those worth more.
&nbsp;
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&nbsp;

4 tips to prepare your students for their upcoming exams

The role of a reader or scribe is to read and/or write under the direction of the student. A scribe is an adult who writes down what a student dictates. The student may be unable to write or have difficulty in producing clear text or diagrams for many different reasons.
As a reader is a person who reads the exam paper to students and reads back their answers when the student asks them.
<h2>Would I suit the role?</h2>
You require no previous experience to become an Reader or scribe, as FULL training is provided. An Reader or scribe is only required during exam periods which is usually November, December, January, May and June, however, exams can fall outside this time too.&nbsp;
Generally, you will be required for around 3 hours at a time. The role would be a great stepping stone for someone looking to move into the education sector. It would also suit a student who may have some spare time whilst at university, or a mum or dad with a bit of time to spare during work hours.
Whilst the job takes very little physical effort, it does require someone that is switched on and alert. A patient and calm character would benefit the role as you can be dealing with potentially stressed and panicked students.
<h2>How much can I earn?</h2>
At Tradewind the average wage for an <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-do-i-become-an-exam-invigilator">exam invigilator</a> is &pound;10 per hour, and most exams you would be expected to work for around 3 hours. If you were to work one exam per day for one month, you could earn yourself around &pound;1000 per month! The amount of exams you work is normally down to your choice, so you can do as many or as few as you like. Interested in applying, view the latest <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/exam-invigilator-jobs">exam invigilator job vacancies</a> today.

How do I become a reader or scribe?

Having gained Qualified Teacher Status, new teachers in England must complete an induction period which is designed to show they can put the theory into practice.
The induction for an early career teacher (ECT) acts as the bridge between initial teacher training and a long term career in the classroom.
It includes an array of support for teachers that is focused on their professional development, and checks that they meet the relevant teachers&rsquo; standards.
In order to complete their induction, an ECT can work in a maintained school in England, as well as in an independent school setting such as free schools, academies and nurseries.
The only exception is if a school is designated by Ofsted to be under special measures, in which case an induction cannot be completed there.
Read our top <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-10-tips-to-support-you-in-your-first-week-as-an-ect">10 tips to support you in the first week as an ECT</a> article.
<h2>Extended period of induction</h2>
In previous years, the induction period covered one year of full-time teaching, or an extended period based on the number of hours worked &ndash; for instance, an ECT teaching for half a week would require two years to complete their induction.
However, new government plans known as the Early Career Framework mean that from September 2021, all ECTs will complete a two-year induction period, with far greater support available than was previously offered.
The two-year statutory induction period for new teachers is already in place in a number of early roll-out areas, where the new plans were implemented from September 2020, including in parts of Greater Manchester, the North East, Bradford and Doncaster.
Under the new plans, ECTs will be assessed at the end of the two-year period to ensure they meet the government&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teachers&rsquo; standards</a>.
<h2>Flexible alternatives</h2>
If a teacher has not completed an induction period, they can still undertake short-term supply work of less than one term for up to five years from gaining their qualified teacher status.
However, it&rsquo;s important to note that these short periods of work cannot count towards induction, although an induction programme could be put in place should the contract be extended beyond one term (as long as the school involved is suitable for induction).
It is also possible for an ECT to complete the induction period in multiple schools simultaneously, as long as an individual works at both schools regularly and one institution is left in charge of the assessment.
Alternatively, an ECT could complete their induction at multiple schools, one after the other, provided that one or more full terms are completed, and all relevant assessments are up-to-date.
Using an agency, like Tradewind Recruitment, can provide plenty of flexibility, as they can help an ECT to assess their options and take the stress out of finding multiple teaching placements across the school year which can count towards their induction.&nbsp;
<h2>The support to expect</h2>
Under the Early Career Framework, those completing their ECT induction can expect regular one-to-one mentoring to aid their development.
Support will also be given to the mentors so they are aware of what is being asked of them, while the government has promised financial support for schools to cover the additional mentoring time.
In addition, schools can access an array of resources and training through the framework, allowing them to aid an ECT&rsquo;s development.
An overview of the&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/early-career-framework-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Early Career Framework reforms</a> can be found on the official government website, while additional information on the new two-year induction is due to be published in spring 2021.
Read our guide on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/ecf-one-year-in">ECF curriculum, one year in</a>.
You can view all of our jobs here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
<h3>Related Articles</h3>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-guidance-will-help-trainees-gain-qts">What guidance will help trainees gain QTS</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/why-cpd-is-important">Why CPD is important for early career teachers</a>
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&nbsp;

A guide to the ECT induction period

Teaching assistants come from an array of different academic backgrounds, but psychology graduates are often in demand.
The nature of courses and the experience gained frequently means these graduates are well placed to give pupils an array of academic, social and emotional support.
This is particularly the case in SEN education, where teaching assistants may work with pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or those with Social, Emotional or Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
<h2>Putting theory into practice</h2>
Regardless of whether it&rsquo;s in primary education, secondary education or SEN, a teaching assistant role can allow a psychology graduate to put their latest theoretical knowledge into practice.
Their broad knowledge and understanding of behavioural issues, and how to manage them, can also be a valuable resource to schools and teachers.
Some of these approaches can help a teaching assistant to build a safe and supportive working environment, which is ultimately beneficial to all pupils.
<h2>Strong interpersonal skills</h2>
A high range of interpersonal skills are often present among psychology graduates too, and they are naturally inclined to take an interest in behaviour management.
This can enable a teaching assistant to provide tailored one-to-one support and build strong bonds with the pupils they are helping.
They can help to reassure pupils as they embrace primary education and new school settings, or they can provide guidance at secondary level ahead of exams or important life decisions.
Being able to do this forms a key part of helping a pupil to achieve their full potential, so if you&rsquo;re a psychology graduate who is keen to use your knowledge to help others, get in touch to see if a teaching assistant role could be right for you.
For more reading, learn <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/why-teaching-assistants-are-so-important-to-children">why teaching assistants are so important to children</a>.
Search for the latest <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">TA job roles</a> and apply today or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Why schools like Psychology Graduates working as Teaching Assistants

Life as an early careers teacher (ECT) features plenty of challenges, and perhaps none more so than facing up to your first parents&rsquo; evening.
But fear not, as preparation really is key to ensuring all goes smoothly. From fostering positive conversations to planning your time wisely and overcoming potential issues, here are some of the essential things to consider.
Start each meeting confidently
From smiling and sharing a positive greeting, to shaking hands and making eye contact with the parents, you should start each meeting confidently. This helps to build a rapport with them and shows that you are ready for the conversation. Avoid being withdrawn or reserved as this can come across as a sign of disinterest.
Look to create a positive environment for conversation
Most parents will have their children&rsquo;s best interests at heart, and if they think you do as well, they&rsquo;re more likely to open up and voice any issues or concerns. Try to ascertain what they know of their child&rsquo;s life at school, such as whether they are happy or facing issues, and use the answers to further the conversation on how best each child can be supported. Insights into a pupil&rsquo;s life at home can often prove invaluable when dealing with issues in the classroom, so it&rsquo;s important to take advantage of the opportunities that parents&rsquo; evening provides.
Have the essential discussion points to hand
Ahead of parents&rsquo; evening, make sure you have all the key numbers and notes that you may need to form the basis of a discussion. From a child&rsquo;s predicted grades or mock exam results to the number of classroom awards they may have been given, it can help to strengthen the points you make and highlight areas for improvement. These numbers can often be used as an indicator of progress too, even if it is somewhat simplistic. You may even wish to have a set of keywords for each child, designed to jog your memory or to act as a conversation starter.
Take lots of notes
Not only does note-taking provide you with a reference point for future discussions and target setting, but it is also a sign for the parents that you&rsquo;re invested in their child&rsquo;s education. This is especially important when looking to tackle key issues, as you&rsquo;ll have a note of any actions you might need to take in the classroom.
Set some targets for pupils
Having talked through a child&rsquo;s performance, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, look to discuss some specific targets which can then be measured. This gives a youngster something to work towards, and in some instances can help parents to push their child to achieve their full potential.
Don&rsquo;t be concerned if you can&rsquo;t answer all questions
Parents might sometimes quiz you on complicated issues or ask about something you don&rsquo;t know. This can happen regularly at parents&rsquo; evenings, so be sure to note it down and follow it up with a call or email in the days that follow. By taking this approach, an ECT has the time to seek appropriate answers and many parents will appreciate that you&rsquo;ve taken the time to resolve their query.
Useful resources
For a host of useful resources on overcoming your first parents&rsquo; evening as an ECT, check out <a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-c-1557-top-ten-tips-for-parents-evening-for-nqts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twinkl</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssatuk.co.uk/blog/first-year-teaching-first-parents-evening/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">schools, students and teachers network</a> (ssat). We also recommend talking to other school staff in the run-up to the evening itself, as they&rsquo;ll often have handy tips and insights based on their own experiences.
Supporting ECTs with finding their perfect role in education
Securing your first role as an ECT can be a daunting thought, Tradewind Recruitment can help ECTs with <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-ects-can-write-a-standout-cv-and-cover-letter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CV writing</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;interview prep; we&rsquo;ve also compiled our&nbsp;top tips to help you in the classroom.
If you&rsquo;re an ECT looking for your first role in education, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/early-career-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">current ECT vacancies</a> live on the website.

How to prepare for your first parents' evening as an ECT?

Taking the classroom outside in the summer brings a wide range of learning benefits with it, especially when supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Changing the surroundings can help to boost engagement with pupils, reduce elements of stress and provide a stark contrast to the learning environment they are used to.
Special educational needs (SEN) teachers may want to turn to outdoor activities as a means of developing skills too, particularly around problem solving and communication.
The government has placed an emphasis on outdoor teaching too, as the nature-friendly schools&rsquo; programme formed part of the wider environmental plan launched by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2018.
And while the needs of young people with SEN can differ widely from pupil to pupil, SEN teachers can still use the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/summer-learning-ideas-for-sen-teachers">outdoors to aid their summer teaching</a>, as we&rsquo;ve detailed here.
<h2>A complementary experience to the regular classroom</h2>
Providing an outdoor quiet space for pupils with SEN can allow them to do tasks as their own pace, giving them a feeling of space while they work.
This can also help to foster independence among pupils and can allow teachers to introduce learning concepts based on what is around them outside.&nbsp;
<h2>Reducing stress and anxiety</h2>
Primary SEN teachers may want to incorporate outdoor spaces as a means of reducing stress and enhancing sensory stimulation &ndash; reading is one such activity where pupils can benefit.
It is often easier to engage with pupils when they are calmer too, meaning it may be possible to enhance their knowledge and understanding.
<h2>The role of gardening</h2>
If space exists in the school grounds, having a gardening area can provide benefits for pupils with SEN, from enabling them to nurture their own plants and see how they develop.
It can also showcase the need for patience, which can be a key life skill for those who are struggling to fully understand the world around them.
<h2>Think about the structure of the outdoor environment</h2>
Any outdoor learning environment still needs to have a structure, with different areas set aside for different tasks and activities.
This should include quiet areas so that pupils can focus on the task at hand without any distractions while freeing up SEN teachers to provide individual support to pupils when it is required.
You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs">SEN teacher vacancies</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

How SEN teachers can use outdoor activities to aid teaching

Teaching pupils with special educational needs (SEN) can require a wide variety of skills and sensory resources to help them maximise their potential.
But SEN teachers have plenty of options at their disposal which can aid those in both primary and secondary education.
Resources should be simple and easy to implement in lessons, as this provides ample opportunity to ensure that pupils can grasp the concepts that are being focused on.
Here we have outlined some of the resources available to SEN teachers which can be weaved into lesson plans, regardless of the pupil&rsquo;s age.
<h2 class="p3">How sensory learning resources can help</h2>
Sensory learning aims to encourage children with SEN to use as many senses as possible while exploring topics, being creative and learning as they go.
These techniques can be particularly useful for children with SEN as they can aid their personal development and enable them to achieve their potential.
Using sensory learning in SEN education can help youngsters to concentrate, and help to tackle anxiety, as well as boosting their general happiness and motor skills.
In addition, sensory play can also encourage children to communicate with others in the classroom, helping to develop key language and social interaction skills.
<h2 class="p3">What resources are out there for SEN teachers?</h2>
A wide range of resources are available online for both primary education and those in secondary education settings, some of which we&rsquo;ve detailed below:
<a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/sensory-and-or-physical-needs-areas-of-need-primary-send-inclusion/sen-sensory/sen-sensory-activities-and-games" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twinkl</a> includes a host of sensory activities, games and resources, which can help children to discover their various senses, all designed by teachers for SEN teachers.
These resources can be easily integrated into lesson planning and can help to enhance brain development for those with SEN.
In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://inclusiveteach.com/free-printable-sen-teaching-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">InclusiveTeach</a>&nbsp;has printable SEN resources, alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://inclusiveteach.com/2020/03/20/150-sensory-learning-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">150 basic ideas</a> that can deliver different outcomes for children.
Plenty of information to support teaching staff can also be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sendgateway.org.uk/index.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SEND Gateway</a>, a set of resources developed by NASEN, the National Association for Special Educational Needs.
Another set of sensory resources is available via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tts-group.co.uk/primary/sen-special-direct/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TTS Group</a>, which includes specific resources designed to support pupils with a range of conditions, including autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia &ndash; allowing SEN teachers to create an engaging and stimulating classroom environment for their pupils.
Lastly, view the related articles for more information;
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/5-teaching-strategies-for-sen-pupils">5 teaching strategies for sen pupils</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/best-communication-strategies-for-sen-teachers">Best communication strategies for sen teachers</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/summer-learning-ideas-for-sen-teachers">Summer learning ideas for SEN teachers</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/supporting-dyslexic-students-in-schools">Supporting dyslexic students in schools</a>
Submit your CV or apply for for <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs">Sen teaching job roles</a> today, alternatively, please contact us and&nbsp; your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Sensory Lesson Resources for SEN Teachers

<h2>Step 1: Understand the Role and Responsibilities of an SEN Teaching Assistant</h2>
An SEN (Special Educational Needs) teaching assistant plays a crucial role in supporting students who face physical, behavioural, or learning challenges, often under the direct supervision of classroom teachers.&nbsp;
This could involve aiding an individual pupil, a small group, or even within a mainstream class setting or a specialised SEN school.
Key tasks of an SEN teaching assistant encompass:
<ul>
<li>Assisting students in grasping instructions and educational content using tailored techniques.</li>
<li>Boosting student confidence and fostering their independence.</li>
<li>Providing invaluable feedback to teachers and aiding in various classroom activities.</li>
<li>Sometimes, supporting students during leisure time and social activities might also be a part of the role.</li>
<li>Preparing educational materials under teacher guidance.</li>
<li>Operating inside and outside the classroom to assist individual students or groups.</li>
<li>Customising teaching methods to suit each student&rsquo;s distinct needs.</li>
<li>Ensuring the physical, social, and emotional well-being of students.</li>
<li>Crafting a vibrant and enriching environment for the students.</li>
<li>Offering vital information and assistance to teachers.</li>
<li>Assisting teachers in maintaining key student records and tracking achievements, progress, and activities.</li>
<li>Engaging with parents and other professionals, disseminating essential information to pertinent agencies for student welfare.</li>
<li>Collaborating on therapy or care plans tailored to individual student needs, often with the guidance of appropriate professionals.</li>
</ul>
While training for SEN teaching assistants parallels standard teaching assistants, attributes like patience, creativity, and adaptability are indispensable.&nbsp;
Given the evolving needs of each child, every day can be different.&nbsp;
Though the role might pose challenges, the rewards of aiding disadvantaged children to succeed in their educational journey are immense.
<h2 dir="ltr">Step 2: Enhance Your Eligibility for an SEN Teaching Assistant Role</h2>
Once you're acquainted with the demands of an SEN teaching assistant, it&rsquo;s paramount to equip yourself with the essential skills and qualifications.&nbsp;
It's pivotal to comprehend the prerequisites of the specific role you're eyeing.&nbsp;
Every employer might have distinct expectations; ensuring you meet these before applying will set you apart.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Step 3: Refine Your SEN Teaching Assistant CV</h3>
Your CV is often the initial touchpoint with potential employers, making it essential to keep it current and reflect your qualifications and experience. Remember, first impressions last!
To make a lasting impact:
<ul>
<li>Update your CV with all relevant qualifications and any recent work experiences.</li>
<li>Structure and present your CV to highlight your aptitude for the role.</li>
<li>Realising the paramountcy of a CV in your job hunt, we&rsquo;ve curated a comprehensive guide to ensure you craft an impressionable CV, paving your way towards a fulfilling career in education!</li>
</ul>
<h2>What skills do you need to become an SEN Teaching Assistant</h2>
Special educational needs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-sen-teaching-assistant" data-ol-has-click-handler="">(SEN) teaching assistants play a pivotal role</a> in supporting school staff and pupils across the entire breadth of the country.
Like any teaching job, it's a role that can be challenging, but it also brings with it an abundance of opportunities to help young and disadvantaged people excel in education.
But what skills make for a great SEN teaching assistant? The basics around care, compassion and empathy are required in most teaching jobs, but there&rsquo;s also a need to be highly flexible and to have great communication skills.
<h2 dir="ltr">The key qualifications and opportunities for progression</h2>
Although there are no set requirements to be an SEN teaching assistant, many individuals will have English and maths GCSEs, alongside specific training such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-level-2-and-level-3-teaching-assistant-qualifications" data-ol-has-click-handler="">Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification</a>.
These qualifications help to develop the necessary skills to be an SEN teaching assistant while showcasing additional communication skills, including British Sign Language, which can also be beneficial during an interview.
Once they have a significant level of classroom experience,&nbsp;teaching assistants can progress&nbsp;to become higher-level teaching assistants (HLTA) or fully-qualified teachers.
Others may specialise in SEN teaching, taking roles in mainstream or special schools to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
<h2 dir="ltr">What basic skills can help you to thrive as an SEN teaching assistant?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">Understanding</h3>
The role of an SEN teaching assistant is multifaceted.&nbsp;
Given the nature of the role and the type of pupils you&rsquo;ll be working with, an understanding of various special educational needs makes <a href="https://neu.org.uk/behaviour" data-ol-has-click-handler="">managing different behaviour situations</a> slightly easier.
<h3 dir="ltr">Patience</h3>
An SEN teaching assistant will also be expected to deal with situations calmly and sensitively and will need to recognise that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/supporting-pupils-with-sen-in-the-classroom/" data-ol-has-click-handler="">every SEN pupil is different</a>&nbsp;and will display unique behaviours and reactions.
<h2 dir="ltr">Communication</h2>
Strong communication skills enable you to deal with these challenging situations. At the same time, the role also requires a degree of flexibility, as approaches which work for some pupils may not work for others.
In addition to all of these skills, a great SEN teaching assistant will have the desire to constantly <a href="https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/special-educational-needs/schools-and-sen/classroom-help-for-sen" data-ol-has-click-handler="">improve the school learning environment</a> for the benefit of both themselves and the pupils they support.&nbsp;
This underlying drive enables them to deliver the best outcomes for those under their supervision, as it usually means that youngsters have access to the available tools and support.
<h2 dir="ltr">Thinking of becoming an SEN teaching assistant?</h2>
Now that you know your skills to succeed, it's time to put your career in gear.&nbsp;
Check out the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-assistant-jobs" data-ol-has-click-handler="">SEN teaching assistant jobs</a>; you'll find vacancies across the UK.&nbsp;
Our process is streamlined, so you can have your applications submitted in just a few clicks.
Alternatively,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us" data-ol-has-click-handler="">contact our team</a>, and we'll contact you to discuss how we can support your education career.&nbsp;
Our recruitment consultants take great pride in being one of the leading education recruitment agencies in the UK.&nbsp;
We work hard to deliver the highest quality candidate care and match you with a teaching job that is perfect for you.

SEN Teaching Assistant: How To Become One

Precision teaching is a highly flexible intervention designed to build children&rsquo;s confidence and help them fulfil their potential, but what other benefits does it provide?
According to the theory behind it, effective precision teaching target a child&rsquo;s &lsquo;zone of proximal development&rsquo; &ndash; defined as skill areas too difficult for them to master on their own, but which can be developed with the right guidance and supervision.
Once areas of potential weakness are identified, teachers can then provide the necessary knowledge and guidance to encourage a child to learn and develop at their own pace.
This is often done via the use of repetitive terms, on the basis that understanding is developed as a pupil&rsquo;s familiarity with the subject matter improves.
<h2>Understanding the benefits of precision learning</h2>
A range of children can benefit from the precision learning approach, as it can be used to aid progress, improve accuracy and even boost their willingness to learn.
Given the personalised nature of the approach, and rising class sizes, precision learning can be tough to implement in the classroom without teaching assistants or other support.
Instead of larger groups, it is most effective when done in small groups or on a one-to-one basis, as this enables the teacher to closely monitor progress and to change the areas of focus as required.
<h2>The importance of carefully targeted interventions</h2>
By using a targeted approach, teachers are able to focus on areas of the curriculum where youngsters need the most help, allowing them to build their word and number skills in the process.
This way, methods which are shown to best help learning can be replicated, while others which are not as effective can be dismissed.
This benefits pupils as their learning will develop naturally, as their spelling and reading will improve as they use and understand more terms.
<h2>Where to find precision teaching resources</h2>
A vast array of precision teaching resources can be found online, with both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/precision-teaching-resource-pack-11344237">Tes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/precision-teaching-guidance-pack-t-s-2548756">Twinkl</a> home to several teaching packs for use in the classroom.
Those in teaching jobs can also access subject specific resources and plenty of other tools which have been developed by teachers to support those with special educational needs.

What are the benefits of precision teaching?

Securing an interview for a teaching assistant role is the first step towards a new job, but it&rsquo;s only the start of the process.
Interview preparation is very much the key to success &ndash; you&rsquo;ll want to find out as much as you can about the school, its staff and its aims, with the latest&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ofsted report</a> usually a good starting point.
On top of that, you&rsquo;ll want to have a set of carefully considered answers which demonstrate your skills and suitability for the teaching assistant role, all backed up with relevant examples.
And while there are no set questions regarding what a prospective teaching assistant may or may not be asked, you can expect to be quizzed on several broad themes, including questions about the role itself, your relevant experience, communication skills, the school, and child protection.
Here, we&rsquo;ve focused on how you can ensure you&rsquo;re giving the best answers to any interview questions you might be asked.
<h2>Practice makes perfect</h2>
An important element of your teaching assistant interview preparation should focus on you demonstrating your skills &ndash; think carefully about the examples you&rsquo;ll provide if asked about certain topics.
If you&rsquo;ve been in a teaching assistant role before, this should be relatively straightforward, while if it&rsquo;s going to be your first job in education, consider any training and other examples from previous employment which required a similar set of skills.
Practical examples are often best, as you can back up what you say with information on outcomes or results &ndash; a common technique for doing this is known as the SAR method:
<ul>
<li>S - describe the&nbsp;situation</li>
<li>A - tell the interviewer what&nbsp;action&nbsp;you took</li>
<li>R - explain the&nbsp;results, including&nbsp;if and how it was a success, as well as outlining anything you may have learnt.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Pause for thought</h2>
When you&rsquo;re planning for an interview, practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with a friend &ndash; not only can you check your answers, but it&rsquo;s also a good way to tackle any pre-interview nerves.
Remember to pause for thought when answering questions, as this enables you to think about what you want to say and to ensure you speak clearly and succinctly.
You may wish to include information on&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/teaching-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">different teaching techniques</a>&nbsp;that you prefer in your answers, alongside information on various methods of behaviour management.
<h2>Some vital interview preparation to consider</h2>
In order to secure a&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">teaching assistant job</a>, you can expect to be asked about the role that you can expect to have in the classroom environment.
Simply put, any interviewer will want to know that you understand what the role entails, why it&rsquo;s important and how you can aid members of teaching staff with your presence.
You should also expect to be asked about elements of child protection and safety, including how you would respond to a number of hypothetical scenarios.
While your response will need to vary depending on the scenario at hand, your interview preparation should include all of the key considerations around the topic they are asking about &ndash; for example, some of the broader lines of interview questioning may relate to:
<ul>
<li>How you&nbsp;motivate pupils</li>
<li>What&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2018/06/30/behaviour-management-tips-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">behaviour management strategies</a>&nbsp;you use</li>
<li>How you communicate with pupils and staff</li>
<li>Your ability to be resourceful in different situations</li>
<li>Specific elements of the job, such as working with children with special educational needs</li>
<li>What the role is all about (this is a chance to really showcase why you think you&rsquo;re better than other applicants)</li>
<li>Why do you want the specific teaching assistant role</li>
</ul>
With a few pre-planned examples for these types of interview questions, you should feel well-prepared to answer anything the interviewer may throw at you. All that is left to say, is good luck!
<h2>Browse our latest teaching assistant jobs</h2>
Now that you've got the tips you need to prepare for your next teaching assistant interview, you're ready to start the application process and we can help. As one of the leading education recruitment agencies in the UK, we have a team that is committed to helping our candidates take the next step in their teaching assistant careers. View our&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">current teaching assistant jobs&nbsp;</a>or alternatively, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch to help you find a role in your area.
<div class="edit">Looking for more information on the importance of teaching assistants? Check out our&nbsp;national teaching assistant day blog!</div>

The best answers for common Teaching Assistant interview questions

Becoming a teaching assistant is a highly rewarding role, but if you&rsquo;re new to the education sector you might be struggling to know how to get started. Fortunately there are numerous teaching assistant qualifications out there to help, and depending on where you are in your career and on your future aspirations, some may be more advantageous than others.
Here we explore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-level-2-and-level-3-teaching-assistant-qualifications" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the different qualifications</a> that exist, question whether you need them at all, and delve into how they can help you to reach your career goals.&nbsp;
<h2>Do teaching assistant roles require qualifications?</h2>
Not all&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teaching assistant roles</a> will require a qualification, as it&rsquo;s down to each individual school to set their requirements. Most will look essential numeracy and literacy skills (often measured as A*-C grades in English and maths at GCSE level, or the equivalent), as well as a strong set of soft skills, such as good organisation and communication.
However, having specific qualifications can significantly boost your chances of&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finding employment</a> as it ensures you are better prepared for life in the classroom. It also ensures that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for more advanced positions which bring greater responsibility and pay, such as being a higher level teaching assistant. Other qualifications can also be achieved while in a job, enabling you to find an option that best suits your lifestyle.&nbsp;
<h2>The key things to know about teaching assistant qualifications</h2>
Teaching assistant qualifications come in a range of levels, with each higher level requiring a greater deal of knowledge and time than the level below. While you&rsquo;re free to study at a level which suits you, it&rsquo;s recommended that each level is completed in turn, as many of the skills learned can then be applied as you progress.
When completing a course, look to ensure that it is fully certified. This means it is awarded by a professional body and will be recognised by employers.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Level 1 qualifications&nbsp;</h3>
As the base-level of qualifications, Level 1 courses focus on the basic information you&rsquo;ll need to know in order to succeed in the classroom, assessed via written submissions. You&rsquo;ll be prepared for what school life will throw at you and will be left with an understanding of the core concepts behind being a teaching assistant.
Example courses
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 1 Teaching Assistant Certificate
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 1 Certificate in Preparing for Work in Schools
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Level 2 qualifications&nbsp;</h3>
Deemed the equivalent of a GCSE, Level 2 courses build on the skills developed in lower courses and may include an element of work experience. The main variations here will depend on whether you complete an award, a certificate or a diploma (this ultimately relates to the number of hours you&rsquo;ll need to commit to the course and to the number of teaching credits you&rsquo;ll receive at the end of it).
Example courses:
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 2 Teaching Assistant Diploma
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Level 3 qualifications</h3>
&nbsp;If you&rsquo;ve been a teaching assistant for a while and are keen to further your career, a Level 3 course could be right for you. The equivalent of an A-level, the focus here is on enhancing knowledge and potentially specialising in certain areas, such as being a teaching assistant for children with special educational needs.
Example courses:
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 3 Teaching Assistant Certificate
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 3 Award in Supporting Learning and Teaching in Schools
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Level 4 qualifications&nbsp;</h3>
As touched on previously, Level 4 qualifications provide the necessary tools for becoming a higher level teaching assistant. However, in order to complete these courses, you must have a suitable level of experience and be sponsored by your employer.
Example courses:
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Course
&middot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
&nbsp;
Ultimately, the course you complete should be dependent on your individual circumstances. If you&rsquo;re&nbsp;just starting out,&nbsp;the lower level courses provide the ideal introduction. Or if you&rsquo;re keen to progress your career, the upper level courses should help you make that next step.
<div class="edit">
<h2>Let Tradewind help you build a rewarding teaching assistant career</h2>
If you're ready to start the search for your next role, we can help. As one of the UK's top teaching assistant agencies, we help candidates all around the UK find an education job that is suited to them. View&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all teaching assistant careers</a>&nbsp;to find an assortment of roles, including part-time TA jobs, graduate teaching assistant jobs and SEN TA jobs.&nbsp;Or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
</div>

Which Teaching Assistant qualification is best for you?

Staff in temporary roles form a vital part of the education system, with both supply teachers and cover supervisors required in the classroom.
And while many similarities exist between the two roles, in that they both deliver lessons and control pupil behaviour, there are also fundamental differences.
Fundamentally, a cover supervisor will oversee pupils as they complete pre-set tasks from an absent teacher, with no active teaching taking place.
A supply teacher on the other hand will have greater responsibility, as they will need to plan lessons, deliver them, mark the work and report back to the member of staff who is absent.
But to really understand the differences between the two roles, it&rsquo;s necessary to look at what each entails, as we&rsquo;ve done here.
<h2>Cover supervisors</h2>
Mainly found in secondary schools, a cover supervisor will oversee a period of short-term absence by the main teacher of a class, such as if they are ill or undertaking professional development.
A key element is that these roles should not require any lesson planning or marking, as those responsibilities would fall on the regular members of teaching staff.
The role is unqualified, although many staff in cover supervisor roles have a degree of previous classroom experience, perhaps as a teaching assistant.
An understanding of behaviour management processes is often required to maintain control in the classroom, while they will also be expected to answer any questions from pupils about the work they need to complete.
In instances where an absence is longer term, a school should turn to a supply teacher.
<h2>Supply teachers</h2>
Tens of thousands of supply teachers work in roles across England, providing essential cover when teachers are away for days, weeks or even longer.
It provides an opportunity for individuals to work in varying schools, systems and with pupils of different age ranges.
At a primary level, a supply teacher will be expected to cover an array of subject, while at secondary level they may cover one subject but with different classes.
Supply teaching is useful for those that are just returning from a career break or who are new to the UK&rsquo;s education system.
The major difference from being a cover supervisor and a supply teacher relates to the work involved &ndash; as the complete package of lesson planning through to delivery and marking must be done by a supply teacher.
In essence, therefore, a supply teacher has a very similar role to a main teacher, with the exception that they are at a school for a reduced time.
Interested in applying? You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/cover-supervisor-jobs">cover supervisor job roles</a> here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-can-a-cover-supervisor-become-a-teacher">How can a cover supervisor become a teacher</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-cover-supervisors">Interview techniques for cover supervisors</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-to-be-a-successful-cover-supervisor">How to succeed as a cover supervisor</a>
&nbsp;

What is the difference between a cover supervisor and a supply teacher?

As a secondary teacher, it&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll face <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-do-teachers-deal-with-challenging-teenagers-in-a-school-environment">challenging students and situations in the classroom</a>, but how can you go about boosting engagement if a youngster lacks interest in your subject? It&rsquo;s a common question, and one which comes with a range of potential solutions and approaches, as we explore here.
Understanding why a pupil may lack interest should also influence your decisions, as you may need a more empathetic approach, depending on the reasoning.
For instance, some youngsters may have trouble concentrating, while others may have&nbsp;learning disabilities&nbsp;or be influenced by issues happening outside of the school environment. Each will require a slightly different teaching approach.
If you can, try to find out why pupils are&nbsp;behaving the way they are.&nbsp;That way, you should be best placed to discover why they might lack interest in your subject.&nbsp;
<h2>Ensure your classroom is welcoming</h2>
All pupils should feel safe and welcomed in your classroom, and you should put an emphasis on making it as inclusive and as friendly as possible. This starts with the language you use when addressing pupils and how you interact with them generally. Bold wall displays, <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/decorating-your-classroom-to-be-more-student-friendly">decoration to be more student friendly</a> and a lack of clutter can also help to make it a more comfortable environment.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>Alter your classroom layout or seating</h2>
A simple solution to boost engagement in lessons is to change its layout or seating pattern. Moving children away from their close peers can mean they refocus, while other class members may also be able to support their development. If you have a&nbsp;mixed ability class, you may wish to divide children up into small working groups including a range of abilities, as this can enable pupils to work together towards your chosen learning goals.&nbsp;
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Praise your class</h3>
Positive language and praise can go a long way to boosting a child&rsquo;s self-esteem, although there are various ways of delivering it. For example, you may want to use written praise for youngsters who don&rsquo;t love the limelight, such as comments on their work or a letter for them to take home. Simply recognising positive efforts can help to increase feelings of self-worth and help pupils to foster a greater love for your subject matter.&nbsp;
<h2>Make learning authentic</h2>
Various academic research shows that using real-life scenarios and stories in the classroom boosts engagement, so put a focus on keeping things authentic. It enables pupils to make a link between their own lives and what they are learning, which can also help to enhance their understanding. When youngsters are more engaged, they are more likely to take an interest in your subject matter and retain the knowledge that is being passed on.&nbsp;
<h2>Make sure children know why they are learning</h2>
Some pupils may find your subject overwhelming, simply because they&rsquo;re struggling to understand the work. Try to break down information into manageable chunks and attach clear learning objectives to every lesson. If pupils can understand why they are learning what they are, the likelihood is that their engagement levels will be higher too.
<h2>Take advantage of the resources at your disposal</h2>
The internet is packed with useful resources, so look to use all that you can to garner interest in your subject matter. Mixing up the modes of media you use can help to, such as using video and audio alongside slideshows. This tends to keep pupils constantly thinking and questioning what they see and hear &ndash; a key factor in keeping them interested. If you can, you might even be able to turn to the help of guest speakers to really give your lessons that extra &lsquo;wow&rsquo; factor.
As you can see, increasing a love for your subject matter can be done in a multitude of ways. But ultimately, you&rsquo;ll want to ensure that your passion and love for the topics shines through, as this will often be reflected by others in the classroom too.
<div class="edit">
<h2>Find your next teaching job with Tradewind Recruitment</h2>
Are you looking to take the next step forward in your teaching career? We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to find the very best match for our teachers, teaching assistants and schools. After all, we believe that for every teacher, there's a perfect role out there. And with offices spread across the UK, our local education recruiters will help you find a teaching role near you.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Browse our current&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs">secondary teaching jobs</a> today.
</div>

What to do when students lack interest in your subject?

New research on assistive technologies will massively benefit pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), children and families minister Vicky Ford has said.
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/sensory-lesson-resources-for-sen-teachers">Technology supported sensory lessons</a> of this type has been used in recent months to support pupils through the pandemic, by helping them to boost their learning, communication skills and independence.
In an address to the All Party Parliamentary Group, Mrs Ford outlined new research which is designed to assist pupils with SEND with the transition between education and the workplace.
The rapid evidence&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/assistive-technology-at-stakeholder-reports" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review</a> of assistive technology marks the first time such work has been undertaken and it is hoped it will help schools and colleges to better understand how existing tools and technological approaches can be used to support pupils.
<h2>Life-changing technologies</h2>
In her keynote speech, Mrs Ford praised the responses of both the education and technology sectors for meeting &ldquo;historic challenges&rdquo; that have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.
She said <a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/childrens-minister-keynote-address-on-assistive-technology" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assistive learning</a> has the power to &ldquo;be life-changing for many&rdquo;, and especially for those with complex care needs.
&ldquo;In recent months, the importance of assistive technology has been demonstrated like never before,&rdquo; she said.
&ldquo;Our review will give schools and colleges a helping hand by providing greater transparency in what tools and interventions can improve outcomes of SEND students and bridge the gap from education into employment.&rdquo;
<h2>Enhancing accessibility</h2>
Mrs Ford said the review should also enable technology firms to better embed accessibility features into their products and services while allowing policymakers to embed inclusion into their working processes.
&ldquo;This will lead to real, meaningful differences in the quality of education for children and young people,&rdquo; she added. &ldquo;This is key, because we need to be clear: accessibility should never be an add-on, it should be the norm.&rdquo;
Such support can include text to voice tools, subtitles, reading tools and other technologies that can aid teachers when delivering classes remotely.
Mrs Ford, along with the minister for digital and culture, Caroline Dinenage, has also written to technology giants Google and Microsoft calling for them to enhance accessibility on their product offering.
You can view all of our jobs here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

 Can technology help pupils with SEND?

As one of the world&rsquo;s most prevalent languages,&nbsp;learning English&nbsp;forms an essential part of education. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean all pupils will take to it, so&nbsp;what can you do as a teacher&nbsp;to enhance engagement and foster a love of English in your classroom?
Here we look at how you can motivate your pupils and encourage them to strive for greater success with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/team-building-games-for-your-classroom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the use of games</a>, personalised approaches and a range of other top tips.
<h2>Motivation starts with you</h2>
Teachers should be role models for the pupils they teach, so you should always be aware that your actions in the classroom are being closely scrutinised. If you come across as a highly motivated and passionate individual when teaching, that will reflect onto your students.
Look to approach every text, activity and lesson with enthusiasm, and regularly hold feedback and discussion sessions to check that pupils have an understanding.
<h2>How can you use games in English lessons?</h2>
There are a number of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/innovative-methods-for-teaching-english-in-a-secondary-school-classroom">innovative methods for teaching English</a>. Avoiding monotony in lessons is key to boosting engagement, and making classes fun and memorable is crucial when looking to foster a love of learning. This is when games can be incredibly useful. Many youngsters learn via play and from being active, so could you implement a game rather than a simple worksheet activity?
Language and vocabulary can be explored via picture cards, drawing or acting, or by introducing a slightly different element to learning. For example, primary teachers may wish to use noises or images, with pupils then required to write the correct descriptive words relating to what they see or hear. Acting out scenes from plays or dramatic texts is another way to bring a lesson to life.
<h2>Demonstrate the importance of English</h2>
Pupil engagement is often far higher when they can apply what they are learning to real-life settings. This can be easier with languages, when compared to other subjects, as the amount of tools and resources at your disposal are greater. You may want to look to the world of media to explore how the English language is used for example, from looking at newspaper headlines to the sort of words used in news reports and videos. You could get your pupils to create their own snappy headlines when looking at the power of certain words and phrases. Alternatively, you could delve into the world of creating fully accessible video and audio with older classes.
Another way to enhance engagement is by showing how a knowledge of English can enhance career options. The vast majority of work environments require a basic level of language skills, so you can highlight to pupils that pathways towards their dream careers might be dependent on what you are teaching them.
<h2>Put an emphasis on learning and communication</h2>
The best way to learn English effectively is to use the language and to encourage learners to do so at every opportunity. Emphasise the benefits of reading a range of different texts and websites, while also encouraging discussion at set times within lessons. Not only does this enable pupils to ask questions and reinforce their understanding, but it also enables you to monitor their progress.
Using group activities can also help with vocabulary development, as you might find that pupils are more comfortable talking to their peers in small groups, compared to standing up and saying something in front of the whole class. Ultimately, teachers should use a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/innovative-methods-for-teaching-english-in-a-secondary-school-classroom">mix of methodologies </a>when teaching English, as it is the best approach to ensure the maximum level of engagement in every lesson.
<div>
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re an English Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resources</a> to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
We have hundreds of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/english-teacher-jobs">English teaching job roles</a> available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.
</div>

Top tips to help your English students thrive in the classroom

One of the challenges that teachers and teaching support staff encounter in the classroom is educating dyslexic students. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability and is one of the most common. A dyslexic child may have difficulty with learning to read and may display a differing comprehension of language despite normal or above-average intelligence. In the UK, it is estimated that 1.2 million children have dyslexia.
<h2>Identifying Dyslexia &ndash; What to look for</h2>
For a teacher, recognising that a child may be dyslexic is not always easy. Each child with dyslexia is unique and the extent of the disability and its manifestation in school may vary. Knowing what to look for is vital. If the child exhibits comprehension of a topic in the class by taking part in a debate and answering questions but finds it difficult to translate this into written form then this may be possible evidence of dyslexia and should be followed up with further assessments. Gaining an understanding of the difficulties that an individual dyslexic is facing can enable effective help to be given.&nbsp;
A common misconception about dyslexia assumes that dyslexic readers all write words backwards or move letters around when reading. Dyslexia takes many forms and this only occurs in half the population of dyslexic readers.&nbsp; It is very important not to mistake reading difficulties with lack of interest. Neither is it a reflection on the ability of the student. Perhaps the most important role that a teacher can play in the life of a dyslexic is to recognise the signs and intervene to help the student achieve his or her true potential.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<h2>How teachers can help</h2>
As one of the leading teaching agencies in the UK, Tradewind Recruitment recognises that dyslexic children need help and encouragement while studying.&nbsp; When planning lessons, our teachers can play a key role in supporting such students by planning lessons that are suitable for all. Many dyslexic children have attention difficulties and find it hard to concentrate. This should be taken into consideration when preparing lessons and activities in the classroom.
The following teaching tips are easy to implement and will help dyslexics understand what is expected of them and how to approach tasks in the classroom:
Try to use a multisensory approach. Support verbal learning with visual material and support visual learning with verbal materials. If you are writing on the board speak as you do so. Images are also very helpful. Talking non-stop is something that a student with dyslexia will find hard to cope with.
When setting work, hand out printed guidelines that clearly set out what is required. Keep the instructions short and to the point, avoiding unnecessary detail.
Ensure that the child sits close to the front of the classroom so that help is readily available if necessary.
Many people who have battled dyslexia go on to have successful careers and fulfilling lives.&nbsp; Sir Richard Branson, Keira Knightley and Jamie Oliver have all done very well in life despite having the condition.
The essential point is that all children have individual strengths and weaknesses. The UK school curriculum is placing more emphasis on spelling, punctuation and grammar and these are areas that dyslexic students may struggle with so teachers need to do all they can to assist when necessary.
If you are looking for a rewarding teaching job, then Tradewind Recruitment can help. We are a UK teaching agency that specialises in providing recruitment services for both schools looking for professional teachers, and teachers looking for UK teaching jobs vacancies. Register with us and let us find the right teaching job for you.

Supporting Dyslexic Students in Schools

Starting a new job as a&nbsp;teaching assistant could be your first to a long and rewarding career in the education sector. If you&rsquo;re new to the role of being a TA, or are&nbsp; considering it as a potential option, we&rsquo;re here to ensure you&rsquo;re fully prepared for what is to come.
Here we delve into a handful of the frequently asked questions such as <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-teaching-assistant-and-a-learning-support-assistant">what is the difference between a TA and a learning support assistant?</a> These come from TAs across the country, so you&rsquo;ll have all the information you need to kick-start your career exactly as you want.
<h2>What might my day as a teaching assistant look like?</h2>
While the&nbsp;exact nature of the role&nbsp;will vary depending on what school you&rsquo;re at, it&rsquo;s important to note that no two days as a TA will ever be the same. Typically though, the role will involve supporting children with a range of&nbsp;learning needs, working with different age groups, and providing assistance on a one-to-one or small group basis.
You may also need to discuss specific support plans with teachers and other school staff, before implementing them in lessons and reporting back on a child&rsquo;s progress. Other support activities, such as doing library or playground duty, may also be expected, depending on the school setting.
<h2>Where can I find guidance on safeguarding?</h2>
Safeguarding is an essential part of education, and there is official government documentation which provides guidance on why this is. Titled Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022, it details all of the key information that school staff and TAs need to know, including situations where you might be legally obliged to take certain actions. Also, read this article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/5-top-tips-to-keep-your-children-safe-online">keeping children safe online</a>.
<h2>What resources are available to help TAs?</h2>
There are numerous online checklists and blogs such as <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/which-teaching-assistant-qualification-is-best-for-you">TA qualifications</a> which focus on the essentials of being a TA too, all of which can provide inspiration if you&rsquo;re unsure on anything. If you&rsquo;ve taken a role through Tradewind Recruitment, we&rsquo;re also just a&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">phone call away too</a>.
Another option is Twinkl, which offers a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/teaching-assistant-taster-pack-t-tp-2550011">free TA taster pack</a>&nbsp;so those new to the role will have all of the essential details they might need. There&rsquo;s also a range of subject specific intervention packs, such as this one for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-n-1788-teaching-assistant-maths-skills-intervention-pack">maths</a>, which can provide useful information and support.
<h2>What does career progression as a TA look like?</h2>
A teaching assistant role can take an individual on a remarkable journey in education. You could opt to stay in the role on a part-time basis to suit your lifestyle or personal needs, while it could also act as a stepping stone into a life of teaching. Read our article regarding <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/can-i-train-as-a-teacher-while-working-as-a-teaching-assistant">can I train as a teacher whilst working as a teaching assistant</a>? Further to that, you could develop your skills to take a role as a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA), a move which means you&rsquo;ll be able to command a higher salary, albeit with far greater responsibility. Alternatively, you could opt to specialise in a certain area, such as becoming a <a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-assistant-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">special educational needs (SEN) TA</a>&nbsp;who supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
<h2>What support can Tradewind Recruitment offer TAs?</h2>
Alongside a raft of downloadable resources which are readily available online, TAs using Tradewind Recruitment can also benefit from regular continued professional development courses.
Delivered via webinar, these courses help to develop the basic skills that the role requires, and can serve as a refresher for those considering switching schools or roles. In addition, several NVQ courses can also support your development needs.
<div class="edit">If you're ready to start the search for your next role, we can help. As one of the UK's top teaching assistant agencies, we help candidates all around the UK find an education job that is suited to them. View&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all teaching assistant careers</a>&nbsp;to find an assortment of roles, including part-time TA jobs, graduate teaching assistant jobs and SEN TA jobs.&nbsp;Or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> and your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.</div>

Frequently asked questions by new Teaching Assistants

If you&rsquo;re looking for innovative ways to capture attention in your classroom, enquiry-based learning could be another weapon in your&nbsp;teaching arsenal.
The method recognises the role of pupil engagement, and puts the emphasis on the pupil to be in control of their learning. In theory, it enables them to learn at their own pace and engage with materials that they find interesting.
Here we explore the benefits of this approach and look into how it can help&nbsp;pupils to maximise their potential.
<h2>What is enquiry-based learning?&nbsp;</h2>
The simple idea behind enquiry-based learning is that pupils can explore topics themselves, as it enables them to enhance their understanding by utilising a&nbsp;range of resources. Rather than using presentations and workbooks, you can leave pupils to research and share ideas. Essentially, pupils learn by doing. Class discussion can then be used to help embed what they have learnt.
<h2>Why opt for enquiry-based learning?&nbsp;</h2>
The approach gives pupils an opportunity to take their learning into their own hands and use methods which work best for them. Various research has shown that it enables youngsters to enhance their comprehension of topics and boosts their critical thinking skills. In addition, it can also help the development of communication skills.
<h2>Nurture specific interests and talents&nbsp;</h2>
By giving pupils some freedom over what they want to learn, inquiry-based learning often enables them to show off specific talents and their love for certain topics. The majority of youngsters will pick topics they feel passionately about, and they&rsquo;ll often find it easy to talk about them in front of their peers. This can help pupils to feel involved in class and should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-can-teaching-assistants-help-students-engage-in-the-classroom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boost engagement.</a>
<h2>Learning with some limits&nbsp;</h2>
Enquiry-based learning can also be implemented slightly differently, so that pupils are provided with the topic or some guidance, before being left to learn as they please. This allows teachers to align work with the curriculum, but also leaves pupils with a feeling of freedom to shape their learning.
<h2>Enhance analytical and research skills&nbsp;</h2>
The nature of enquiry-based learning puts research at the forefront of any activity &ndash; a useful life skill for use in education and the work place beyond. It encourages pupils to ask the right questions and to look at all evidence in front of them when looking into topics. They can use evidence-based reasoning during class discussion and can deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
<h2>Use the approach in any classroom environment&nbsp;</h2>
Enquiry-based learning can be implemented in arrange of different learning environments, as pupils can do research individually or in small groups. Content can be adapted to the needs of the class too, which the change in approach may help those who have struggled to learn using more traditional methods.
Ideally, the approach will form the basis of a balanced curriculum, whereby pupils experience a&nbsp;range of learning methods<a href="http://dummy/">.</a> This enables them to use approaches which best suit their needs when it comes to revision and exams.
<h2>Find your next teaching job with Tradewind Education</h2>
Are you looking to take the next step forward in your teaching career? We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to find the very best match for our teachers, teaching assistants and schools. After all, we believe that for every teacher, there's a perfect role out there. And with offices spread across the UK, our local education recruiters will help you find a teaching role near you.
Browse our current&nbsp;secondary teaching jobs, and&nbsp;primary teaching roles,&nbsp;or see what&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">teaching assistant vacancies</a> match your preferences.

What are the benefits of enquiry-based learning?

The UK offers many top-quality opportunities to pursue a career in teaching, with staff often attracted by its broad curriculum, high demand for teaching jobs and a chance to make a real difference.
So, if you&rsquo;re asking yourself why teach in the UK, here are a few reasons why you may want to swap your current role for life in a British classroom.
<h2>Your skills are in demand!</h2>
Teaching jobs in UK schools are very much in demand, both at primary and secondary school level, driven by a surge in pupil numbers.
Roles at primary level encompass all aspects of the curriculum, while those at secondary level require a level of subject specialism.
The core subjects, including, maths, English, the sciences and humanities, have all faced recruitment shortages in recent years, adding to the demand for UK teaching jobs that currently exist.
As well as an abundance of full time and permanent roles for overseas trained teachers, there is also a wide range of part-time and supply teaching opportunities available.
<h2>Take advantage of teaching freedom</h2>
The UK curriculum provides a great deal of freedom, as it outlines a broad set of expectations for each subject.
That means that teachers can be highly creative when it comes to the actual delivery of lessons and there is a huge array of resources available to assist you.
So, if you want the opportunity to inspire the next generation, a UK teaching job could give you the flexibility to try out new and imaginative approaches.
The key aspects of the UK curriculum are also broadly similar to what is taught in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, meaning the transition into a UK teaching role should be a simple one.
<h2>Spectacular cities</h2>
From the hustle and bustle of London, with its splendid mix of historic and contemporary architecture, rich cultural scene and great nightlife, to the likes of Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bath and Bristol, the UK has plenty of exceptional cities in which to teach.
Each has its own charm and all of the amenities you need to ensure a healthy work-life balance in teaching.
<h2>Enhance your global appeal</h2>
Having knowledge of the UK curriculum and experience of teaching in UK schools is widely respected around the world, as it develops skills in a particular way.
As teaching puts an emphasis on independent thinking, teaching in these environments can bring challenges &ndash; overcoming these requires good management skills and an ability to think on your feet which can prove invaluable throughout your career.
Picking a teaching job in the UK could also open up opportunities in other countries in future, as many leading international schools value the experience you gain on British shores.
You can view all of our jobs here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Why teach in the UK?

Supply teachers have a pivotal role to play in schools when other teaching staff are absent, helping to minimise any disruption to a child&rsquo;s education.
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-is-a-supply-teacher">What is a Supply Teacher</a>? Essentially, the role enables schools to maintain a regular teaching schedule while permanent staff are away through illness, when attending training courses or any other factor which may cause absence.
It&rsquo;s a popular route into teaching for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) as it enables them to scope out different schools and gain experience while deciding which school is right for them.
Others opt for supply teaching for its flexibility, as they can pick when and where they want to work, meaning they can opt for roles that meet their availability.
<h2>Where are supply teachers needed?</h2>
Supply teachers are required when permanent staff are away or when temporary vacancies exist and will plug gaps at primary, secondary and sixth form level.
This can be challenging as there is a need to adapt teaching methods to new classes regularly, while also switching between subjects and age groups.
However, supply teaching can also be incredibly rewarding as teachers will know they are playing a key role in helping all pupils to achieve their potential.
Depending on how much a supply teacher wishes to work, they could be employed by several different schools at the same time.
It&rsquo;s worth noting though that different schools will have differing gaps in their timetables that need filling, so working requirements will vary by institution.
<h2>Levels of responsibility</h2>
Supply teachers have the same set of responsibilities as permanent teaching staff when they are employed, meaning they&rsquo;ll need to prepare lesson plans and deliver the national curriculum.
They&rsquo;ll also need to mark work and provide feedback where required, while also providing support and encouragement as and when necessary.
Those in longer temporary contracts may also need to help out with out-of-school projects such as excursions and field trips, as well as with exam preparation.
Given the nature of the role, supply teachers also need to ensure that their methods are up-to-date and that they are across any developments in the curriculum.
This will ultimately help them to secure roles as they will be able to demonstrate the skills and desire that is required for life in the classroom.
You can view all of our jobs here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/strategies-for-classroom-management-as-a-supply-teacher">Strategies for classroom management as a supply teacher</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-cover-supervisor-and-a-supply-teacher">How supply teachers differ from cover supervisors</a>
&nbsp;

What is a supply teacher?

Being a primary school teacher can be highly rewarding, but as with any career, it&rsquo;s not without its challenges.
So, <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-primary-school-teacher">what makes a good primary teacher</a>? In order to thrive in a primary classroom setting, there is always plenty for teachers to consider, regardless of whether they&rsquo;re newly qualified or with years of experience.
Here are some top tips to help primary school teachers enjoy long and successful careers in the education sector.
<h2>Positivity is a must</h2>
The vast majority of pupils will respond well to praise, so a primary teacher should look to encourage their pupils at every opportunity.
From recognising hard work, achievements or creativity, being positive can help pupils to feel at ease in the classroom too, which in turn should help to boost behaviour.
<h2>Focus on subject knowledge</h2>
As primary school teachers need to have a vast wealth of basic knowledge across a number of different subjects, it&rsquo;s important to stay up-to-date.
A teacher should think about any curriculum changes and ensure that they understand how those changes will impact on what is taught.
At the same time, it&rsquo;s important to plug any subject-specific gaps in knowledge that might appear during lesson planning.
<h2>Build strong parent-teacher relationships</h2>
Parents play a pivotal role in the education of their children, so it&rsquo;s important to have them on-side.
One of the easiest ways to have regular contact with parents is to be available at the end of the school day, so that chat can take place when they are collecting their children.
Primary school teachers may wish to update parents on that day&rsquo;s activities, any specific areas of progress that their children are making, or to hand over information on school events.
<h2>Planning and organisation</h2>
Most primary school children have very short attention spans, so keeping them engaged in lessons requires plenty of planning and organisation.
A teacher will need to recognise that pupils learn in many different ways &ndash; be it visually, through doing something, or by listening &ndash; and they should be given options to learn in a way that suits them.
Tasks should have a clear focus point though and should be neither too hard nor too easy &ndash; this is likely to result in misbehaviour or boredom among pupils if a primary school teacher does not plan effectively.
Read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/planning-and-organisation-strategies-for-primary-teachers">planning and organisation strategies for primary teachers</a>.
<h2>Look at the classroom environment</h2>
The classroom environment has a big impact on how pupils will interact with both the teacher and those around them.
All efforts should be made to ensure that a positive welcoming environment exists and that pupils feel they can speak up if they have any problems.
You can view all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">primary school teacher jobs</a> here or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Top tips for primary school teachers

The Department for Education has unveiled plans for commissioned research to see how the latest teacher pay rises have impacted retention rates among senior teachers.
Having asked for <a href="https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/bc8135a1-58cc-41df-9cbf-bc4a4485a351?origin=SearchResults&amp;p=1">expressions of interest</a> in the research contract, the department has said it wants to see whether the pay increases had any &ldquo;unintended impacts&rdquo;.
It comes after teacher pay was boosted by 3.1% overall from September 2020, although there was a disparity between the increases available for newly qualified teachers and more senior staff.
While ECTs received a 5.5% rise in their starting salary, the majority of more experienced staff received a 2.75% increase, fuelling concerns that it might drive skilled teachers away from the profession.
The Association of School and College Leaders had voiced concerns when the announcement was first made that it might be viewed negatively by senior teachers, describing it as a &ldquo;kick in the teeth&rdquo;.
Geoff Barton, the organisation&rsquo;s general secretary, said at the time it would do little to &ldquo;keep long serving staff in the profession&rdquo;.
However, education secretary Gavin Williamson said it was the &ldquo;biggest pay rise in the profession in 2005&rdquo; which formed part of plans to enhance standards in the sector.
&ldquo;Inspiration teachers change millions of lives by giving our children the drive and desire to learn, and reforms to teacher training, early career support and teachers&rsquo; pay are key to the government&rsquo;s plans to improve school standards,&rdquo; he said.
The contract, which is targeting private research firms, is worth &pound;120,000 and several key objectives relating to the government&rsquo;s recruitment and retention strategy.
It will seek to understand how the new pay scales are impacting on the decision making of those considering either entering or looking to remain in teaching.
In addition, the research will focus on whether the reforms have altered career progression opportunities or had a detrimental impact on aspiration levels among staff.
The Department for Education also wants to look at whether &ldquo;any unintended impacts&rdquo; have arisen from the pay reforms, especially in relation to retention and development among more experienced teachers.
A key element of the research will involve interviews and communications with a range of staff, from trainees and early-career teachers through to experienced staff and head teachers, as well as individuals who are considering a career in the classroom.

What research is the Department for Education doing to assess pay impact?

As a teacher, you represent an important force in the lives of your pupils. You might well be the adult that they spend the most time with daily. This means you aren&rsquo;t only in a position to teach a curriculum, you can also be a strong, positive role model for pupils as they develop into young adults.
We've been supporting teaching staff across the UK for more than 20 years and we pride ourselves on knowing how to spot the very best teachers and teaching assistants. Here are five ways we believe you can be a positive role model for your students:
<h2>Positive Attitude</h2>
Being able to&nbsp;demonstrate a positive outlook, even when everyday hurdles come up, is important for being a role model for your pupils. By positively responding to setbacks, you encourage your pupils to do the same; demonstrating that while things might not go the way that you had planned or hoped for, you can still make the situation a positive one.
That said, there will be some days where being positive isn't so easy. It's important to look after yourself and watch out for&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/resources/for-individuals/articles/burnout-recognising-the-signs-and-protecting-yourself/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signs of teacher burnout</a>.
<h2>Honesty</h2>
Trust is a hugely important part of personal and professional relationships, by being trustworthy and reliable with your class, you will help to impart those values to them. Try to stick to any agreements you make; if you say that you're going to reward good class behaviour, make sure to follow through on it. Empty promises can steer pupils toward being distrustful, whilst keeping to your word will do exactly the opposite by encouraging pupils' honesty and reliability!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Be Genuine</h2>
Letting some of your personal passions show will encourage pupils to pursue their interests and&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-ways-unleash-student-creativity-and-reduce-fear-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unleash their creativity</a>. Many children can feel very self-conscious about their interests and this can stifle their creativity. By letting even a small amount of your interests show through, you can encourage pupils to embrace their individuality and pursue their interests.
<h2>Show Respect</h2>
If you want your students to be respectful towards you, then you need to show them that same level of respect. It might be a clich&eacute;, but treat your pupils the way that you would want to be treated. If you are polite, show gratitude and are understanding, then you will encourage the children to behave in the same way.
<h2>Accept and admit when you&rsquo;re wrong</h2>
There&rsquo;s no shame in admitting that you&rsquo;ve made a mistake. By seeing that even a teacher can be wrong and that you can openly admit to being wrong, your pupils will learn to accept and own up to their own mistakes. It will also encourage them to apologise and make amends rather than pretend that the mistake never happened.&nbsp;
<h2>Find your next teaching job with Tradewind Education</h2>
Are you looking to take the next step forward in your teaching career? We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to find the very best match for our teachers, teaching assistants and schools. After all, we believe that for every teacher, there's a perfect role out there. And with offices spread across the UK, our local education recruiters will help you find a teaching role near you.
Browse our current&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs">secondary teaching jobs</a>, and&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">primary teaching roles</a>, or see what&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">teaching assistant vacancies</a> match your preferences.

Being a positive role model for your students

Challenging behaviour is often found in schools across the country, but there are plenty of ways that both new and experienced teachers alike can tackle it. Dealing with disruption early is critical when looking to create a positive learning environment, as it enables all pupils to make the most of their classroom time.
Teachers&nbsp;who act quickly can limit any potential loss of productivity during lessons and are often best placed to get to the root of a problem before it escalates. However, it&rsquo;s also important to recognise the causes of challenging behaviour, as knowing this can shape how to manage it.
<h2>Knowing what to look out for</h2>
There are numerous reasons behind why a pupil&rsquo;s behaviour could be challenging, from underlying health issues which influence behaviour, to those with learning difficulties or conditions, such as&nbsp;autism and ADHD. On top of this, anxiety related to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-can-teachers-support-primary-leavers-starting-secondary-school" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changing schools</a>&nbsp;or problems in their home environment could also drive a pupil to be disruptive. Others may simple not be engaged with the subject matter and may look to influence those around them in a negative way.
If teachers are able to recognise some of these signs, or have knowledge of what to expect, tackling some of the challenging behaviour becomes easier.
<h2>Facilitate positive surroundings</h2>
As a teacher, you can have a big say in creating your desired&nbsp;learning environment. Many school staff will often look to communicate desired patterns of behaviour with pupils and to set out what is and isn&rsquo;t acceptable early on. One way to do this is to talk about good behaviour and to encourage pupils to list examples, before working to creative posters and other slogans which can then adorn the classroom walls. This helps to reinforce positive messaging and enables pupils to feel involved in creating a safe space in which to learn. Alternatively, you could look to create a class code of conduct which sets out the dos and do nots of classroom behaviour.
<h2>Focus on communication</h2>
It&rsquo;s imperative for teachers to always communicate well &ndash; this should be done politely, with instructions delivered in a clear and distinct way. This reduces the potential for any misunderstandings and helps pupils to grasp exactly what is expected of them. Be authoritative when speaking and try to keep the tone as neutral as possible. Most teachers will look to avoid shouting, and may even opt to take pupils to one side at the end of lessons to have a quiet chat with them about their behaviour. This is often far more effective as the pupil feels respected, and does not have an audience to act up in front of.
<h2>Refer to the school behavioural policy</h2>
Every school should have a behavioural policy and it&rsquo;s important to know this before starting work. It will outline how to deal with certain types of behaviour and what the expectations are, providing you with a solid foundation to work from. Some disruptive pupils may comply with simply instructions to stop what they are doing, while in other cases it might be necessary to discuss sanctions such as detention. Should issues persist, you may want to discuss them with other senior staff such as heads of year or even the headteacher.
<h2>Make sure to lead by example</h2>
Teachers should be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/being-a-positive-role-model-for-your-students" target="_blank" rel="noopener">role models</a> in the school environment and it should be possible for pupils to mirror your behaviour, such is the standard that is set. Remember too that you&rsquo;ll have to earn respect, and it can often be done by ensuring that all pupils feel they are being treated equally.
<h2>How Tradewind can support you in finding your perfect role in education</h2>
We have hundreds of vacancies available, take your next career move and&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply for our current roles</a>. Alternatively, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

How do teachers deal with challenging teenagers in a school environment?

Primary School Teaching can be incredibly rewarding and raises its own unique challenges compared with teaching in a secondary environment. Whether you are looking to become a Primary School teacher or are just looking for some tips on how to be even better, we&rsquo;re here to help! We&rsquo;ve put together a list of some of the qualities that make a great primary teacher:
<h2>Patience</h2>
They say patience is a virtue, when working with young children it&rsquo;s more like a requirement! There will be messes, tears and tantrums, the things that invariably follow when you gather a lot of young children together. A good primary teacher needs to be able to take all of this in their stride.
<h2>Caring</h2>
When working with primary-aged children, there&rsquo;s a good chance that you might be the most important adult in their life outside of their parents. A kind word and a smile can make a child&rsquo;s day. Really caring about the children in your class will not only make it easier for you to connect teach them, it will also make your job that much more fulfilling as you watch them develop and grow in your class.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Confidence Building</h2>
For a lot of children going to school is the first time that they find out their potential: what they&rsquo;re good at and also what they&rsquo;re not so good at. It&rsquo;s important for a good primary teacher to encourage pupils and help them improve in all areas. They need have the confidence to stick at things that they may initially find difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Passionate</h2>
The best primary school teachers tap into the natural enthusiasm that most children have at that age with engaging lesson plans. If you teach with real passion, not only will the children&rsquo;s learning rate be improved, the job will also be more fulfilling for you.&nbsp;
<h2>Sense of Humour</h2>
When you work with children, a good sense of humour is a must! It&rsquo;s not good to be grumpy around young children, so no matter how things are going a good Primary Teacher can greet the situation with a smile and not take things too seriously.&nbsp;
<h2>Organised</h2>
With anything up to 30 young children in a class that all need attention, good <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/planning-and-organisation-strategies-for-primary-teachers">planning and organisation strategies</a> are incredibly important. Having your lessons well planned out in advance means you can focus on what the day brings rather than also trying to improvise.
There&rsquo;s no job quite like Primary School teaching, and if you can bring these qualities into the classroom, then you&rsquo;re sure to have a fulfilling role. If you would like more information on the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">Primary School teaching jobs</a> that we have available see our latest jobs.

What makes a good primary school teacher?

Getting that first teaching role is a key landmark for any early careers teacher, enabling you to take those initial steps into the world of education. But knowing&nbsp;<a href="https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/blog/7-things-to-include-in-your-teacher-training-application" target="_blank" rel="noopener">what to include in an application</a>, especially if the process feels new, can be a challenge.
Here we explore what&nbsp;ECTs&nbsp;should include within their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-ects-can-write-a-standout-cv-and-cover-letter">CVs and cover letters</a> to ensure they give themselves the best chance of making a great first impression.&nbsp;Ultimately, this can help to land an interview, as&nbsp;your application is your opportunity to really stand out from the crowd.
1. Have you made it abundantly clear why you want the role?
It may sound obvious, but always make sure that your enthusiasm for the role shines through in your application. Refer to the role by name early on, mention where you saw it advertised, and detail why it appeals to you. Talk about specific parts of the job description that are of interest, but at the same time don&rsquo;t feel the need to exaggerate, as such claims could be easily picked apart during an interview.
2. Have you included all key information you might need?
Your application for an ECT role is your chance to sell all that is great about you to a potential school or hiring manager. Think about what might set you apart from somebody else &ndash; from where and when you gain qualified teacher status, through to any relevant experience you might have. This is especially true if you have very specific classroom experience, such as having worked with children with special educational needs and disabilities&nbsp;during your training.
On top of this, be sure to include your academic qualifications, including GCSE results in key subjects such as English, maths and the sciences. Any knowledge of learning platforms or technologies which could enhance teaching should also feature prominently in your application.
3. Have you used the right examples?
When discussing any experience, be it in the classroom or elsewhere, it should be backed up with at least one example (or more if possible). As a general rule to help enhance your application, it shouldn&rsquo;t include&nbsp;a single point that doesn&rsquo;t have an example attached to it.
Give careful consideration to whether the examples you include are the best ones to use too. You&rsquo;ll undoubtedly have a number of different options from your time in training to discuss, so when you read back through your application, make sure the ones you have chosen back up what you are trying to say.
4. Is the CAR approach seen in your examples?
Often <a href="https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/apr2015/five-questions-asked-every-teaching-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used in interviews</a>&nbsp;as a means of ensuring a question is adequately answered, an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arkteachertraining.org/car-interview-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECT can also use the CAR</a> (Context, Action, and Result) approach in their application. Use clear and concise language to provide the context of any situation, before detailing the actions you took and the results. This is a fantastic way for you to showcase the impacts you&rsquo;ve had in the classroom environment to date and to highlight what makes you the ideal candidate for a role.
5. Have you used simple language throughout?
As an ECT, it&rsquo;s highly likely that you won&rsquo;t have a great deal of practice when it comes to applying for roles. However, the key thing to keep in mind is readability. Do your answers make sense when reading back, or could you structure them differently to have a greater impact? Are some key outcomes also missing?
Make sure you look at an application several times before sending it, not least to ensure that any errors are amended. If you can, try to check it on two different days, but if time doesn&rsquo;t allow, always proof read it one final time just before sending, as grammatical and spelling inaccuracies will count against you.
If you&rsquo;re on the hunt for an ECT role, remember to keep your application simple. It should tell a school all they need to know, answer any questions posed and be packed with shining examples of teaching best practice. Ultimately, this should ensure that you&rsquo;ve given yourself the best possible chance of landing an interview.
How Tradewind Recruitment support ECTs during their induction period
Keep in touch with your local recruitment consultant during your <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/a-guide-to-the-ect-induction-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ECT induction period</a> and they will be able to help you with any questions you have from lesson planning to planning your journey to your school!&nbsp;
Looking for a new <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/early-career-teaching-jobs">ECT role</a>? We have&nbsp;hundreds of vacancies available.

Top 5 things to include in a job application for ECTs

Lesson planning&nbsp;forms a pivotal part of teaching, helping to ensure that all key aspects of the curriculum are covered at some stage in the classroom. Good planning enables you improve your&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teaching</a>, as well as helping to save time in future too, as you can often reuse and recycle plans with new classes. You&rsquo;ll want to make sure you get the level of detail right &ndash; providing enough to learn from, while also being simple enough to allow for flexibility and personal development.
If you&rsquo;re looking for some assistance with your&nbsp;lesson planning for this academic year, or you just want some fresh ideas, here are some of the top tips and resources to use.
<h2>Consider the key lesson planning inclusions</h2>
While there isn&rsquo;t a set way to plan a lesson, there are several elements that you&rsquo;ll likely want to include. Think about any prior learning and past lessons, as these will often shape what direction you take your teaching in. You&rsquo;ll want a clear set of objectives and to know what represents success, as well as considering what specialist subject knowledge&nbsp;is required. This is far more important for&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secondary teachers</a> when compared to primary level, as classes need to have greater depth. Don&rsquo;t forget to make sure you have the necessary resources to hand, and plan for a degree of flexibility in case any debate or discussion doesn&rsquo;t quite go in the intended direction.
<h2>Where to find lesson planning templates</h2>
From a simple&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teachwire.net/teaching-resources/very-simple-blank-lesson-plan-template-for-secondary/">blank lesson template</a>&nbsp;to one that is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teachwire.net/teaching-resources/editable-lesson-plan-template/">totally editable</a>, you can access a range of lesson planning templates by creating a free account with Teachwire. For newly qualified teachers, there&rsquo;s also an option that comes with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teachwire.net/teaching-resources/blank-lesson-plan-template-and-support-sheet-for-secondary-teachers/">support guidance</a>, detailing exactly how to complete the plan.
Teacher Toolkit is also home to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/5minplan/">five-minute lesson plan resource</a>, backed by the Department for Education and designed to speed up and simplify the planning process.
<h2>What about lesson planning apps?</h2>
As well as numerous templates, secondary school teachers can also download a range of apps to aid lesson planning. Several feature on the Educational App Store, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.educationalappstore.com/app/nearpod">Nearpod</a>, a tool which allows you to create interactive lesson plans packed full of videos, audio, quizzes and polls. Alternatively, try&nbsp;<a href="https://www.educationalappstore.com/app/planboard-free-lesson-planner-for-teachers">Planboard</a>, a calendar-type planner featuring editable templates which can revisited and edited time and again. Others can be easily found by searching on the various app stores.
<h2>Make your lessons more creative</h2>
Adding creativity to lessons forms a vital element of pupil engagement. By ensuring your lessons have a hook, like a stand-out video or image, it helps to keep your pupils interested in the subject matter and focused on what you have to say. A New Direction hosts a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anewdirection.org.uk/resources/teachers-toolkit">Teachers&rsquo; Toolkit</a>&nbsp;designed to help teachers add creativity to lessons through the arts, part of forming a well-rounded curriculum offering.
<h2>Let Tradewind Recruitment help</h2>
We have a range of certified CPD courses focused on lesson planning, which can provide you with all of the necessary skills to make a difference in secondary school classrooms. These bespoke courses are regularly checked for the latest up-to-date information and are designed to aid your continual development as a teacher.
Our consultants can also provide a range of lesson planning guidance and additional information to support your teaching, meaning you can enter every classroom feeling prepared and ready to teach.
<div class="edit">
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Secondary Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resources</a> to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
We have hundreds of&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secondary teaching positions</a> available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.
</div>

Top 5 resources for lesson planning for Secondary Teachers

Are you a Grad, Primary or High School teacher looking to make the move to teach in the UK?
If so, you&rsquo;re in the right place! You may have some questions regarding money such as how to set up a UK bank account and how much you&rsquo;ll need when relocating, so we&rsquo;ve compiled together all the useful info you&rsquo;ll need!
If you have a question that you would like an answer to that doesn&rsquo;t feature below, send an email to <a href="mailto:international@twrecruitment.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">international@twrecruitment.com</a>.
&nbsp;
How do I open a bank account in the UK?
We have an established relationship with HSBC and partner with several branches throughout England. Once you&rsquo;ve confirmed your arrival date, we can book an appointment for you to open an account at the branch closest to you.
You&rsquo;ll only need your passport, BRP (if applicable) and a letter of employment from Tradewind to open an account. The bank will then send your card to a UK address you provide us with. This will arrive within 5-7 working days. We&rsquo;d recommend you contact us to book an appointment.
Alternatively, to open a bank account with most banks in England you&rsquo;ll need:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Passport</li>
<li class="li1">Visa or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)</li>
<li class="li1">Proof of address in the UK</li>
<li class="li1">National Insurance Number (can take several weeks or even months from applying)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
How much money do I need to relocate to the UK?
We would recommend a minimum of &pound;2,000 to cover the basics of:
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Flight costs</li>
<li class="li1">Deposit for your room/flat, plus your first month&rsquo;s rent</li>
<li class="li1">Cost for setting up and organising UK mobile phone number and contract</li>
<li class="li1">New school clothes</li>
<li class="li1">Transport costs, e.g. Oyster card in London</li>
</ul>
The good news is that once you start working you get paid weekly in the UK! You don&rsquo;t have to budget for much before you get paid in dollars.
You will also need to sort your VISA before moving to the UK.
&nbsp;
How does my HECS / student loan debt work in the UK?
If you&rsquo;re a teacher from Aus, once you&rsquo;re working for us and your income has been assessed then your monthly contributions will be taken through your tax return.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/hecs-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check this article for more info</a>.
If you&rsquo;re a teacher from NZ, you&rsquo;ll be required to make the minimum payments if you&rsquo;re working out of NZ for 6 months or more.&nbsp;

Relocation FAQs: Setting up a bank account, relocation spends and student loans

Exams take place throughout the school year, and in all subjects pupils face constant pressures around revision and techniques.
This is especially true with English revision, and while it is predominantly memory based, pupils need to understand how and why to apply the theory too.
And whether it&rsquo;s for end of term, mock, set or government exams, starting early can help pupils to get ahead.
For those in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/english-teacher-jobs">English teaching jobs</a>, we&rsquo;ve got a selection of tips to help your students revise for English in a way that doesn&rsquo;t feel like information is being thrown at them to go in one ear and out the other!
<h2>Turn to past papers</h2>
Past papers provide a unique insight for pupils, as they&rsquo;ll see what to expect when they sit down in an exam hall to do the real thing.
<a href="https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/english-language-gcse-level/english-language-gcse-past-papers">Revision World</a> has links to collections of past GCSE papers from the major exam bodies, including AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Pearson, which can be quickly accessed and used for revision and mock exam scenarios.
In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zr9d7ty">BBC Bitesize</a>&nbsp;has further content from the exam boards which pupils can match to their areas of study.
<h2>Ensure pupils know where to get marks</h2>
In order to maximise their potential marks in an exam, pupils need to know what to include and how to structure their answers.
Much of this work can be addressed in lessons and revision sessions, but you may also want to provide your pupils with a checklist so that they are aware of what regularly features in a mark scheme.
If different forms of writing are required in the answers, a refresher session on the techniques and theory behind each should enable pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding.
Encourage your pupils to think that writing less could mean more, as being able to express their ideas with greater clarity and accuracy should help them to improve their answers.
<h2>Structured revision</h2>
Using revision cards, games and quiz cards can help pupils to memorise the key information and English processes that will be needed in exams.
<a href="https://www.teachit.co.uk/english/ks4/revision">TeachIt</a> has a range of revision resources covering the various key stages which are all designed to aid with exam preparation and which could also be used in the classroom environment.
You may also want to question your pupils on elements they are unsure on, as follow up sessions can then be structured to address those concerns.
<h2>Encourage pupils to teach each other</h2>
Peer-to-peer learning can be especially effective at helping pupils to retain key information, so look to set aside time to have them run through topics with each other.
Whether it&rsquo;s splitting your students into small groups or leaving them to do it one-on-one, focus on certain topics or ideas as this should enable them to identify gaps in their learning.
Interested in applying? You can view all of our jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

How to help students revise for English

Entering a new staff room setting can be daunting, but it&rsquo;s also the environment where teachers can learn a great deal about their new school. If you&rsquo;re new to a school, or are temporarily taking a position there, getting to know the other staff can play a big part in how much you enjoy the experience.
It&rsquo;s a unique learning opportunity that needs to be grabbed with both hands, as the knowledge you glean can help your own personal development and shape your classroom teaching. Here we look at how to get the most of this new environment, which should also help you to settle in.
<h2>Talk to other staff</h2>
From providing you with basic information about the school to giving out teaching tips and tricks, the other staff will likely be very knowledgeable. Look to take advantage of this when the opportunity arises, by talking to staff from different year groups and subject areas. You should be able to find out about any niche areas of the school&rsquo;s behavioural policy and pick up some useful methods for&nbsp;dealing with disruption in class. It also provides you with an opportunity to share knowledge too, which staff in a similar position may be keen to hear.
<h2>Don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask questions</h2>
Alongside your mentor, if you&rsquo;ve been assigned one, all of the other staff can also help to enhance your school experience. You just need to ask! There is a balance to strike so that you don&rsquo;t bombard them with too many questions, so try to work out who the best people to ask are for each specific query. If you need to find something out, view every interaction as if you have nothing to lose &ndash; that way, every snippet of information you gather can be used to develop your teaching.
<h2>Be a voice of support</h2>
Integrating into a new staff room setting can be tough if you don&rsquo;t know others there, but by providing a voice of support you should be able to build a good rapport early on. Speak up during different discussions and contribute positive thoughts and ideas, as it can help to get others on side. Try to keep the conversation positive and focused on what goes well in class too, as that can help to&nbsp;prevent a negative environment&nbsp;from being created.
Remember too, that every teacher will have been in a similar position to you at least once, and most will likely remember that feeling of walking into the staffroom for the first time. As a result, you might find that there are numerous individuals that you can ask for help.
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Primary Teacher or Secondary Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resources</a> to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
We have&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hundreds of primary teacher vacancies</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;secondary teaching positions available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.

How to get the most out of a staff room environment

When it is time to move on from a role, it&rsquo;s important to make sure the process is done properly. There are numerous reasons for leaving one employment to start a fresh job &ndash; from property moves and looking for better opportunities to fancying a change of scenery &ndash; but when approached in the right way, it can really benefit your career.
Here we look at some of the key things to do before you resign, all of which should help to give you the best chance of finding the right role and succeeding within it.
<h2>1. Look at the current jobs market</h2>
If you&rsquo;re keen to change roles, it&rsquo;s important to do some research before you actually resign. Look at the current jobs market and see if there is anything which matches your skill set or which takes your eye. Give plenty of thought to the decision based on whether there are new opportunities out there, and be sure that leaving your current job is really what you wish to do.
You might be able to have something lined up in preparation too &ndash; especially if you&rsquo;re able to interview elsewhere prior to handing in your resignation. This can help to make the process of switching roles smoother and can reduce the time you&rsquo;re not working/earning.
<h2>2. Sign up with a recruitment agency</h2>
If you&rsquo;re not sure on the recruitment process or want some help finding the right role, see&nbsp;how a recruitment agency can support you. They can help you to find a role which matches your skills as they&rsquo;ll know where fresh openings are and may even have some knowledge of upcoming roles that are not yet publicly advertised. This could open more doors in your search for that dream role and can help to make the process easier to manage, as you can be guided every step of the way.
<h2>3. How to write a resignation letter</h2>
When resigning, it should be done as gracefully as possible, as it means you&rsquo;re not burning any bridges or damaging the potential of returning to that employer in future. You&rsquo;d be amazed at how many people end up back in a role when their new job isn&rsquo;t quite as expected &ndash; and that&rsquo;s only possible if you leave on good terms.
Look to keep the letter formal, and note that it doesn&rsquo;t need to be overly long. It should address your relevant boss or line manager, thank them for the opportunity while remaining professional and polite, and then offer to be as supportive as possible during the handover process. Note that you may get a counter-offer, in which case you should carefully consider what is best for you before making a decision.
<h2>4. How to maximise your CV and experience</h2>
To really stand out in a competitive jobs market, you&rsquo;ll want to ensure that your CV does you and your skillset justice. Keep things clear and concise throughout, and think carefully about the sorts of experiences and examples you include. Look to&nbsp;tailor your CV&nbsp;to each individual role you apply for and attempt to link in parts of the job description throughout. You should use the personal statement and experience sections of your CV to really shine a light on why you&rsquo;re right for a role, putting an emphasis on the parts you are particularly strong at. The more that your CV can be seen to match the job description, the greater the chance of landing an interview.
<h2>5. How to prepare for interviews for new roles</h2>
There&rsquo;s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for an interview,</a>&nbsp;but you&rsquo;ll want to give some thought to the types of thing you might be asked. Try to think up some examples of situations where you have used leadership skills, shown an ability to problem solve, or been flexible, as you can then use them when the opportunity/ right question arises. If a job description mentions&nbsp;specific skill requirements or knowledge, have examples ready which demonstrate those elements too. If you&rsquo;re feeling particularly nervous, you may wish to practice saying your answers in front of the mirror, or with help from a friend or family member &ndash; this can help to identify where your answers could be improved or simplified.
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Primary Teacher or Secondary Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV&nbsp;and&nbsp;preparing for your interview&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resources</a> to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
We have&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hundreds of primary teacher vacancies</a>&nbsp; and&nbsp;secondary teaching positions available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.

5 top tips for resignation day

Teaching can be a very rewarding job, but like everything in life it&rsquo;s not easy all of the time. So much can depend on your personality and outlook and whether you are suited to a certain age range or type of school. Each class is different and so are the structures in place at each school, as they all have different ways of doing things. Often if something is not done the way you are used to then you have to be willing and able to adapt.
Certain issues such as student behaviour crop up time and time again, and so to help our teachers overcome what can be an everyday issue in school we have put together some advice that we hope will help you out when you are feeling a little less enthusiastic about going back to school.&nbsp;
<h2>Challenging Student Behaviour&nbsp;</h2>
There is often a student who presents a challenge, whether it&rsquo;s texting on their mobile phone, arriving late to class, or purposely making a nuisance of themselves. If you are a new teacher or even if you are just having a bad day, it is important to remember not to show signs of being provoked by disruptive behaviour. Remind the students of the class rules and if there is potentially an underlying issue it may be better to speak to the individual in private. We hold regular CDP courses for our teachers which offer advice and techniques for dealing with challenging student behaviour.
Remember that the more experience you have as a teacher the more methods you will have up your sleeve to manage certain situations. Ask another teacher for advice, observe other teachers techniques, or look online, you are not alone. For more insight, read our guide on the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-5-challenges-of-being-a-maths-teacher">challenges of being a maths teacher</a>.
<h2>Paperwork&nbsp;</h2>
Paperwork is a major gripe for most teachers and you may see some of it as being unnecessary, but it is usually there for a reason. Unfortunately it is necessary to complete paperwork, but you can help yourself out by creating student files and minimising handouts.
<h2>Low Pay&nbsp;</h2>
Like any profession (unless you are extremely lucky) you have to be prepared to work your way up. Some schools do pay more than others, but to increase your pay you need to demonstrate experience and knowledge. You can increase your pay opportunities by standing out by taking on further responsibilities and attend CPD courses to enhance your skills. Read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/why-cpd-is-important">why CPD is important</a>.
<h2>Lack of Support&nbsp;</h2>
New teachers are given mentors, however mentors are often as busy as or busier than the teachers they are supposed to support, which leaves a new starter lost in the woods. If this is the case ask someone else for help or find the answer yourself online. Remember that once you have found the answer you will not need to find it again and so it is one less thing you have to learn! Read our guide on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-staff-room-environment">the importance of a positive staff room environment</a>.
<h2>Long Hours</h2>
Many teachers work long hours to keep on top of marking and lesson planning. Sometimes teachers are also required to stay at school after classroom hours to assist with detentions and giving extra help to particular students. Getting your work and personal life in balance can be difficult. It is important that teachers get this balance as it can affect your health and performance levels. If you are struggling to get the right balance it can worthwhile to seek advice from your peers, the most important thing to do is to make sure you talk about it.&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t forget we are here to help! If you feel however, the time is right to <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/5-top-tips-for-resignation-day">resign</a> and look for a new role, one of our expert recruiters can assist to find your next ideal teaching role.
Lastly, we run regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/cpd/the-national-college">CDP courses</a> at our head office which give invaluable advice and enhance your teaching skills. Click here for a list of the latest courses.&nbsp;

Everyday struggles of a teacher and how to overcome them

Engaging science activities are not only fun and memorable, but they also help students to learn about how the world works.
It&rsquo;s all about exploring how and why things happen and the best way for students to remember is by getting hands on, experimenting, and observing.
We&rsquo;ve come up with five must-do activities that teachers&nbsp;can use to keep science fun, while also helping students to enhance their understanding in the process.
<h2>1. Experiment!</h2>
Science revolves around proving and disproving theories, and one of the best ways for youngsters to engage with a topic is to ensure that they&rsquo;re actively part of it.
For those in Chemistry teaching jobs, allowing students to experiment in a lab or classroom environment can help boost engagement and knowledge retention.
Pupils can also be encouraged to analyse their findings and to then predict outcomes ahead of further experimentation.
<h2>2. Venture out of the classroom</h2>
Many memorable moments can happen outside of the classroom via fieldtrips or outdoor learning, as these provide pupils with an opportunity to see science happening around them.
Even stepping out into the playground, or exploring a hedgerow can provide a different perspective and assist with the learning process.
Ofsted has also said that outdoor learning adds something to the experience, and that it can help to foster a connection between pupils and the natural environment at a young age.
<h2>3. Let your feedback drive curiosity</h2>
Feedback provides crucial guidance to pupils to ensure that they&rsquo;re on the right track, but it&rsquo;s a lot more effective if it encourages youngsters to go out and find the answers for themselves.
While experiments and practical work should lead to pupils questioning what they see anyway, a teacher should encourage them to try different things and to take new approaches.
&lsquo;What if&rsquo; feedback can help to inspire pupils and drive them to be inquisitive, which in turn will ultimately develop their understanding of the key scientific theory.
Not only does this enhance levels of engagement in the classroom, but it also helps to foster an environment where pupils feel confident to take risks, potentially fail, and learn from it as a result.
<h2>4. Use the power of observation</h2>
Pupils will observe a lot in their daily lives, especially when they&rsquo;re younger, so encourage them to keep a notebook and to write down things that pique their interest.
These can then be explored during lessons, where engagement will generally be higher as pupils will feel that the topics apply directly to what they want to know.
This also helps to link the sciences to a child&rsquo;s curiosity, and can be used to introduce them to different elements of theory which can be explored further with the use of experiments and other classroom activities.
<h2>5. Show the worth of science through real-life examples</h2>
It&rsquo;s important to showcase how science is involved in everyday life, as if pupils can understand it&rsquo;s relevance, they&rsquo;re more likely to be engaged with lesson activities.
Real-life examples should be used to demonstrate theory at all levels, as it can help students to relate to what they&rsquo;re being asked to learn and understand.
Using Lego can help with the teaching of atoms for example, while basic circuits can be demonstrated using any number of household objects, from mobile phones to games consoles.
For older pupils, this can also be tied into different career examples, as a teacher can demonstrate the types of scientific skills that may be required for those considering a career in various fields.
Apply for <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/science-teacher-jobs">science teacher jobs</a> with Tradewind Recruitment today? Alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruiter will get in touch with you shortly.

5 must do activities for Science Teachers to keep science fun

<h1>5 top tips to keep your children safe online?</h1>
For all of its perks &ndash; and there are many &ndash; the internet can be a dangerous place for youngsters if the right safeguarding steps are not taken.
While it provides children with the ability to learn, research, connect and communicate, cyber threats mean teachers still have a pivotal role to play when it comes to keeping pupils safe.
There&rsquo;s a need to protect children from inappropriate content, but also to tackle the potential for cyber fraud and other malicious activity.
Here&rsquo;s some top tips for teachers looking to do just that&hellip;
<h2> Start with a conversation</h2>
Keeping children safe online starts with discussion in the classroom. Not only can teachers showcase the positives of internet use, but by talking about the potential pitfalls, it&rsquo;s possible to raise awareness from a young age.
Safety issues can be addressed during multiple different sessions, enabling key messages to be embedded throughout learning. More safety messages can be delivered over time too, ensuring that youngsters are not overwhelmed and that the internet is not seen as something to be feared.
<h2> Emphasise the need to protect data</h2>
One of the biggest safety threats for young people online concerns what they do with their personal data. Many sophisticated scams exist which target this sort of information, and pupils need to understand why they shouldn&rsquo;t share the data.
It&rsquo;s important to talk about what represents identifiable information &ndash; such as a home address, age or even where they go to school.
&nbsp;
<h2>Check software, apps and links</h2>
Whenever software is being used to assist a lesson, teachers should look to test it in advance so they are aware of its features. This way it&rsquo;s possible to identify any potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them.
An alternative is to limit the types of technology that children can access online by ensuring that school technology such as laptops and computers only have certain programmes installed. This removes the likelihood of disruption during class and keeps children safe at the same time.
<h2> Implement safe search technology</h2>
Major sites such as Google and YouTube have built-in security features, so teachers will want to ensure they are activated when teaching. This gives children more freedom to explore the net and discover its wealth of information, while also being protected from inappropriate material.
Of course there remains a need to be vigilant, as this technology is not without its flaws and some content can still slip through the net.
<h2> Take advantage of learning resources</h2>
For those needing more information, the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is home to a number of resources which provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/#pros" data-ol-has-click-handler="">guidance on internet safety</a>. Alternatively, teachers can head to the&nbsp;<a href="https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/teachers-and-school-staff" data-ol-has-click-handler="">UK Safer Internet Centre</a> to see how some of the key internet safety messages can be&nbsp;embedded into the curriculum.
The official Government website is also home to&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teaching-online-safety-in-schools/teaching-online-safety-in-schools" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">online safety guidance documents</a> which detail advice for school leaders, school staff, governing bodies and all others who are responsible for&nbsp;ensuring pupils understand how to stay safe and behave online.

5 top tips to keep your children safe online

Returning to school after the summer holidays can mean new environments for children and&nbsp;<a title="" href="/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teachers</a> alike, but how do you go about creating a welcoming and relaxed environment?
Team building games are great for&nbsp;introducing youngsters to each other, and for allowing them to get to know you as a teacher. If it&rsquo;s a new classroom, or when pupils are&nbsp;transitioning into a new school, such games can act as an ice-breaker, enabling them to find out about their new peers in the process.
Here we explore a few of the team building games teachers can use to help foster a positive classroom environment and get the new academic year off to a great start.
<h2>Why team building activities?</h2>
The National Curriculum does a fantastic job of encouraging pupils to problem solve and there&rsquo;s ample opportunities for youngsters to work in groups and get to know each other in class. But teambuilding activities go beyond that, allowing pupils to find out more about each other on a personal level.
Games help to teach core skills around working together and respect, all of which help to prepare pupils for life in education and the workplace beyond. In addition, many of the games we&rsquo;ve looked at here put an emphasis on communication and creative thinking too, while fun activities can also provide a welcome confidence boost before the main learning gets underway.
<h2>It&rsquo;s my birthday!</h2>
A good task for new classes, which involves pupils having to order themselves depending on when their birthday is throughout the year. It encourages communication as they&rsquo;ll need to chat to each other to find out when the dates are, or you can encourage this task to be done in complete silence. This means pupils need to use gestures and be creative, and it will certainly raise a giggle or two, making it an ideal early year icebreaker! It can also be a great memory game for out in the playground later in the week, as you tell the class they have 30 seconds to get back in birthday order &ndash; a great way to see who was paying attention!
<h2>Navigate the minefield</h2>
With a focus on trust and communication, Minefield involves creating an obstacle course of &lsquo;mines&rsquo; for teams of students to tackle. One member of each team is then blindfolded, and is guided through the obstacle course by their peers. There&rsquo;s plenty of options to make it more challenging too, as you could limit what pupils can say, such as banning the use of &lsquo;left&rsquo; and &lsquo;right&rsquo;. Alternatively, you could by introduce rules so that pupils can only communicate with noises not words, if you want them to get creative.
<h2>Be constructive</h2>
One for the creative pupils in the classroom, teachers can create challenges which require something to be constructed. Youngsters must work together in small teams to create their solutions, which may involve regular classroom items, such as pens and piles of books, or fun options such as wood, Lego and other toys. Some examples of challenges could include building the strongest bridge from string capable of supporting an egg, making the tallest tower to withstand having ping pong balls thrown at it, or using one sheet of A4 card to create the highest structure capable of supporting a book. There&rsquo;s multiple solutions to every challenge and pupils could even work against the clock if you want to make things more challenging.
<h2>Class storytime</h2>
One for children of all ages as it can be made as simple or as complex as you like, class storytime&nbsp;involves sitting pupils down in a circle and giving each of them an easily identifiable emoji, logo or picture. As the teacher, you&rsquo;ll kick of the story with an introductory line that mentions one of them, and you&rsquo;ll then progress around the group with each pupil adding a line that features another one of the emoji&rsquo;s or logos until everyone has taken part. It&rsquo;s great for encouraging communication and it can also reveal some of the more creative pupils. For added complexity, split your class into two or three groups, and encourage them to recite the story from the beginning, each time it&rsquo;s their go.
<h2>Bingo</h2>
Easy to create, and one which gets pupils talking, this game involves creating bingo cards which have a range of different pastimes and characteristics on. It could be something as simple as &lsquo;I have a brother&rsquo; or &lsquo;I like spaghetti&rsquo; through to more niche ideas around sports teams, favourite subjects or favourite shops to go in. Pupils should then be given a card with the various ideas on, before moving around the classroom until they can tick off boxes when they match with someone else. They add that person&rsquo;s name to the box and then continue until someone has completed a line to call a Bingo.
<h2>How Tradewind can support you in finding your perfect role in education</h2>
We have hundreds of vacancies available, take your next career move and&nbsp;<a title="" href="/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply for our current roles</a>. Alternatively, you can&nbsp;<a title="" href="/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Team building games for your classroom

Are you a Grad, Primary or High School teacher looking to make the move to <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/why-teach-in-the-uk">teach in the UK</a>?
Not only can we help you find a teaching job in the UK but help support you with your relocation process. From our very attractive relocation package to our social events and parties, you&rsquo;re sure to feel right at home with Tradewind Recruitment.
If you have a question that you would like an answer to that doesn&rsquo;t feature below, send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:international@twrecruitment.com">international@twrecruitment.com</a>.
<h2>What support do you offer International teachers?</h2>
Plenty! We have local international consultants who are ex teachers, have taught in the UK and know the process of relocating to another country. We also run 35 PD courses throughout the year which are free for you to attend once you&rsquo;re registered with us.
Once you have registered with us, you will be in contact with our International team based in the UK who will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have &ndash; no question is too big and remember with Tradewind you&rsquo;ll have our support from day one.
If you&rsquo;re currently in Aus and want to get the ball rolling, we run frequent UK webinars and info sessions plus we&rsquo;ll put you in touch with other Australian teachers relocating and those who are already happily teaching in the UK.
<h2>Do I meet other teachers through Tradewind?</h2>
We have many social events which we run throughout the year both in the UK and for those based in Australia too.
Keep an eye out for our monthly Cheese and Wine evenings in Melbourne plus our info sessions in other big Aus cities which you can attend before you journey over to the UK.
Once you are here in the UK you will be able to take part in our seminars based in our London and Manchester offices plus we hold regular social events for you to meet other international teachers who are in the same position as you!
<h2>What&rsquo;s your relocation package?</h2>
We offer a very attractive relocation package plus other benefits for all our International teachers looking to make the move to teach in the UK:
<ul>
<li>We offer an excellent relocation package including coverage of flight costs and day-to-day support as you prepare to move (setting up bank accounts and finding a flat etc.) - you never have to feel like you're going it alone!</li>
<li>We offer more free and accredited PD courses than any other UK education recruitment agency, helping you to feel supported and to hit the ground running in a new teaching environment</li>
<li>&nbsp;We have amazing perks including social events plus referral bonuses!</li>
</ul>

Relocation FAQs: Support for overseas teachers

For children with autism the world of education can be extremely challenging, which is why SEN teachers have a pivotal role to play in supporting them through the process.
Often known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, autism affects social interaction and communication in numerous ways; as a result, various teaching methods are required to help children with autism to reach their potential.
It&rsquo;s important to note that pupils will often have a unique way of looking at the world around them, and that an approach that works for one pupil, may not work for another.
A number of pupils that are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum often remain in mainstream schools, meaning SEN teachers must recognise the signs and know how to support these pupils.
Among the range of behaviours, SEN teachers may look for difficulties in communicating, as well as those that struggle with change or with rules.
<h2>How can SEN teachers support children with autism?</h2>
Supporting pupils can take a wide range of forms, depending on the difficulties faced by any individual pupil.
Those that struggle with communication may benefit from the use of pictures or symbols, or may need instructions to be repeated.
Others may need longer to process information or may understand simplified sets of commands, while those with sensory needs may benefit from changes to the classroom environment.
Children on the autism spectrum may also require a degree of routine to their day and can find change difficult &ndash; in these instances, it&rsquo;s important to ensure that all pupils are aware of the needs of those around them.
Ultimately, each child will need different levels of support and teachers will need to recognise what is needed in any given situation. For further information, read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/5-teaching-strategies-for-sen-pupils">strategies that support a range of SEN needs</a>.
<h2>Build relationships and create safe spaces</h2>
SEN teachers may wish to agree on routines with parents and to communicate closely with them to ensure that the best approaches are being used.
Tackling issues such as bullying and teaching autism awareness is vital, as this helps to ensure that all pupils are comfortable in their school surroundings.
Such an approach may also include having a safe or quiet place when pupils with autism can go if they start to feel anxious or overly-stimulated.
The National Autism Society has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autism.org.uk/professionals/teachers.aspx">wide range of resources available for teachers</a> that can help them support those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
<h3>Related Articles</h3>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/can-technology-help-pupils-with-SEND">Can technology help pupils with SEND?</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/sensory-lesson-resources-for-sen-teachers">Sensory lesson resources for SEN teachers</a>
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Search SEN teaching jobs

How SEN teachers support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Exam time can be incredibly tough on a pupil&rsquo;s wellbeing, especially if a sixth form or university place is riding on the outcomes. But teachers have the ability to make a big difference, by showing support and understanding at a time when pupils most need it.
With a rising number of pupils seeking support for coping with stress and anxiety, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/childline-children-gcses-alevels-nspcc-b2078866.html">Childline</a>, this takes on even greater importance. Ultimately, the help and guidance can go a long way to helping youngsters to achieve their full potential. Here are just some of the ways that teachers can support students&rsquo; emotional wellbeing&hellip;
<h2>Focus on preparation</h2>
If pupils know what they will face in the exam hall, it can make a huge difference to their overall wellbeing. Ensure they understand the types of questions they will see, and that they grasp what the invigilators will be looking for. This will boost their confidence and can enhance some of their soft skills too.
<h2>Flexibility is key</h2>
The majority of pupils will feel a lot more comfortable around exam time if they feel the pressure on them is lessened. Teachers can do this by forming regular patterns of communication, such as via email or classroom time, while also creating an environment where a youngster feels they can reach out at any time.&nbsp;
Encourage them to talk about their anxieties and to ask questions if they&rsquo;re unsure about anything. Having that open line of communication can really help pupils, especially if they feel as though they&rsquo;re in a position where they have no one else to turn to.
<h2>Emphasise constructive feedback</h2>
With exams looming, pupils will not want to feel that they&rsquo;ve taken a step back. All feedback should focus on how they can improve and better themselves, as this fosters a better mind-set. It can also help youngsters to focus on areas that they can work on, which should hopefully enable them to fulfil their potential.
<h2>Emphasise positivity!</h2>
A pupil&rsquo;s emotional wellbeing can be heavily impacted by those around them, and that includes teaching staff. Teachers should be as positive as possible around exam times, even if they are shouldering a heavy workload. This positivity rubs off on others and can be a welcome boost at a time when students are facing emotional stresses. Try to ensure that classroom environments are as relaxed as they can be, which is often supported by structured lesson planning. On top of this, a few encouraging words to start and end sessions can leave pupils feeling on a high and ready to succeed.
<h2>Find out how Tradewind can help you find your next secondary teacher job</h2>
We have hundreds of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs">secondary teacher positions</a> available, take your next career move and&nbsp;view our current vacancies.
<h5>Related Articles</h5>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/4-tips-to-prepare-your-students-for-their-upcoming-exams">4 tips to prepare your students for their upcoming exams</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-to-help-students-revise-for-english">How to help students revise for English</a>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-teachers-can-help-students-prepare-for-their-ucas-submissions">How teachers can help students prepare for UCAS submissions</a>
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Supporting students' emotional wellbeing throughout the exam period

Are you a Grad, Primary or High School teacher looking to make the move to teach in the UK?
The UK has a wide variety of school settings for pupils of different ages, faiths and needs. While the fundamentals of education remain the same at all of them, there are a few subtle differences that are useful for International teachers to know before making the move to teach in the UK.
Knowing the difference between the various school settings can help you know what to expect, and what sort of levels of support might be on offer at each.
Some of the key terms you can expect to come across include maintained schools and state schools (often used interchangeably), academies, faith schools, primary and secondary schools and special schools.
In the case of the latter, these are specialist schools that provide additional support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
<h2>Maintained schools</h2>
The vast majority of state schools are deemed to be maintained schools, meaning that the local authority is responsible for maintaining them.
In these schools, the national curriculum is followed closely and teachers will receive the national rates of pay and associated conditions.
<h2>Primary and secondary schools</h2>
The main differences between primary and secondary schools relate to the age of pupils and what a teacher will be expected to know.
At a primary school, a teacher will have the same class for all subjects, and often for a certain year group, meaning they&rsquo;ll need a broad knowledge of the curriculum.
This means a lot of teaching time with individual pupils and a chance to provide plenty of extra support if it is required (although you may also have teaching assistants present to help with this).
It&rsquo;s far easier to build bonds with primary school pupils as a result, whereas at secondary level teachers will often specialise in certain subjects and could teach a range of different classes in different year groups.
Teachers at this level can also expect to take registration periods or to have a form group, although the amount of time spent with these pupils will be limited.
Secondary teachers across several subjects are in demand at the moment, and the government&rsquo;s teacher and retention strategy highlights this &ndash; in particular, there is demand for English, maths, science, history and modern languages teachers.
<h2>Academies</h2>
Academies are independent of the local authority and are directly funded by the Department for Education.
While they do not need to follow the national curriculum directly, they must ensure that what is taught is balanced and broad. English and Maths remain core subjects, however.
As they are not under local authority control, academies have greater freedom over school hours and term dates, as well as staff pay and conditions.
<h2>Faith schools</h2>
Faith schools need to follow the national curriculum, but they are given far greater freedom over what they teach in religious studies. Religious practices also tend to be more prevalent in these schools.
Many have different admissions criteria and staffing policies when compared to other state schools, although anyone can still apply to teach there.
<h2>Special schools</h2>
Mainstream education is not always the answer for some pupils with SEND, which is why special schools have a vital role to play.
Around 50% of pupils with special education needs statement or education, health and care (EHC) plan are taught in specialist school environments.
These schools meet the needs of pupils in situations where other state-funded schools cannot &ndash; broadly speaking, these schools can be divided into four specialisms:
<ul>
<li>communication and interaction</li>
<li>social, emotional and mental health</li>
<li>cognition and learning</li>
<li>sensory and physical needs</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;Head to our <a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/international-teachers" data-ol-has-click-handler="">international teachers page</a>.

What's the difference between the main school types in the UK?

Developing a love of reading at a young age is key to a child&rsquo;s development, and various research suggests it helps with their educational development too. Book clubs can provide access to reading materials for students, giving them a chance to enhance their learning.
&nbsp;
National Read a Book Day, marked on 6th&nbsp;September annually, provides a great opportunity for teachers to foster a love of reading among their pupils, and to highlight the many benefits of reading. Not only can it help to develop children&rsquo;s vocabulary and mental skills, but it can also support enhanced knowledge retention.
&nbsp;
As it&rsquo;s close to the start of the new school year too, it&rsquo;s also a fantastic excuse for teachers to set up a book club for students. At primary level, children can be encouraged to grab a book and kick-start the academic year, with classroom activities also linked to whatever they&rsquo;ve been reading.
&nbsp;
<h2>Understanding the benefits of a book club</h2>
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Alongside the benefits already mentioned, reading can be a powerful tool for encouraging children to use their imagination. It can also support their inquisitive nature, as they can learn to question what they read and to consider alternative scenarios and ways of thinking. For younger pupils, this can be developed into a lifelong love of learning, which will help them throughout their time in education and the workplace.
&nbsp;
Reading as part of a book club enables a teacher or school to create an environment in which students can ask questions and learn among their peers. They can discuss what they read, develop ideas and enhance their understanding. It&rsquo;s also a great opportunity to engage with pupils by looking into the deeper meanings of texts and exploring new theories.
&nbsp;
In addition, book clubs provide a chance for pupils to share recommendations on texts they enjoy, and even the chance for several class groups or year groups to interact. By providing a range of genres and titles, youngsters can choose books which appeal to their interests, which also means they&rsquo;re likely to be more engaged with what they&rsquo;re reading.
&nbsp;
<h2>What to consider when setting up a book club</h2>
&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re a teacher and you&rsquo;re planning to set up a book club in your school, make sure you&rsquo;ve given plenty of thought to the resources and texts you might want to use. Give careful consideration to what you want to achieve too, as this means you&rsquo;ll be able to keep those goals in mind throughout every book club session too.
&nbsp;
You may wish to target certain books that are related to the curriculum, or you could encourage pupils to provide recommendations during discussion. Look to ensure that everyone has an input into what books are read, or you could set challenges relating to specific texts as an activity to follow on from National Read a Book Day. Regardless of how you intend to harness a love of reading, a book club could be just the start.
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<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re a Primary Teacher or Secondary Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resources</a>&nbsp;to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
&nbsp;
We have&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hundreds of primary teacher vacancies</a>&nbsp; and&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secondary teaching positions</a> available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.

Why a book club is a good idea for your students

Embarking on a school trip can be daunting, especially with all of the responsibility that&rsquo;s involved, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/planning-and-organisation-strategies-for-primary-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning in advance</a> can help to reduce the stress for teachers.
Not only does it increase the likelihood that everything goes smoothly on the day, but it also means that pupils should be able to get much more out of the experience.
Here we look at the dos and don&rsquo;ts of school trips, from the planning stage through to the day of the trip itself.
<h2>School trips start with planning</h2>
Any school trip requires a vast amount of planning &ndash; from researching all there is to know about a destination or attraction through to the activities that will be completed when there.
Look for places with space for a group to congregate, especially at transport hubs such as stations, and make a note of places where it&rsquo;s possible to buy food and drinks. If the group is taking a packed lunch on the day, you&rsquo;ll need to factor in its preparation and finding somewhere for it to be eaten.
Create a schedule with rough timings included, and ensure that copies of it are distributed among pupils and support staff on the trip itself. Avoid trying to cram too much into the day, and make sure there is a degree of flexibility, in case something unexpected happens. Having a back-up plan can be useful, especially if working outdoors when poor weather conditions could have an impact.
Ideally, you&rsquo;ll want to avoid particularly busy locations where possible and should carry out risk assessments for each element of the trip. If you can, try to visit the locations in advance of the trip too, as that way you can ensure they have adequate facilities for your needs.
Remember what the aims of the trip are too &ndash; for younger pupils, it will often be about introducing them to new surroundings and concepts, while those for older pupils should be tied to specific learning targets and objectives. All activities should be tied into these objectives to enable pupils to make the most of the day.
<h2>Focus on the pupils involved</h2>
If you can link the school trip to bits of the curriculum that are being covered in the classroom, you should find that pupils are more engaged. You may also want to talk through some of the activities that pupils will be completing with them in advance, as that way they are empowered to begin thinking about what they want to get from the experience.
Make sure they know what to expect from the day and the rules which apply to them &ndash; what they should take and what they shouldn&rsquo;t, as an example. Make sure that every pupil knows what to do in an emergency and ensure they have contact details for any staff on the trip.
Ideally, you&rsquo;ll want to limit the amount of equipment they might need too, as that reduces the number of items which could get lost. With older groups of pupils, you may want to assign certain responsibilities to them so that they look after any key equipment for the day.
Lastly, teachers should set clear ground rules ahead of the trip and, if possible, pupils should sign an agreement stating they will follow the rules, or be excluded from the trip. Make sure that all pupils fully understand the consequences of breaking the rules too.
As you can see, there&rsquo;s plenty for teachers to consider when organising and undertaking a school trip. However, with planning and a clear set of objectives, it should be possible to ensure that the day is a success for all involved.
<h2>How Tradewind can support you in finding your perfect role in education</h2>
We have hundreds of vacancies available, take your next career move and&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply for our current roles</a>. Alternatively, you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/get-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">submit your CV</a> - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

The dos and don’ts of school trips

Lesson observation forms a vital part of a teacher&rsquo;s development, providing the tools and guidance required to ensure they&rsquo;re delivering top quality lessons.
It benefits both pupils and teachers, as it should ultimately drive up standards and lead to improved teaching.
Here we look at what primary teachers need to know about lesson observations, including <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-teachers-can-best-prepare-for-ofsted-visits">preparing for an Ofsted visit</a> and what those doing the observing are on the lookout for.
<h2>Why observation matters</h2>
Lesson observation enables a teacher to better understand what they do well in the classroom, alongside identifying areas for improvement. Ultimately, this should lead to actions which enable them to boost&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61b73d6c8fa8f50384489c9a/Teachers__Standards_Dec_2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teaching standards</a>.
Primary teachers watching other lessons can gain an understanding of best practices, can identify weaknesses and can recognise what needs to be done to enhance their own teaching.
Ahead of being observed, a teacher should expect adequate time to prepare, and head teachers should also notify staff of the desired outcomes of the process, especially if third-party observers are being used.
<h2>What observers look for</h2>
Any primary teacher should expect to be observed in a fair and consistent manner, meaning that those doing the observing should view each lesson with an open mind. They&rsquo;ll be particularly interested in how children are learning while looking closely at the role the teacher plays in influencing that process.
In addition to this, observers will be looking for clear structure within lessons, which demonstrates that they are well-planned and have the core learning aims in mind. They&rsquo;ll look for enthusiasm and consistency in teaching, alongside how pupils engage with the learning materials, the teacher, and each other.
It&rsquo;s also likely that observers will look at how teaching assistants are used in the classroom setting, should they be present. This will ensure that they are being used in the right way and that they are best placed to provide the necessary support to pupils.
<h2>What teachers should expect after observation</h2>
Following a period of observation, primary teachers should expect to receive specific feedback that relates to certain strengths and weaknesses, rather than a set of generic areas for improvement.
This should enable a set of developmental discussions to take place, whereby targets can be set and areas to focus on can be identified. Such chats should also consider the types of support and training that could be offered to ensure that a teacher is best equipped to drive up standards in the classroom.
It is also not unreasonable for a primary teacher to request to see any notes relating to their period of observation, as again, these might help to identify areas for improvement.
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Primary Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Primary Teacher looking for support in writing your CV,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/planning-and-organisation-strategies-for-primary-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">general help with keeping organised</a>, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog">resources </a>to help with that.
We have&nbsp;hundreds of vacancies currently available if you&rsquo;re looking for your next <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/primary-teaching-jobs">role as a Primary Teacher</a>.

Lesson observation guide for primary teachers

Making the transition from&nbsp;primary education&nbsp;to&nbsp;secondary school can be a nerve-wracking experience for pupils, meaning teachers have a vital role to play. Not only do youngsters need to get used to a new school environment, but they&rsquo;ll also face lessons in different classrooms rather than just one, and they are no longer the oldest there.
In order to help make the transition process as smooth as possible, here we&rsquo;ve looked at a few of the things teachers will want consider.
Work to ease fears
The move to a new school can be a driver of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/childrens-mental-health-week-resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety and stress</a>, so there&rsquo;s a need to make classrooms as welcoming as possible. This can be done via fun<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/team-building-games-for-your-classroom" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;team building games</a> and by giving pupils the chance to get to know each other. Many pupils may know others from previous schools, but it can help with the settling in process if they are urged to integrate with others as well.
From a teacher perspective, it&rsquo;s important that every pupil knows they can speak to you should any issues arise, or to other staff such as heads of year or heads of house. It&rsquo;s also essential to set out behavioural rules from the start, as establishing a clear set of boundaries can help to put pupils at ease. Look to provide all of the basic information that pupils will need too &ndash; such as where to find different classrooms or the toilets.
<h2>Getting to grips with what is new</h2>
The move to a new school brings much more than just a new environment in which to learn, and it&rsquo;s an important factor for teachers to keep in mind in the first few weeks of the academic year. Creating a supportive environment can help pupils to feel welcomed, which in turn can go a long way toward helping to foster a love of learning. It&rsquo;s highly likely that a secondary school will be larger than where pupils have been in the past, and that they&rsquo;ll be more people for them to see on a regular basis. Full-school assemblies, or even year-group assemblies, could be very intimidating for those who have come from smaller rural schools, as an example, so you may want to limit how many there are in the first few weeks of the new term.
<h3>Different classroom settings</h3>
The move to secondary school means there&rsquo;s a greater chance pupils might be late for classes if they cannot find the right room, as the majority will have been used to having all lessons in the same location at primary school. Account for this in the first few weeks of the autumn term and recognise that some disruption might happen in lessons as a result. The key here is that pupils learn as they go, and that they know that while you&rsquo;re willing to show them some grace early on, they&rsquo;ll be expected on time in future.
<h3>Different staff for different subjects</h3>
Unlike in primary school, where a single class teacher will take care of most, if not all, lessons for each group of pupils, secondary school is vastly different. This means less contact time between each pupil and staff member, which can be daunting if they have any questions. You can help youngsters to settle in by ensuring that every pupil knows the best way to contact you, and when it&rsquo;s acceptable to do so.
<h3>New teaching methods</h3>
Run through your teaching methods with pupils early on too, as this can allow them to know what to expect. As they progress through the curriculum, the emphasis on key skills and knowledge changes, and it can make lessons a great deal easier if pupils are aware of the analytical approaches and question-solving that will be required.
<h3>Introducing homework</h3>
Pupils might not be used to the concept of homework either, although ideally, their previous primary teachers will have given them some background on what to expect. It can be best to ease pupils into the new ways of working, especially as they&rsquo;ll be juggling work from multiple different subjects at once.
Ultimately, one of the most supportive actions that a secondary teacher can take is to be there to listen to pupils and allay their fears. Many will likely have a range of questions and worries, but with care and compassion, it&rsquo;s possible to help them settle into their new environment quickly!
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Secondary Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Secondary Teacher looking for support in&nbsp;writing your CV,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;general help with keeping organised, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resources</a> to help with that.
We have hundreds of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/secondary-teaching-jobs">secondary school teacher vacancies</a> currently available if you&rsquo;re looking for your next role.

How can teachers support primary leavers starting secondary school

If you&rsquo;re on the hunt for your next job in education, going via a teaching agency could provide a welcome boost. Not only can you take advantage of their contact book, often brimming with opportunities, but you can also benefit from enhanced continuous professional development and an array of other perks.
In this guide, we will explore common myths associated with educational recruitment agencies. We will go on to uncover the key benefits of partnering with an agency and how it can help you land your dream role.
First, let us enlighten you as we challenge the many myths surrounding educational recruitment processes:
<h2>Myth-busting recruitment agency processes</h2>
If you&rsquo;re looking for a&nbsp;<a href="/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new role in the education sector,</a>&nbsp;turning to an education recruitment agency could be just the ticket. But with false information to be found in all corners, what do you need to know to tell fact from fiction? Here, we bust the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/myth-busting-recruitment-agency-processes">myths that surround recruitment agency processes</a> and reveal how to go about finding your dream role.
<h3>1. &lsquo;The only jobs available are what is online&rsquo;</h3>
False! While there are hundreds of jobs listed online, there&rsquo;s a lot going on behind the scenes in agencies. Via close connections with the schools they work with, education recruitment agencies are often the first to know when it comes to new vacancies.
This puts those they work with at a serious advantage, as individuals could be put forward for jobs in education that are yet to be publicly advertised. Education recruitment consultants should also be able to talk you through the job market in&nbsp;your region, providing a range of career advice and different opportunities.
<h3>2. &lsquo;Education recruitment consultants just want to place me into roles quickly&rsquo;</h3>
False! The majority of recruiters have long-standing relationships with schools and local councils, and they don&rsquo;t want to risk damaging those relationships by rushing into things. The majority of contracts require new staff to be in a role for a minimum period of time prior to payment, so education recruitment consultants will want to ensure that you&rsquo;re the right fit for the role you&rsquo;re being put forward for.
Ultimately, it benefits all parties if you&rsquo;re happy and successful in a new teaching job. This means doing a series of checks, getting to understand what you do and don&rsquo;t want from a role, and ultimately not submitting an application on your behalf if it isn&rsquo;t the right fit for you.
<h3>3. &lsquo;Recruiters won&rsquo;t help me after I get the role&rsquo;</h3>
False! Not only do education recruitment consultants stay in regular contact with candidates, but they&rsquo;re also on hand to provide useful guidance and advice. There&rsquo;s also a range of carefully curated continued professional development courses available that can help you enhance your skills and stay fully up-to-date with the latest developments in the sector. Your recruiter is always just a phone call away.
<h3>4. &lsquo;Education recruitment agencies are impersonal&rsquo;</h3>
False! You might hear that recruitment agencies treat candidates like numbers, not offering any personalised support. But that&rsquo;s not the full picture. In reality, many education recruitment agencies go above and beyond to provide individualised guidance to their candidates.
Education recruitment agencies help with everything from interview preparation to offering career advice tailored to your unique goals and experience. So, instead of feeling like just another applicant, you actually get the support that&rsquo;s customised to help you succeed.
<h3>5. &lsquo;Education recruitment agencies are only good for short-term fixes&rsquo;</h3>
While education recruitment agencies typically offer interim roles and fill supply teaching jobs, many look to the longer term. Catering to your needs is incredibly important, and agencies will go that extra mile to ensure you&rsquo;re in the best position possible to succeed the next time you step into a classroom. Consultants look at your skills and personality to ensure you&rsquo;re suitable for a placement and can provide a range of resources to increase your likelihood of being a success.
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Advantages of working with an education recruitment agency</h2>
Looking to secure work on your own can be both daunting and tiring. However, working with an education recruitment agency makes the process easier, as they&rsquo;ll do the majority of the hard work for you. They&rsquo;re often one step ahead of the market and will know which schools are recruiting, often meaning they&rsquo;ll have a wide variety of jobs in education to select from.
Here, we explore why you might want to partner with an education recruitment agency and delve deeper into the assistance it can provide:
<h3>1. Putting your development first with valuable CPD courses</h3>
The majority of teaching agencies will place an emphasis on your continued professional development alongside any role you take. This can open doors to training and development opportunities that you may otherwise miss out on, enabling you to develop your knowledge in the process.
Given that a growing number of schools are looking for staff with good levels of CPD at the point of application, this can put you at an advantage.
Here are the amazing benefits of accessing the training and development resources, such as CPD courses offered by agencies:
<ul>
<li>Access to specialised training sessions to enhance your teaching skills.</li>
<li>Opportunities to stay educated on educational practices and methodologies.</li>
<li>Workshops and courses that can lead to additional certifications and qualifications.</li>
<li>Support for personal growth and career progression through targeted CPD programs.</li>
<li>Networking opportunities with other professionals through CPD events.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>2. Experts in education recruitment</h3>
With in-depth knowledge of the schools where you could be placed and numerous different available roles, a teaching agency can often source the best role for you. They take into account your skills, qualifications and availability before providing openings for which you are suited. This reduces the need for speculative applications, enabling you to channel your time and energy into the roles that matter.
To summarise, here is a list of the key benefits of partnering with expert education recruitment consultants:
<ul>
<li>Tailored job matching based on your specific qualifications and experience.</li>
<li>Insight into the culture and expectations of potential schools.</li>
<li>Guidance on how to improve your CV and application materials for better success.</li>
<li>Advice on which jobs in education are the best fit for your career aspirations.</li>
<li>Reduced effort in searching for jobs, as agencies do the legwork for you.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>3. Access to extensive networks and events</h3>
According to research,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/benefits-using-recruiting-agency-job-seeker-company-trivers-me/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">80%</a>&nbsp;of jobs are never posted publicly. Some schools may only advertise available roles via an agency, meaning you could miss out on roles as you are simply unaware that they exist. Note that many teaching recruitment agencies will have strong working relationships with schools that you simply wouldn&rsquo;t be able to take advantage of otherwise.
Not only this, but education recruitment agencies often run and give access to networking events where you can meet potential employers, learn about new opportunities, and connect with other professionals in the education sector. These events provide a platform to build valuable relationships and gain insights that can help advance your career.
To break it down, here are the key benefits of tapping into an agency&rsquo;s broad networks:
<ul>
<li>Exclusive access to job openings not advertised elsewhere.</li>
<li>Connections to a broad network of schools and educational institutions.</li>
<li>Invitations to job fairs and networking events hosted by the agency.</li>
<li>Early notifications about upcoming vacancies in your area.</li>
<li>Opportunities to build relationships with potential employers before applying.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>4. Support with interviews, CVs, and lesson planning</h3>
Using a teaching agency means you&rsquo;ll always have someone to turn to for support when you need it, whether you have or haven&rsquo;t yet landed your dream role. Agencies can provide guidance should you need advice on anything related to your role and jobs in education.
Around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qureos.com/career-guide/resume-statistics-for-job-seekers#:~:text=However%2C%20there%20are%20also%20some,personalized%20to%20the%20job%20position." target="_blank" rel="noopener">63%</a> of recruiters prefer resumes to be tailor-made to the job opening. Making sure you stand out and express your interest in the role within your CV is essential. Not sure where to start? That&rsquo;s where a recruitment agency comes in. Education recruitment consultants have years of experience and expertise in tailoring CVs to education jobs to impress employers and highlight you as a valuable candidate tailored to the role.
Agencies can offer mock interviews, feedback, and tips to help you present yourself confidently and professionally. For lesson planning, consultants can connect you with resources and experienced mentors who can guide you in creating effective, engaging lesson plans to ensure you are well-prepared to demonstrate your abilities.
To round it up, here are the key ways an&nbsp;education recruitment agency can benefit you with interviews, CVs and lesson planning:
<ul>
<li>Support in writing and tailoring your CV to specific education jobs</li>
<li>Personalised interview coaching to help you make a strong impression.</li>
<li>Resources and tips for effective lesson planning and classroom management.</li>
<li>Feedback on mock interviews to improve your performance.</li>
<li>Continuous support and advice even after you&rsquo;ve secured a position.</li>
<li>Assistance with preparing teaching demonstrations for interviews.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h3>5. Quick, easy, streamlined process</h3>
If you&rsquo;re looking for your next teaching role and are keen to earn money at the first possible opportunity, using a teaching agency should help speed up the recruitment process. As previously mentioned, they&rsquo;ll be able to draw on those strong relationships to push through strong applicants. Consultants act as your communicators, meaning regular, timely updates avoid setbacks along the way.
On top of this, support with interview preparation, CVs and lesson planning also streamlines the applicant process and enables candidates to land their ideal role within a shorter time frame.
Let&rsquo;s break it down to the key takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Faster placement in roles due to the agency&rsquo;s existing relationships with schools.</li>
<li>Simplified application process with help from the agency.</li>
<li>Immediate access to a variety of job openings suited to your profile.</li>
<li>Less time spent waiting for responses and updates.</li>
<li>Continuous updates and communication throughout the hiring process.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Key takeaways: the benefits of an education recruitment agency</h2>
By partnering with an education recruitment agency, you can improve your job search journey and boost the likelihood of landing your dream role in the education sector. Agencies offer access to a wealth of opportunities, including jobs in education that may not be publicly advertised, thanks to their extensive networks and strong relationships with schools.
They provide personalised support, from tailored CV advice to interview coaching, ensuring you present yourself as the ideal candidate for each position. Agencies often also offer access to specialised training sessions, workshops, and courses that can help you stay updated with the latest educational practices.
Education recruitment agencies streamline the entire job search process, making it quicker and less stressful. Their in-depth knowledge of the sector and existing relationships with schools mean they can efficiently match you with suitable roles and teaching jobs to save you time and effort. With their ongoing support, from the initial application to post-placement guidance, you can search for your dream role with confidence, knowing you have expert backing at every step. For more insight, read <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/myth-busting-recruitment-agency-processes">myth busting recruitment agency processes</a>.
<h2>How Tradewind can support you in finding jobs in education</h2>
Luckily, Tradewind offers all of the above. We prioritise your training and development above all else, providing more certified CPD courses than any other&nbsp;education recruitment agency&nbsp;&ndash; 45 in total! With our extensive networks, in-depth industry knowledge, and valuable advice for anything from interviews to lesson planning, we offer outstanding solutions.
<a href="/get-started">Contact us&nbsp;</a>today to discover why&nbsp;94% of our candidates would refer us to a friend!

The benefits of working with an education recruitment agency

It&rsquo;s not uncommon for prospective teachers to have concerns around their workloads, but there are plenty of resources to help make life easier.
In an effort to reduce teacher workload across primary and secondary education, the Department for Education has worked with teachers to develop toolkits and other supporting materials.
There&rsquo;s also a number of useful tips which can be used in both regular and SEN education to lessen the amount of time and energy needed for certain tasks, some of which we&rsquo;ve included below:
<h2>Can you give more verbal feedback?</h2>
Marking and feedback is one of the most time-consuming elements of teaching, so replacing written feedback with verbal comments can make a big difference.
You&rsquo;ll often be able to spot common issues and misunderstandings, which can then be worked on in the lessons that follow, while you can also remind pupils when you see them.
Put the emphasis on quality feedback in secondary education and then follow it up to ensure that everything has been understood.
<h2>Could you benefit from working with other staff?</h2>
Another way of reducing workload involves close collaboration and the sharing of lesson planning and resources.
By having a centralised set of resources for those working in primary education, or at higher levels, it&rsquo;s possible to avoid duplicating both time and effort.
<h2>Are there existing resources you can use?</h2>
Early career teachers will lack the bank of lesson resources when compared to more senior staff, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean new need to be overly-complicated.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, see what exists already either within your school environment or online, as you may be able to amend existing resources to meet your needs. This includes <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-staff-room-environment">making the most of the staff room environment</a>.&nbsp;
<h2>What resources are there to ease teacher workload?</h2>
As we previously mentioned, the Department for Education has a wide range of resources to help reduce workloads, including this extensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/reducing-school-workload">collection</a>&nbsp;which features this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/school-workload-reduction-toolkit">handy toolkit</a>.
School leaders and other experts from the education sector have also listed several&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ways-to-reduce-workload-in-your-school-tips-from-school-leaders">tips</a>, as well as guidance on how best to incorporate technology into teaching.
In addition, the department also has a specific set of resources to support those in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-early-career-teachers-reducing-teacher-workload">early stages</a> of their primary and secondary education teaching careers.
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/helping-you/work-life-balance">Education Support</a> charity, which focuses on helping the mental health and wellbeing of school staff, also has plenty of guidance on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Further guidance can be found in an independent 2020&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-teacher-workload-education-development-trust-report">report</a> from the Education Development Trust, which focused on how school-led projects can help reduce teacher workload.&nbsp;
It includes a number of printable posters which outline how different schools have approached the issue in both primary and secondary education.
Also, read our useful guide on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/everyday-struggles-of-a-teacher-and-how-to-overcome-them">challenges that teachers experience in the classroom</a>.
You can view all of our jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.&nbsp;

Tips for managing your workload in the classroom

Teaching assistants have a key role to play in making a positive difference in classrooms up and down the country.
Students can thrive in a safe, nurturing and happy environment, and creating this relies on support both in and out of the classroom.
Teaching assistants provide this help, enabling pupils to reach their potential, at both the top and bottom ends of the learning spectrum, across primary, secondary and SEN education.
Here we&rsquo;re delving a little deeper to discover just why teaching assistants are so important to children&rsquo;s development.
<h2>The teaching assistant workforce</h2>
More than 460,000 full-time equivalent teachers work in England&rsquo;s schools, according to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-workforce-in-england">school workforce data</a> from November 2020, and they&rsquo;re supported by more than 271,000 full-time equivalent teaching assistants.
These staff are employed in regular schools and in&nbsp;SEN education to provide support in lessons to both groups and individuals.
Many will often work closely with teachers to support the delivery of lessons, and may also assist with planning and other elements to ensure that all pupils, and especially those with SEN, are catered for.
Such support helps to reduce stress among teachers and can help to limit disruption in the classroom too, creating a better learning environment for all.
<h2>Helping pupils to reach their potential</h2>
For pupils in SEN education, teaching assistants help them to make the most of whatever learning opportunities are on offer.
They are best placed to structure tailored interventions and to discuss topics with pupils to ensure they understand what they are learning.
Various research from the Education Endowment Foundation has suggested that these types of structured intervention can result in three or four months of additional academic progress among pupils with SEN.
Working in small groups for part of a lesson is most beneficial as it can help to connect a child with their learning and can encourage them to push themselves further to reach their potential.
<h2>Spotting those that need support</h2>
If children are struggling in the classroom with certain topics then teaching assistants are often best placed to notice.
Where children are not getting involved in class activities, possible have low self-esteem or are being disruptive, they can provide encourage and guidance.
In primary school settings, teaching assistants play a key role in the transition into secondary school too, helping to motivate them and prepare them for what to expect.
A teaching assistant can also provide support in secondary school settings, helping those who need to better their understanding and motivating those with high attainment to maximise their ability.
Ultimately this helps to drive better results for pupils, so if you enjoy working with children and want to help them achieve their potential, a teaching assistant could be just right for you.
<h2>Support outside the classroom</h2>
As well as help in the classroom, teaching assistants have a vital role to play in children&rsquo;s development out of it too.
They may be asked to attend meetings within the school and to assist with parent&rsquo;s evenings and other events.
On top of this, they help to make <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-school-trips">school trips</a> and other activities possible, further enhancing the learning potential of pupils in the process.
Interested in applying? View all of our <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/teaching-assistant-jobs">teaching assistant job posts</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Why Teaching Assistants are so important to children

Tradewind Recruitment has partnered with&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MrTs_NQTs">Mr T from Twitter</a> diving into the frequently asked questions regarding the ECT induction. We want to provide the best support for Early Career Teachers, helping to make you feel at ease in time for September. Take it away, Mr T&hellip;
We are now one year into the national rollout of the 2-year ECT induction driven by the ECF curriculum. This blog has been written to give space to reflect on the developments of the year through the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) I have received around ECT induction.&nbsp;&nbsp;
I have had the privilege of being able to deliver ECF materials to both mentors and ECTs this year. The national rollout has enabled over 12,000 ECTs to start their teaching journey with the support of the ECF materials. There have definitely been some teething problems. Being the first year of the rollout has meant that materials have been released over the year. This has meant that all ECTs have worked through the same materials with no flexibility to look at other modules that may have been more supportive at that point in time. The other challenge has been around the workload for Mentors and ECTs. With a new system and curriculum for both ECTs and Mentors, there has been a challenge in getting to grips with how the materials and systems look and how sessions run. With a year under our belt, the pitfalls have been identified, but there are still questions I regularly get asked around induction.
<h2>What should I be doing in my ECT time?</h2>
During your ECT time, you should be engaging with the ECF developmental materials &ndash; this could be a video or a piece of research. You will then be asked to reflect on this. This should take about 40 minutes in all. During the rest of that time, you should be engaged with CPD opportunities, observing other colleagues, and talking with colleagues about key practices in the school. Each week you will meet with your mentor, and this may be done during your ECT time or could be outside of this time. Regardless of when it happens, your Mentor may also spend some time with you guiding you through the materials and providing feedback from the observations they have undertaken of you in relation to the ECF materials.&nbsp;
<h2>How often should I be observed?</h2>
Your mentor should be engaged in weekly low stakes observations of you. These are undertaken with a clear focus on the content being addressed in the ECF this week and will inform the feedback they provide to you during their weekly meeting with you.
Your induction tutor should also be observing you &lsquo;regularly&rsquo; (the language in the statutory guidance). This could be termly or half termly and will be with a clear focus on assessing you against the Teachers&rsquo; Standards to inform the progress reviews and end of assessment period reports that are provided back to the appropriate body.
<h2>My lesson observation has not gone well, does this mean I will fail?</h2>
Definitely not. The 2-year induction period is exactly that. You have 2 years to be able to demonstrate the Teachers&rsquo; Standards. One unsuccessful lesson observation or even a progress report that says that you are at risk of not meeting the standards, does not mean that you have failed. It means that the school and appropriate body should be offering you further support to get you on track to be able to meet the Teachers&rsquo; Standards.
<h2>I am on a fixed term contract; will I have to start my induction again?</h2>
No. If you have completed a full term and had this captured in a progress review then it has been &lsquo;banked&rsquo;. This would then mean that in your next school you would be able to continue from where you got to. Technically, and I am not advocating this, you could complete induction in 6 different schools, completing a term in each.
<h2>I haven&rsquo;t got a job yet; I&rsquo;ve heard I only have 5 years to complete induction.</h2>
This is not the case at all. Your QTS never expires. The 5-year rule only applies to short-term supply. The guidance is that you can only carry out short-term supply for 5 years before needing to commence induction. If you work in the independent sector or overseas, you never have to complete induction, and you will still hold your QTS.
<h2>I have been asked to provide a folder of evidence, what should I be putting in it?</h2>
NO, NO, NO! You do not have to collate evidence in a folder*. You can be asked to share evidence with your mentor induction tutor which can be captured in your progress reviews. For example, they may ask you to share an example where your feedback has made an impact on pupil progress. You can take pupils&rsquo; books to the review meeting share and share them there. You do not need to photocopy it and stick it in a folder. If anyone is asking you to do this, send them to the link here. The DfE has made this clear&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-early-career-teachers-ects-ecf-based-training#you-do-not-need-to-collect-evidence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in their guidance</a>.&nbsp;
*If you are completing induction in Wales, you are expected to provide 3 pieces of evidence for each of the Teachers&rsquo; Standards by the end of your induction.
<h2>Do I move to M2 at the end of my first year?</h2>
Yes, you should. The guidance when the 2-year induction was clear that it should not affect pay progression. However, don&rsquo;t panic if it doesn&rsquo;t appear in your September pay! Salary increases are aligned in school with the performance management cycle (you won&rsquo;t be part of this yet) this can mean that pay increases do not happen until October/November time. However, it will be backdated to September.
I hope that by collating these in one place I have helped to reassure you and support you with what induction should hold for you. &nbsp;
Please come and find me on Twitter&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://twitter.com/MrTs_NQTs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@MrTs_NQTs</a>&nbsp;and keep an eye out for my upcoming book&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/you-got-this-9781801990196/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You Got This &ndash; Thriving as an early career teacher with Mr T</a> for more support and guidance to help you thrive in your induction.
Tradewind Recruitment supports teachers across the UK in finding their perfect role in education. If you&rsquo;re an ECT looking for a role, get in touch with us today. We have hundreds of <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/early-career-teaching-jobs">early career teaching job posts</a> available for new teachers as well as blogs (<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-to-shine-as-a-newly-qualified-primary-teacher">how to shine as newly qualified teacher</a>) to help you including, interview techniques, resources for September and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/top-10-tips-to-support-you-in-your-first-week-as-an-ect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">top tips for your first week as an EC</a>

ECF: One Year In!

Working as a teaching assistant is a highly rewarding role that provides valuable classroom experience. But did you know it can also be a stepping stone to becoming a fully qualified teacher? Many teaching assistants go on to complete teacher training and transition into full-time teaching positions.
If you're considering making the switch, this guide will help you understand how your current experience can support your journey and explore the different pathways available to become a primary or secondary school teacher in the UK.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Gaining Valuable Classroom Experience</h2>
As a teaching assistant, you develop essential skills that are directly transferable to a teaching career. These include:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Classroom management techniques</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Supporting student learning and engagement</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Working closely with teachers to understand lesson planning and assessment</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Building strong relationships with students and staff</li>
</ul>
By observing teachers in action, you&rsquo;ll gain insight into the challenges and rewards of the profession. You can also use this time to speak with teachers and school staff to learn more about their experiences and responsibilities. For more insight, read our article on the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/why-schools-like-psychology-graduates-working-as-teaching-assistants">benefits of a psychology background in classroom support roles</a>.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Pathways to Becoming a Teacher</h2>
There are multiple routes into teaching depending on your qualifications and career aspirations. Here are some of the most common options:
<h3 class="MsoNormal">1. Initial Teacher Training (ITT) or Initial Teacher Education (ITE)</h3>
To teach in maintained schools in the UK, you must complete an accredited teacher training programme. Many school-based teacher training providers offer flexible options that allow you to continue working as a teaching assistant while training.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">2. School-Based Teacher Training Programmes</h3>
If you want to train while gaining hands-on experience, school-based routes such as School Direct, Teach First, or a <a href="https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/train-to-be-a-teacher">Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship (PGTA)</a> allow you to earn while you learn. Some programmes even count your time as a teaching assistant towards your training.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">3. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)</h3>
If you already have a degree, you can complete a PGCE in primary or secondary education. This full-time or part-time programme typically takes one year and includes a mix of university-based learning and school placements.
<h3 class="MsoNormal">4. Undergraduate Teaching Degrees</h3>
For those without a degree, enrolling in a <a href="https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/train-to-be-a-teacher/if-you-dont-have-a-degree">Bachelor of Education (BEd)</a> or a degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is a direct pathway into teaching. For more insight, read our guide on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-guidance-will-help-trainees-gain-qts">how to gain QTS while training at school</a>.
&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Making the Decision</h2>
Before committing to teacher training, take the time to research and reflect on your options.
Consider:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">Your long-term career goals</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Whether you prefer primary or secondary education</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The financial implications of full-time vs. part-time study</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The time commitment required for each route</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;re passionate about teaching and eager to progress, transitioning from a teaching assistant to a qualified teacher could be the perfect next step in your career.
If you're ready to take the next step, start exploring teacher training programmes and speak with your school about potential opportunities today!

Can I train as a Teacher while working as a Teaching Assistant?

<a title="" href="https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/children-and-young-people/sen-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Providing quality support for pupils with special educational needs</a> (SEN) is a key requirement for teachers in classrooms across the country.
More than 1.25 million pupils in England require support for SEN &ndash; equating to an average of four pupils per class in mainstream settings. Official&nbsp;<a href="https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england#releaseHeadlines-summary">government&nbsp;data</a> shows that the numbers are growing year-on-year too (up 12.2% from 2021-2022), placing a greater emphasis on effective teaching strategies for SEN pupils.
It&rsquo;s important to recognise that general good teaching practices can benefit pupils with SEN too. Therefore, the use of any additional education strategies should not be at the expense of doing the basics properly. Greater detail around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support">what classes as SEN support</a>&nbsp;for children of different ages is available on the official government website. The&nbsp;<a href="https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/send">Education Endowment Foundation</a> also has in-depth guidance on how to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Here we look at five teaching strategies for SEN pupils which can help pupils to succeed, while enabling you to teach more confidently and effectively.
<h2>1. Be supporting to all&nbsp;</h2>
At the forefront of any teaching strategy for SEN pupils is the school environment. Any classroom setting should be welcoming and inclusive for all pupils. Not only should they feel supported, but they also need to trust that you&rsquo;ll take action to quell poor behaviour.
Helpful hint: Look to promote positivity from the start of a lesson to the end and create opportunities for pupils to be engaged and to discuss key topics.&nbsp;
<h2>2. Positive reinforcement&nbsp;</h2>
Small actions can mean a lot to pupils &ndash; whether that is smiling at those who are clearly paying attention, or providing positive comments in work books. Effective praise helps to encourage positive behaviour among pupils, and helps to foster a general feeling of positivity in the classroom. It can also be highly useful when it comes to teaching pupils with SEN about what does and does not constitute good behaviour.
Helpful hint: encourage your pupils to give positive reinforcement to their peers at every opportunity.
3. Constantly work to understand pupil needs&nbsp;
Every pupil with SEN will have different requirements and teaching&nbsp;staff should work to continuously review those needs throughout the school year. Through regular assessment, this strategy for SEN pupils allows teachers to deliver tailored interventions at times when they can have the greatest impact. Talk to pupils to get their thoughts, and chat with their parents regularly too, as it all helps to build a picture of their progress and understanding.
Helpful hint: remember that the support requirements of every pupil will differ, so an approach that works for one individual may not work for another.&nbsp;
<h2>4. Work closely with your teaching assistants&nbsp;</h2>
If you have teaching assistants in your classroom, they can be a great resource for supporting pupils with SEN. It&rsquo;s highly likely that they&rsquo;ll work closely with pupils and they will be best placed to give you information and guidance on a pupil&rsquo;s progress. Look to include teaching assistants in your lesson planning and provide them with the tools to supplement your teaching. The Education Endowment Foundation has detailed guidance on&nbsp;<a href="https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/teaching-assistants">how to best use teaching assistants</a> in your classroom.
Helpful hint: have regular catch-ups with the teaching assistants in your classroom to gather feedback on behaviour, learning and pupil development.&nbsp;
<h2>5. Make carefully crafted interventions&nbsp;</h2>
All of the teaching strategies for SEN pupils look to build on good quality teaching practices, but in certain instances you may need to go beyond that. Read our article on <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/can-technology-help-pupils-with-SEND">how technology can help pupils with SEND</a>. In order to help pupils who might be struggling, tailored interventions may be required to support their progress. However, if these are not done in the right way they can be detriment to the learning of pupils with SEN as they may feel left out or excluded from you teaching.
Helpful hint: think carefully about the use of interventions and make them based on specific needs that you are able to identify.&nbsp;
<div class="edit">
<h2>Begin the search for your next SEN teaching role&nbsp;</h2>
Now that you know the skills that you need to succeed, it's time to put your career in gear. Check out the latest&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SEN teaching jobs</a> and you'll find vacancies across the UK. Our process is streamlined, so you could have your applications submitted in just a few clicks.
Alternatively,&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us">contact our team</a> and we'll be in touch to discuss how we can support your education career. Our recruitment consultants take great pride in being one of the leading education recruitment agencies in the UK. We work hard to deliver the highest quality candidate care and match you with a teaching job that is perfect for you.
<h4>Related Articles</h4>
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/sensory-lesson-resources-for-sen-teachers">Sensory lesson resources for SEN teachers</a>
&nbsp;
</div>

5 teaching strategies for SEN pupils

With the end of the school term on the horizon and children gearing up for the summer holidays, keeping them focused on learning can be a challenge for teachers.
But there&rsquo;s plenty of fun and engaging activities out there to help teachers and teaching assistants make the classroom environment an enjoyable one as the term winds down.
Given that lesson planning may be the last thing on teacher&rsquo;s minds as they consider end of year reports and other essential tasks, here&rsquo;s a selection of the resources and ideas to assist across both primary and secondary education.
<h2>Theme Days</h2>
For those looking to do something different for their pupils in primary education,&nbsp;<a href="https://notsowimpyteacher.com/2017/04/end-of-year-class-theme-days.html">Not So Wimpy Teacher</a> suggests the concept of theme days.
Simply put, each day has its own theme based on a topic, idea or thing, from focusing on sport or art to science, maths or even board games.
Teaching assistants could provide further support with these activities, giving pupils ample opportunity to be creative and use their end of term energy positively.
<h2>Riddles</h2>
Get your class thinking by setting them a number of riddles and brain teasers, providing a fun way to approach tasks and problems.
Primary teachers can access a range of riddles at&nbsp;<a href="https://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/brain-teasers/">The Teacher&rsquo;s Corner</a>, which allows you to build worksheets for your class with however many problems you choose.
<h2>The Whodunnit Mystery</h2>
Packed with engaging activities for those in secondary education,&nbsp;Tes has a Whodunnit Mystery lesson to get pupils solving activities and challenges to work out an unidentified murderer.
Both the PowerPoint and tasks can be downloaded for free, providing a complete lesson plan for those looking for something quickly.
<h2>The work of Dr Seuss</h2>
Based on&nbsp;Oh The Places You&rsquo;ll Go, the picture book by Dr Seuss,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.plazoom.com/resource/oh-the-places-youll-go-dr-seuss-activity-pack-for-uks2">Plazoom</a> has a fun literacy activity for year 6 pupils as they prepare to make the transition from primary to secondary education.
Not only can it harbour a love of reading, but it also gives youngsters a chance to talk about their hopes and ambitions and to consider what they might need to do to achieve them.
<h2>The end of year yearbook</h2>
As the summer approaches, teachers can turn to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-c-203-end-of-year-scrapbook">Twinkl</a> for an end of year activity with a difference &ndash; each pupil can reflect on the year to create a personal year book.
From recognising achievements to overcoming challenges, it can also be used as an inspirational tool in the next academic year to help them strive for success.
This is especially useful for teaching assistants working in SEN education, as it provides a chance for pupils to focus on all the great things they&rsquo;ve accomplished over the school year.
<h2>Reflection Questions</h2>
Another option for reflection can be found at&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-the-Year-Reflection-Questions-Print-or-TpT-Easel-Activity-1842735" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TeachersPay Teachers</a>, a free set of question cards which can be used as prompts or as activities.
Although designed for use in the USA, many of the questions are still applicable and can be used by teachers and their assistants to act as conversation starters or within class games.
You can view all of our jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> or alternatively you can submit your CV - your local education recruitment consultant will get in touch with you shortly.

Keeping the classroom engaged for the final weeks of term

Teachers experience <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/everyday-struggles-of-a-teacher-and-how-to-overcome-them">everyday stuggles</a>, but maths provides plenty of freedom for creative teaching solutions, but the subject is not without its challenges.
As a core subject, there&rsquo;s a strong emphasis on&nbsp;maths teachers&nbsp;to deliver results, although it can also be incredibly rewarding to teach. Its unique mix of theory and problem solving requires a relaxing environment in which all pupils can thrive, but many will learn at different paces. Teachers will often look to repetition to&nbsp;ensure understanding too, although there are plenty of solutions for them to explore.
Here we look at some of the challenges faced by maths teachers and delve into the imaginative ways that can be used to overcome them.
<h2>1. Tackling complexity with creative approaches</h2>
<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-mathematics-programmes-of-study" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The maths curriculum</a>&nbsp;is incredibly complex and this can make it overwhelming for both teachers and pupils alike. Maths&nbsp;teachers should therefore turn to creative approaches&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/improving-engagement-and-attainment-in-maths-and-english-courses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to ensure engagement</a> with the material. By using different methodology and by mixing up the types of problems being given to pupils, it should be possible to boost knowledge retention and develop a love of maths among your class.
<h2>2. Dealing with the need for pre-requisite knowledge</h2>
Maths teaching often requires pupils to build on previous knowledge, either learnt in the weeks previous or in past academic years. If that learning is not done for any reason, it can be difficult to ensure that all of the class are at the same level. This is particularly an issue when&nbsp;<a title="" href="http://https//www.twrecruitment.com/post/2022-9/how-can-teachers-support-primary-leavers-starting-secondary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">children join a new school</a> once the academic year has started, or among those who have moved to England from overseas. A failure to provide remediate teaching can leave a pupil in a position of always needing to catch up, although you may be able to use peer-to-peer teaching to support them. Set aside time in your lessons where you can encourage your class to talk through maths problems with their friends, as this can help to reinforce learning while helping others to catch up.
<h2>3. Know your strategies</h2>
As a maths teacher, you&rsquo;ll know the&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education/delivery-and-teaching-strategies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">importance of having an effective teaching strategy</a> in mind, especially when there are so many different approaches out there. Your knowledge in the subject is just the starting point, as you&rsquo;ll also need to ensure that pupils understand your points and the theory attached to them. Give very careful consideration to your lesson plans, and think about how elements of your teaching might be interpreted. You&rsquo;ll want to make sure that all instructions are clear and provide opportunities for the development of learning.
4. Overcoming negative attitudes towards maths
Unfortunately for maths teachers, many pupils (and often their parents too) can have a&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/research-and-resources/attitudes-towards-maths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">negative attitude towards the subject</a>. If you&rsquo;re not careful, this can make teaching difficult as they arrive in the classroom with a view that they simply can&rsquo;t do what you are asking. If you couple this with a lack of pre-requisite skills, it can make things trickier still. However, this is where creative approaches can really make a difference, from boosting engagement to showing youngsters that maths can be exciting. This is often done by relating elements of the subject to everyday life &ndash; from applying maths to sport, news stories or art and design.
<h2>5. Using technology effectively in the classroom</h2>
Like many subjects, maths teaching can really benefit from the use of technology in the classroom. But it has to be used effectively. This requires planning and you should look to attach a clear set of aims to any scenario when tech is being used. Focus on the outcomes and make sure that you&rsquo;re using the best tools to help you get there. It&rsquo;s important to recognise the challenges that come with using technology in the classroom too. Firstly, teachers require an appropriate level of knowledge themselves, although this can be developed&nbsp;via professional development courses&nbsp;and training. Access to technology can be an issue in certain settings too, while you&rsquo;ll also want to ensure key questions around security and safeguarding are answered before getting underway.
<h2>How Tradewind Recruitment can support Maths Teachers looking for their next role in education</h2>
If you&rsquo;re a Mathematics Teacher looking for support in writing your CV and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/interview-techniques-for-teachers" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">preparing for your interview</a>&nbsp;then we can help! Alternatively, we have lots of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">resources</a> to help with everything related to you and your career, from top ideas for lesson plans to keeping organised in the classroom.
We have hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/maths-teacher-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-ol-has-click-handler="">maths teaching positions</a> available if you&rsquo;re looking for your perfect role as a Teacher &ndash; get in touch today.

Top 5 challenges of being a Maths Teacher

Summer can represent a welcome break from learning for pupils, but for those with special educational needs, teachers need to take steps to support them. There&rsquo;s a need to ensure they retain knowledge picked up during the last academic year, which places a real emphasis on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-sen-teachers-can-use-outdoor-activities-to-aid-teaching" target="_blank" rel="noopener">summer learning activities</a>.
This allows pupils with SEN to be better prepared for future learning and means that teachers can have many positive impacts on their education. With summer representing the longest period away from the classroom for pupils, here we explore some of the activities that&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SEN teachers</a> can use to keep pupils engaged through the holidays.
<h2>Put an emphasis on communication</h2>
It&rsquo;s important to remember that&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/id/eprint/6912/7/pns_sen118705sll_Redacted.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">communication is key</a>&nbsp;when supporting pupils with SEN. Not only does it help to build trusting relationships, but it also allows teachers to better understand a child&rsquo;s individual requirements. As a result, SEN teachers are better placed to&nbsp;create lessons and activities which are tailored to the pupils in their classes.
<h2>Encourage sport and activity</h2>
<a title="" href="https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/sport-exercise-disabled-children-young-people/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taking part in summer sports</a> can be a great way for pupils with SEN to engage with their peers. It can also help to provide motivation when term-time returns, so SEN teachers should look to encourage youngsters to try new things throughout the summer. Various sporting summer camps run, while many amateur sports clubs will also offer sessions where youngsters can discover sports for the first time.
<h2>Create a summer club</h2>
While the thought of additional education in the summer can be off-putting for some pupils, others may also see it as an opportunity. Some of your pupils might be able to meet up over the summer in different locations to support each other and continue learning as part of a study group or summer club. This can provide great opportunities for youngsters with SEN to practice their social skills or to take part in group activities which benefit their learning in the long-term.
<h2>Start a book club</h2>
Developing better reading skills can make a huge difference to a child&rsquo;s academic achievement, especially if it is not something that comes naturally to them. Look to provide a list of fun and engaging texts that they might be able to find in the school library for pupils to read over the summer. You may even wish to encourage some healthy competition by challenging pupils to read more than their peers.
<h2>Look online</h2>
The internet is overflowing with great ideas and learning activities, alongside a wealth of teaching resources. Find specific websites that focus on certain learning needs or look to add links to your school learning portal if you have one. Remember that pupils will require a certain amount of hand-holding when it comes to internet use though, as you&rsquo;ll need to ensure they are not exposed to any inappropriate material. Where possible, look to make sure that parents are able to provide some supervision when pupils are completing any online games and activities at home.
If you&rsquo;re a SEN teacher and you&rsquo;re keen to help your pupils, there are many options at your disposal. By talking to your class in the run-up to the summer holidays, you should be able to provide tailored activities which most benefit them.
<h2>Begin the search for your next SEN teaching role</h2>
Now that you know the skills that you need to succeed, it's time to put your career in gear. Check out the latest&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/sen-teaching-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SEN teaching jobs</a> and you'll find vacancies across the UK. Our process is streamlined, so you could have your applications submitted in just a few clicks.
Alternatively,&nbsp;<a title="" href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us">contact our team</a> and we'll be in touch to discuss how we can support your education career. Our recruitment consultants take great pride in being one of the leading education recruitment agencies in the UK. We work hard to deliver the highest quality candidate care and match you with a teaching job that is perfect for you.

Summer learning ideas for SEN Teachers

Whether you're a recent graduate considering your career options, a professional looking for a meaningful change, or someone with a passion for shaping young minds, there are various routes into teaching that you should explore. From those who value university-based learning to people who prefer a course with a larger amount of practical classroom experience, there is a variety of teacher training options tailored to suit all manner of preferences.
However, choosing the ideal option for you is not a swift, simple decision. Conducting significant research into all of the available training routes is essential. By identifying the most suitable path for your learning style, you can look forward to getting your education career off to a flying start.
In this guide, we will explore 4 of the most popular teacher training options:
<ul>
<li>1. PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)</li>
<li>2. SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training)</li>
<li>3. Undergraduate Teaching Degree</li>
<li>Teach First</li>
</ul>
<h2>1. PGCE</h2>
As a well-established, university-led postgraduate qualification, the PGCE has long been a popular training route for aspiring&nbsp;teachers. This full-time course provides students with a combination of theoretical pedagogy knowledge and practical teaching experience.
<h3>Requirements and structure</h3>
One of the most common routes into teaching, the PGCE is ideal for those who would prefer a university-based training option. Although universities typically lead this qualification, it can also be studied as a part of a school-based training programme. To secure a place on this course, hopeful applicants must possess a selection of requirements, including:
<ul>
<li>An undergraduate Bachelor's degree, ideally a 2:1 or higher</li>
<li>GCSEs (or equivalent) C/Level 4 or above in English and Mathematics</li>
<li>For primary PGCEs, applicants must possess a GCSE C/Level 4 in a science subject</li>
<li>An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check</li>
<li>Many training providers will look favourably on candidates who have had some experience working with children in mainstream schools or elsewhere, but this is not a mandatory requirement</li>
</ul>
You'll be expected to complete various written assignments and spend time being trained in at least two different school settings. Usually, you'll need to complete at least&nbsp;120 days in a school, combined with group work and university lecture time.
If you choose the full-time option, the course will take a year to complete, while part-time PGCEs take two years. Once you have completed your PGCE, you'll gain qualified teacher status (QTS) and be able to apply for teaching roles throughout England and Wales. You'll also be provisionally registered with the General Teaching Councils in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read our guide to <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/what-guidance-will-help-trainees-gain-qts">help trainees gain QTS</a>.
<h3>Advantages and considerations</h3>
Before you decide to apply for your PGCE, it is essential to thoroughly understand this training option's benefits and drawbacks. By being aware of the pros and cons of a PGCE, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about whether this route is for you. The PGCE is a respected qualification, one that is guaranteed to support you throughout your teaching career.
Here are the various advantages of taking a PGCE:
<ul>
<li>This qualification will provide you with a strong academic foundation in the relevant educational knowledge</li>
<li>Offers a golden opportunity to network with fellow education professionals and future potential employers</li>
<li>There is plenty of flexibility regarding location and the subject you wish to specialise in</li>
</ul>
Now, let's explore some factors that you should take into account before you make your final decision:
<ul>
<li>PGCEs come with relatively high costs due to tuition fees; however, maintenance loans and bursaries (for shortage subjects) are available</li>
<li>There is more focus on academic knowledge rather than practical classroom experience</li>
<li>You may be required to relocate depending on your course's requirements</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. SCITT</h2>
For aspiring teachers who would prefer a training programme that facilitates more practical learning than a university-led PGCE, SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) may be a preferable option. This training route will enable you to do all of your training within a school setting alongside a certain amount of theoretical learning.
<h3>Requirements and structure</h3>
Typically led by a consortium of schools, SCITT courses are designed to immerse trainee teachers in classroom environments from the very start of their training in September. Rather than spending a large portion of time in lecture halls, you'll get a thorough understanding of working within a mainstream primary or secondary school.
Here are the requirements that SCITT training providers will be looking for:
<ul>
<li>An undergraduate degree, preferably in the subject you wish to teach if you choose the secondary teaching route</li>
<li>GCSEs C/Level4 or above in English and Mathematics</li>
<li>Should you opt for the primary SCITT, you need a C/Level 4 GCSE in a science subject</li>
<li>An enhanced DBS check</li>
<li>Like with a PGCE, having classroom experience is a desirable quality that may boost your chances of securing a place on the course</li>
</ul>
Although every SCITT programme has its own structure, there are several aspects that all SCITT courses share. Most feature initial training to help you get to grips with teaching fundamentals, a full-time placement at a school within your provider's partnership, and a second full-time placement at another school.&nbsp;Lasting a year, the courses provide abundant hands-on classroom experience as most of the training will likely be delivered by highly experienced Teachers.
Most of the courses will take place in school; however, you may be required to partake in several 'immersion days' at schools to develop your teaching techniques in areas such as behaviour management and safeguarding. Various SCITT programmes maintain close ties to universities, meaning it can be possible for you to gain a PGCE while also working towards qualified teacher status.
<h3>Advantages and considerations</h3>
The thought of taking a school-led teacher training course will be an exciting prospect for many soon-to-be Teachers, but there are certain factors that this contingent of aspiring educators should consider before choosing the SCITT path. Although there is a greater amount of practical learning, applicants need to think about the following questions: Will I receive the right amount of theoretical knowledge? Will I be able to make the same connections via networking?
Let's examine the key benefits of choosing the SCITT option:
<ul>
<li>SCITT courses provide a balance between practical classroom experience and academic pedagogy concepts</li>
<li>Participants may be able to secure Teaching jobs within the consortium after they qualify</li>
<li>SCITT placements in different schools will give you exposure to an array of diverse educational settings</li>
</ul>
Here are the key considerations associated with pursuing a SCITT programme:
<ul>
<li>Similar to the PGCE course, the SCITT route has high upfront tuition costs, though various funding options such as <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/relocation-faqs-setting-up-a-bank-account-relocation-spends-and-student-loans">student loans</a> and bursaries are available depending on your subject specialism</li>
<li>SCITTs offer less control over the location of the programme and subject</li>
<li>There is the potential for inconsistency as training quality may vary for each school in the consortium</li>
</ul>
As we can see, selecting the perfect teacher training route requires a great deal of research and preparation. But once you have reached the end of your course and become a newly qualified teacher, you can relax safe in the knowledge that your diligence and hard work have paid off. If you are looking for advice on how to proceed after your studies, we urge you to read our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/making-savvy-choices-for-your-teaching-career" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Making savvy choices for your teaching career</a> guide.
<h2>3. Undergraduate Teaching Degree</h2>
An undergraduate teaching degree is next up on our list of routes into teaching. While all the other picks on our list are designed for graduates, this path to becoming a teacher is suitable for those without an undergraduate degree looking for a comprehensive training programme that equips them with all the skills they need to flourish in a teaching career.
<h3>Requirements and structure</h3>
From school leavers who have their heart set on a career in education to mature students seeking an all-encompassing teacher training course, the undergraduate training degree will likely appeal to a wide range of people. Blending academic study with practical classroom experience, universities throughout the UK offer the Bachelor of Education qualification.
Let's check out the requirements you'll need to secure a place on an Undergraduate Teaching Degree course:
<ul>
<li>GCSE grade C/Level 4 or above in English Language, Mathematics, and Science</li>
<li>A-levels or equivalent (the university will outline the required UCAS points)</li>
<li>An enhanced DBS check</li>
<li>Ideally, experience of working with young people in a mainstream school or other setting</li>
</ul>
If you choose a full-time Bachelor of Education degree, it will take you three years to complete your studies.&nbsp;Some students choose to enhance their learning by progressing to a Master's in Education, which takes a further year to complete. The theoretical aspect of an undergraduate teaching degree covers a range of topics, including child development, curriculum development, special educational needs, and pedagogy.
The practical element of the course will begin during your first-year placement, where you will be expected to take on teaching duties and lead small groups of pupils. Over the next couple of years, you will become more actively involved in supporting Teachers and helping them with duties such as planning, marking, and managing classroom behaviour.
<h3>Advantages and considerations</h3>
Although the idea of taking a three-year teaching course may interest those without an undergraduate degree or aspiring educators seeking a comprehensive programme, many may think twice about pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. Let's examine this option's benefits and drawbacks to ensure that you are in a position to make a well-informed choice about whether this training route is the most suitable for you.
Here are the most significant advantages of an Undergraduate Teaching Degree:
<ul>
<li>A three-year Bachelor's of Education provides students with a strong foundation in both academic theory and practical experience</li>
<li>Many undergraduate teaching programmes facilitate professional development opportunities that help participants ensure that their skills are up-to-date</li>
<li>You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of pedagogical knowledge that can help you in designing effective lesson plans, creating inclusive classroom environments, and managing behaviour</li>
</ul>
Now, we'll take a look at the key considerations you should take into account before embarking on this course:
<ul>
<li>Choosing this option will require considerable time and financial investment, so it is crucial to look at funding options before beginning the course</li>
<li>Undergraduate teaching degrees are typically quite intensive, owing to the combination of academic study and practical placements</li>
<li>Not all Bachelor of Education courses will qualify you to work in all parts of the UK, so be sure to read the small print of your course details before you apply</li>
</ul>
<h2>4. Teach First</h2>
Last up on our list of routes into teaching is Teach First.&nbsp;Established in 2002, Teach First is a charity that aims to address educational inequalities by placing talented graduates into schools within some of the UK's most deprived areas.&nbsp;This competitive course focuses on a variety of key skills and competencies, including leadership, curriculum development, and pupil empowerment.
<h3>Requirements and structure</h3>
This two-year training programme involves working at schools situated in low-income communities. It leads to a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership, making it an attractive option for those who are deterred by the high tuition fees that must be paid to get a place on a PGCE course. Teach First is an ideal option for those who not only wish to become Teachers but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils in disadvantaged areas.
Requirements for Teach First's training programme include:
<ul>
<li>An excellent undergraduate degree (usually a 2:1 or above, but 2:2 will be considered for certain subjects)</li>
<li>GCSE C/Level 4 or above grades in English Language and Mathematics</li>
<li>Eligibility to work in the UK</li>
<li>An enhanced DBS check</li>
<li>The ability to display leadership potential and passion for education and social justice</li>
</ul>
Before the beginning of the Autumn term in September, Teach First participants are required to partake in a five-week course in the preceding June. This intensive course is designed to equip students with a host of skills and techniques to prepare for classroom work. You'll be assigned a mentor and a university tutor to evaluate your development throughout the duration of the course.
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect across the two years:
<ul>
<li>Year One:&nbsp;The first year of the programme will centre on rigorous academic training and intensive classroom placements, all under the supervision of experienced mentors. During the first year, you'll be teaching 80% of a fully qualified Teacher's timetable.</li>
<li>Year Two:&nbsp;By year two, you will be a newly qualified teacher, so you can expect to take on full teaching responsibilities while receiving support and professional development from your mentors.</li>
</ul>
Regardless of whether you choose Primary or Secondary education, you'll gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership, a qualification that is worth twice the credits of a PGCE.&nbsp;You'll also receive your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) during your studies and earn a salary as soon as you begin the programme.
<h3>Advantages and considerations</h3>
Looking for a teacher training option that will pay you a salary and provide you with enriching experiences of working with disadvantaged pupils? Teach First may just be the right training programme for you. However, as with the other options we have discussed on this list, you must consider some pain points before applying for a place on this course.
Here are the most important benefits of the Teach First programme:
<ul>
<li>Prospective Teachers who earn a place on the course can expect to earn a competitive salary and a fully funded PGDE</li>
<li>Teach First provides extensive support for people on the course, offering mentorship from experienced Teachers, personalised professional development, and an impressive alumni network</li>
<li>The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children</li>
</ul>
And now, let's delve into the potential challenges associated with this training route:
<ul>
<li>It is important to bear in mind that the Teach First programme is particularly demanding, requiring an exceptional work ethic, emotional resilience, and the ability to adapt to challenging situations</li>
<li>You will be expected to commit to two years of teaching in a disadvantaged school</li>
<li>There is a competitive selection process where candidates with strong teaching potential and leadership qualities are prioritised</li>
</ul>
<h2>Our key takeaways from exploring routes into teaching</h2>
Selecting the right teacher training route is a vital decision that demands careful consideration of individual preferences, career aspirations, and personal circumstances. Whether it's the academic depth of a PGCE, the practical immersion of SCITT, or Teach First's social impact and leadership focus, each option offers unique advantages and considerations.
By thoroughly researching and understanding the finer details of these teacher training routes, soon-to-be Teachers can make informed choices that align with their career ambitions and learning preferences. Regardless of the route you choose to follow, the ultimate goal remains the same: to gain the knowledge and skills you need to transform your passion for education into a fulfilling career.
Lastly, don't ignore the <a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/blog/how-can-a-cover-supervisor-become-a-teacher">cover supervisor route into teaching</a> which is practical stepping stone for some.
<h2>Placing top talent into teaching jobs</h2>
At Tradewind, we are passionate about placing outstanding candidates into&nbsp;teaching jobs&nbsp;across the country. Our dedicated consultants have been helping schools to hire the brightest and best education professionals for many years. Whether you are an ambitious graduate looking to kickstart your career in education or an accomplished Teacher seeking senior positions, we are here to support you.
<a href="https://www.twrecruitment.com/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reach out</a>&nbsp;to us today to discover more about our market-leading recruitment services.