Switching from Mainstream to SEN Teaching: Why You Should Consider It?

If you are a teacher working in a mainstream school and reading this article, you’ve probably had an experience of supporting a child’s additional needs within your classroom. If you found the experience enjoyable and rewarding, maybe it’s time to switch things up and consider a move into a SEN teaching role? 

Here’s why YOU should consider switching to SEN education and explore a different side of teaching: 

Transferable Skills: 

Your teaching experience from mainstream schools is invaluable and can be easily transferrable to SEN teaching. You’ll need a QTS or, if you already have a bachelor's degree without qualified teacher status, you can complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).. You don’t need any additional qualifications to start.

You will use the same skills of patience, adaptability, clear and effective communication, and differentiating tasks to allow children to learn according to their individual preferences and needs. 

Greater Job Satisfaction: 

Working with children with special educational needs requires a different approach to teaching, which is incredibly rewarding. SEN teachers work closely with individual students to help them achieve their full potential and feel more confident in their abilities. The job provides the satisfaction of making a difference and helping children who need it most.

Expanded Career Opportunities: 

Embarking on a career in SEN teaching opens up a wealth of opportunities. As a qualified SEN teacher, you can work in a range of settings from specialist schools and units, to specialist hospitals, and even home-schooling environments. 

Collaboration with Specialists: 

When you work in SEN education, you are part of a team, and collaboration is key to success. Working alongside other SEN specialists, support staff, and external agencies such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists can be an enriching experience, as everyone works towards the same goal of helping students reach their full potential.

More support: 

In mainstream schools, providing students with additional needs and the level of personalised support they require can be challenging. SEN schools can access more teaching assistants, therapists, and specialists. This makes the teaching experience much less stressful and ensures that students receive the maximum support needed to thrive.

I am interested! Where do I begin?

1. Conduct research

Start by researching what the world of special education entails, including different types of SEN schools available, including those for students with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and additional learning needs. Identifying which specialty matches your skillset and teaching experience can help guide your job search.

You can access resources from organizations such as National Autistic Society. and Department for Education..Attending workshops and seminars can also expand your knowledge and give you a taste of what SEN teaching is like.

2. Gain Experience in SEN Sector

If you already have some experience working with children with learning difficulties, you can move onto the next step. If not, you can start by volunteering with local charities or organizations that support children with special needs. This will give you a chance to work with children and learn about the various strategies and approaches used to help them learn.

3. Update your CV

Now it's time to update your CV with relevant experience. Highlight your transferable skills, such as patience, adaptability, and communication. Use relevant industry terms in your summary and skills sections. Showcase any training or certifications you've earned. Explain how you've implemented teaching methods in your classroom to improve students' learning, and why you would like to teach in an SEN school.

4. Contact an Education Recruitment Agency

Despite having solid credentials and experience, it can be challenging to break into SEN teaching without connections or insider knowledge. Our SEN team at OmniaPeople can help you navigate the job market, connect you with schools that are hiring and match your unique skillset, and provide support throughout the application process. We can also offer guidance on your CV to ensure it will get noticed amongst others, help with interview preparation, share valuable insights about the organisation and negotiate salary on your behalf.

Are you ready to make the next step and switch into SEN education? Get in touch with our experienced SEN specialists to find out more about the change job vacancies and the process. Your next exciting role is waiting for you!  

Or, alternatively, call our office on 0203 011 0044.

Why Cycling to Work is the Best Decision You Can Make!

Are you tired of struggling to find a parking space near school or college? Are you worried about the cost of your daily commute? If you are a teacher or educator, cycling to work could be the solution to your problems.  

Cycling is a great way to reduce commuter costs, improve your overall health, and release any stress before a busy day at school or college. Plus, by cycling to work, you can encourage your students to do the same and lead by example.

In this blog post, we'll explore the various benefits of cycling to work specifically for teachers and education staff. From improved physical health to a boost in productivity, we'll highlight why cycling to work is the ultimate choice for a healthy and efficient commute.

1. A Cost-Effective Alternative

Let's face it: commuting can be expensive. From petrol to ULEZ charges and parking fees, the costs can add up quickly. By cycling to work, you can save money and invest more in your overall health instead. Your daily commute can become your workout!

2. Reduced Carbon Footprint

If you're living in a larger city such as London, you may be aware of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which charges certain vehicles to enter the city centre. By cycling to work, you're reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment. Plus, by inspiring your students to do the same, you can help to create a healthier, more sustainable community.

3. Reduced Stress Levels

The daily commute can be stressful, especially during rush hour traffic. Cycling to work is a great way to relieve stress and promote mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that exercise releases endorphins,, the feel-good hormone, which helps reduce stress and boost mood. Cycling is also a great way to clear your mind before a busy day at school or college.

4. Improved Health and Fitness

As teachers, it's easy to feel like you're constantly on the go. But cycling to work can provide a leisurely and effective way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s a low-impact exercise that helps you burn calories and improve muscle strength. Unlike sitting in traffic or on a bus, cycling can increase your heart rate and decrease your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, it's easy on your joints, unlike running, while still helping you to stay active.

5. Improved Time Management

Cycling can be a time-efficient way to commute. If you live within a reasonable distance from your school or college, you may find cycling to be faster than driving or taking public transport. You won’t have to worry about traffic congestion or waiting for buses. You’ll also be able to avoid traffic jams and get to work on time, improving your time management skills.

6. Increased Productivity

Cycling to work can also put you in a more focused headspace. A study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, found that employees who cycled to work performed better overall than those who didn't. It's no secret that exercise can give you a burst of energy and set a positive tone for your entire day.

Cycling to work can offer numerous benefits to teachers and support staff in the education industry. It’s a cost-effective alternative to driving, it promotes good health and fitness, reduces your carbon footprint, relieves stress, improves time management skills, and increases productivity. Given these benefits, it’s no wonder that cycling to work is gaining popularity among those who work in education. If you’re looking to improve your daily commute and your overall health, hop on a bike and start pedalling your way to a better work-life balance.

10 Tips to Start the New Academic Year Right!

The start of a new academic year can feel overwhelming. You're dealing with new students and new challenges, while trying to maintain a work-life balance. However, with a few simple tips, you can kick off the new academic year right and give yourself the best chance of success. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator, read on for our top 10 tips to start the academic year on the right foot.

1.       Set goals and intentions: It's important to set goals for the academic year. What do you hope to achieve? What are your priorities? Write down your goals and intentions and keep them in a visible place as a reminder of what you're working towards.

2.       Get organised: A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Take some time to organise your workspace, your lesson plans and your schedule. Use a planner or online tools like Google Calendar to keep track of all your tasks.

3.       Prepare your lessons in advance: Planning and preparing your lessons in advance means you'll be less likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed when it comes time to teach. Make sure you're familiar with the curriculum, have all the necessary materials and are fully aware of the learning objectives.

4.       Get to know your students: It's important to get to know your students as individuals. This means learning their names, their interests, and their learning styles. Take the time to build relationships with your students, and create a positive and welcoming classroom environment.

5.       Be flexible: No matter how well you organise your day, things don't always go to plan. Be prepared to be flexible and adaptable, and always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

6.       Build a support network: Teaching can be a lonely job, so it's important to build a support network of colleagues, friends, and family. Reach out to other teachers for advice and support, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

7.       Prioritise self-care: Teaching can be demanding and tiring, so it's important to prioritise self-care. This means making time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation, and avoiding burnout by taking time off when you need it.

8.       Keep up to date with professional development: Professional development is crucial for keeping your skills and knowledge up to date. Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in your field.

9.       Set boundaries: As a teacher, it's easy to get caught up in work and forget about other aspects of your life. Set boundaries around your work hours, and make sure you're making time for your personal life, friends, and family.

10.   Celebrate your successes: Last but not least, it's important to celebrate your successes. Whether it's a successful lesson, positive feedback from a student or colleague, or achieving a personal goal, take the time to recognise and celebrate your achievements.

Starting the new academic year can feel challenging, but with these tips, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to set goals, get organised, and prioritise self-care and professional development. Build relationships with your students and colleagues, and don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way.

Why use an Education Recruitment Agency to find a job?

Why Use an Education Recruitment Agency to find a job? 

If you’re looking for a first teaching job in the education sector and don’t know where to start, using an education recruitment agency may be the best solution for you to find the right opportunity. Recruitment agencies are invaluable resources to help you find the perfect job matching your skills and experience. Here’s why they’re so helpful and what they can do for you. 

Find Jobs Faster and Easier 

Most people spend hours searching through job postings online to find something suitable. With an education recruitment agency, you don’t have to do all that legwork yourself; instead, the agency will do it for you. They know about the latest vacancies first and can scour their own database of contacts to find jobs that match your criteria, saving you time and energy. 

Recruiters will be able to help streamline the recruitment process for you and help you understand what the school or college is looking for. This information will not be available elsewhere and can put you ahead of other candidates applying for the same role directly.

Get Guidance Through the Application Process 

The application process isn’t always straightforward—especially if you’ve never applied for a teaching job before. That’s where an education recruitment agency comes in handy; they can provide guidance throughout every step of the process, from submitting resumes to getting ready for interviews. This can reduce stress and ensure your application is as strong as possible. 

Receive Advice on Your Career Path 

When working with an education recruitment agency, you won’t just get help finding jobs; recruitment specialists can also provide advice on how to progress your career in the education sector. They can suggest courses or certifications that would be beneficial to take and tell you which roles could be suitable for your skill set. Having someone knowledgeable by your side who understands the education sector inside out is invaluable for career growth. 

Overall, there are numerous benefits of using an education recruitment agency when looking for work in the teaching industry. From helping you find jobs faster and easier to guiding you through the application process and advising on future career paths—an education recruitment specialists have everything covered! 

If you’re considering working as a teacher, get in touch with our team at OmniaPeople to find out more. Call our office today on 0203 011 0044 and start your new journey with us!

Enjoyed teaching apprentices? Become a teacher and shape the next generation of construction workers!

Have you recently mentored a young person in an apprenticeship program and enjoyed the experience? It may be a sign to consider a teaching career and improve the quality of future construction workers. Transitioning from mentor to teacher can be easier than you think. 

Realising that you have the right skills and expertise to become a teacher is the first step to starting a new chapter in your career. As a trade expert, you can share your knowledge, life experience and industry-related examples with your students. You can teach part-time, full-time or on an ad-hoc basis. Our team will assist you every step of the way if you need it. 

Finding good quality teachers with the right technical skills to train new students has become more difficult. Our mission is to find the right talent to inspire and mentor the next generation of the construction sector, and this can be you. 

Who are we looking for? 

Our team works closely with further education colleges across the UK, and they are always looking for new teachers, lecturers, and assessors to cover the following sectors: 

• Civil Engineering 

• Electrical Installation 

• Plumbing and Gas

• Carpentry & Joinery

• Bricklaying  

• Trowel trades

Guess what? You don’t need qualifications to teach!

Most colleges in the UK do not require teaching qualifications or a degree to get started. 

If you are a good communicator, like working with young people, have extensive trade experience and good organisational skills, you have everything you need to become a teacher. Anything else you can learn on the role. 

Why work with OmniaPeople? 

We know the industry and have the experience to help you move into teaching whether this is on a part-time or full-time basis. With a designated construction team of specialists who have long-standing relationships with colleges nationwide, we will be able to advise you which one would be the best one to meet your expectations and fit your lifestyle. 

Do not hesitate to reach out for an informal chat and start your teaching career in 2023!

The latest preventative COVID recommendations for schools and colleges

On Tuesday the 22nd of February, the UK Prime Minister announced that the remaining COVID rules would be dropped in England. But what does this mean for England’s school and colleges? Here’s what we know along with the latest recommendations.

An end to mandatory isolation

It is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate after receiving a positive COVID test. This means students and teachers are allowed to attend school and college if they have COVID. However, the advice from Public Health England remains that anyone who receives a positive COVID result should self-isolate.

An end to mandatory testing

Students and teachers are no longer required to do a lateral flow tests twice a week. However, regular testing is still advised for SEND settings, alternative provision and SEND units in mainstream schools or the equivalent in colleges.

If staff or students wish to continue with weekly testing (although not recommended) they can still access them online here or through their local pharmacy if they wish.

Recommendations

COVID-19 will remain part of our lives for the foreseeable, and so we need to continue to reduce the spread of the virus in our schools and colleges as much as possible whilst still getting on with our lives. There are 3 main ways we can do this:

Ventilation

Good ventilation in classrooms in one of the best way to prevent the spread of COVID. Simply opening the windows will help with this. The UK government has provided over 360,000 carbon dioxide monitors to all state funded education settings including early years, and further education providers. The monitors help staff to identify areas where ventilation needs to be improved and to help get a good level of ventilation whilst keeping the classroom warm.

Hand hygiene

All through the pandemic we’ve been encouraged to regularly wash our hands with soap and water and this advice remains the same. Hand hygiene is a simple and easy way to slow the spread of germs.

Vaccination

Vaccines remain the best protection against the virus and everyone who is eligible for the vaccine (age 12 and over) is encouraged to get fully vaccinated.

You can view the UK government’s update on COVID restrictions for England and the implications for your school or college here.