Why including SEN Teachers in recruiting Teaching Assistants benefits your School

Inclusivity and diversity are two crucial elements required in any education system aiming to provide quality education for all students. These values become even more critical when it comes to the inclusion of students with special educational needs (SEN), who require additional support and individualized assistance. To provide the best support for SEN students, schools and colleges recruit specially trained teaching assistants. However, the recruitment process should not stop there. Including SEN teachers can provide significant benefits for everyone involved in the recruitment process.

1. Experienced Input: Special Education Needs (SEN) teachers have vast experience working with SEN students and are familiar with their learning styles and individual needs. Involving SEN teachers in the recruitment process can help ensure that teaching assistants selected are knowledgeable, sensitive, able to provide personalized support for SEN students and fit well with the rest of the team. They can help ensure that the recruitment team is selecting the right candidate with the right attitude and knowledge of SEN students' needs.

2. Better Quality of Recruitment: SEN teachers can help evaluate and review the quality of the practices used in the recruitment process, assist with training programs, and support ongoing professional development of teaching assistants. They can provide valuable insights into different methods of communication, engagement, and teaching strategies customized for SEN students. This approach can lead to a better-quality recruitment process and, ultimately, better quality teaching assistants who can provide high levels of support for SEN students.

3. Enhanced Student Support: Including SEN teachers in the recruitment process can help schools discover and improve the weaker areas in their current support system. They can provide recommendations on how to structure support and training programs for teaching assistants and other support staff to enhance student support. The feedback they provide can also be used as the basis of planning interventions to positively impact student achievement.

4. Diverse Hiring Process: Involving SEN teachers in the recruitment process promotes inclusivity and diversity in hiring, which is a key characteristic of transparent and fair recruitment. Inclusivity ensures that the recruitment system does not discriminate against candidates with different needs, abilities, and backgrounds. It helps select the best candidate, including those that have SEN experience, who can bring new ideas and approaches to the job.

5. Retention of Qualified Staff: Recruiting and retaining high-quality support staff can be a challenge for any educational institution. Working with SEN teachers during the recruitment process can create a more favourable and supportive environment for candidates and lead to higher retention rates. Higher retention rates are beneficial for both the educational institution and students, who need stability and continuity in their support system.

Including SEN teachers in the recruitment process can provide numerous benefits for all involved, especially when it comes to recruiting qualified SEN teaching assistants. They have valuable insights and expertise that can ensure that the right teaching assistants are selected and that students with SEN receive the necessary support to achieve their potential. This approach can create an equal opportunity for all, enhance student support, and provide a more transparent and fair recruitment process. Ultimately, the inclusion of SEN teachers enhances the overall quality of education and contributes positively to the growth of students with SEN.

Strategies to help FE Colleges succeed in 2023

The world of education is always evolving, and it can be challenging for further education (FE) colleges to keep up with the changes, particularly when the political climate is uncertain. However, now more than ever, it is essential that FE colleges are proactive in their approach to education and take steps to ensure their success. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies that can help FE colleges to thrive in 2023.

1. Embrace Technology

One of the most significant changes in education in recent years has been the rapid development of technology. Embracing technology can help FE colleges to streamline processes and create a more efficient learning experience for students. Technology can also help to facilitate remote learning, which can be particularly useful during times of uncertainty. By investing in the latest technology and encouraging staff and students to use it effectively, FE colleges can stay ahead of the curve.

However, with many schools and colleges having limited budgets for professional development, it can be challenging for educators to maintain an up-to-date understanding of new technology and how to implement it in their teaching. Fortunately, there are online platforms available that can provide educators with the necessary training, ideas, and insights to create engaging learning environments with technology in an easy and straightforward way.

Finding the budget to train educators in ICT can be challenging for most schools and colleges. This is where online platforms such as OpenLearn  by The Open University,  FutureLearn, and Enhance Digital Teaching Platform  come to the rescue.

Furthermore there are a plethora of free EdTech tools for teachers to use to help introduce technology into the classroom and create a more engaging learning environment. Some popular tools include:

• Google Classroom

• Kahoot!

• ClassDojo

• Edmodo

• FlipGrid

• Edpuzzle

2. Be Socially Responsible

Social responsibility has become more important than ever. Colleges that show they are socially responsible are likely to be viewed more favourably by potential students, staff, and government agencies. FE colleges can demonstrate their social responsibility by reducing their carbon footprint, promoting equality and diversity, and supporting local communities. By doing so, they can enhance their reputation and make a positive impact on society.

3. Collaborate with Industry

Working closely with businesses can benefit both the college and its students. Collaboration with industry specialists in vocational subject areas such as Engineering, Motor Vehicle, Health and Social Care etc. can especially provide students with practical experience and help them to develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment. Industry collaborations can also lead to partnerships and funding opportunities. By engaging with industry, FE colleges can stay relevant and reduce the gap between education and employment.

4. Focus on Student Support

Supporting students is vital for their success, and FE colleges that prioritize student support are likely to be more successful. Support can include academic, pastoral, and financial assistance. By providing effective support, FE colleges can improve student retention rates and enhance their reputation. Effective student support can also lead to positive feedback and more students choosing to study at the college.

5. Adapt to Changes

FE colleges that embrace and adapt to these changes are more likely to succeed. Colleges that are open to changes in the political climate, funding structures, and student needs are more likely to remain relevant and effective. By being agile and responsive, FE colleges can position themselves as leaders in education and attract students and staff who are keen to be part of an innovative and dynamic institution.

In conclusion, there are many strategies that FE colleges can employ to ensure their success in 2023. Embracing technology, demonstrating social responsibility, collaborating with industry, focusing on student support, and adapting to changes are five key approaches that could make a significant difference. By being proactive and investing in their future, FE colleges can create a positive learning experience for students and achieve success in a competitive marketplace.

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!

Four signs that it’s time for a new job

There probably aren’t many people who jump out of bed every day looking forward to a day at work, and most people feel pretty vanilla about their job. However, if you start to experience any of the following, it might be time for a change of employment.

You hate Mondays

If you get that horrible sinking feeling on a Sunday night, as you realise the weekend is over and a new work week is about to begin, it may be time for a change.

The thought of a new job excites you

If the thought of a new job excites you, with new colleagues, students and facilities, this could signify that a new job is just what you need.

Your workplace is toxic

This is a big red flag. If your workplace has become toxic and you are unable to change it, then it is definitely a sign that you need a change of job.

You’re not challenged anymore

If you feel like you’re just going through the motions, you may want to find a more challenging role. Research suggests that people are happiest when they are ‘stretched’, not ‘stressed’, and as we spend a large amount of our time at work, being stretched at work can contribute to our overall happiness.

If you’re now thinking you would like a role change within education, get in touch today - call 0203 011 0044 to hear about the latest roles in your area.

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.