So you’re looking for a teaching agency? We hear you! If you’ve worked as a supply teacher before or you’re looking at starting supply, you may know that using a teaching agency isn’t a necessity. If you can find work directly in schools, that’s great but there are so many benefits to working with a teaching agency, it’s just about finding the right one… us!
What’s does a teaching agency do?
There is a whole heap of benefits to working with an agency but it’s about finding the best one. In essence, an agency works with schools to find candidates for various positions. This includes teachers as well as teaching assistants too.
Consultants at Connex work closely with schools on a daily basis to understand their requirements. Having previously met with candidates and got an understanding of their experience and ideal school environment, they work diligently to match schools and candidates together.
This can often be a very quick process following the completion of registration and compliance. This is because schools can have a requirement first thing in the morning if a permanent member of staff is off unexpectedly.
As an example, one of our consultants recently registered a year three teacher. Following the completion of DBS checks and our compliance procedures, a school rang up for a year 3 teacher for a short-term cover role and the candidate was placed. I think in Bingo they call that a full house.
So practically, teaching agencies help match education staff to schools for daily, short-term, long-term and permanent roles.
What to look for when signing for an agency
Whilst some teaching agencies stop there, Connex goes a little further. We’re heavily invested in the education sector and know that there are so many other things that we could be helping with. Which is why we also offer Team Teach and Continued Professional Development courses. It’s always worth looking at the additional benefits when signing up with an agency, but there’s also a number of other things worth considering:
Testimonials
Sometimes agencies get a bad rap but most of the time people appreciate what we do. The good agencies have excellent reputations which are independent and clearly visible across social media or on search engines like Google.
This is really important because you’ve worked hard to build a reputation in the education sector so you want the best people to be representing you. You should feel comfortable that the company that\’s working on your behalf is reputable because after all, it’s your reputation that’s on the line.
We’re fortunate because we’re able to display our testimonials on our website homepage and we have a load of positive ones on our Facebook page too!
Use well-trained consultants
Similar to checking out testimonials, work with an agency because of their consultants. There are some amazing education consultants out there who understand the education sector.
To spot a good consultant it’s fairly easy, it’s not about how long they’ve been in the sector (that does help) because that wouldn’t be fair to new consultants. To spot a good consultant, they will be, wait for it… consultative – mind blown! They will listen and understand what you’re looking for. A good consultant will ask questions and listen carefully and keep in contact with you and offer you roles that you made clear would be suitable.
They may sometimes also push the boundaries and offer you positions that you never thought you were ready for. In doing so, they can help advance your career and provide opportunities that they believe you’re ready for. So it’s not just about providing a cover role here and there, it’s also about career development if you want it.
Look out for the REC Audited Education
Teaching agencies that have been awarded the REC Audited Education certificate have been independently verified by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. It covers compliance as well as the REC Code of Professional Practice and ensures all relevant checks are carried out when recruiting teachers.
Furthermore, it goes way beyond compliance as it requires agencies to demonstrate that they operate best practice in areas such as customer service, staff development, diversity and client management.
Therefore, you know that if you’re working with a REC Audited Education agency, you can expect the best service in the industry. Quick fact, did you know that Connex is REC Audited? Sorry, we’re showing off.
Understand the pay rates
Pay rates differ per agency and in fact, they differ per role and location also. Ultimately, you want to receive the most amount of money for the hours that you work so, do some investigating. Speak to colleagues who work with agencies, look at testimonials from various companies and see what other candidates are saying. We’re confident you’ll find Connex extremely competitive!
Why use a teaching agency
Like we said earlier, you can find work directly at schools but by using a teaching agency you have access to a wider range of vacancies in your given location. Consultants will have a diverse portfolio of different schools which will match your requirements and best of all, you only have to register once with Connex and fill out one application form, instead of applying several times to different schools.
What’s more, with us, in particular, you then have access to a wide range of additional services such as CPD training and free and accredited safeguarding training. We also handle all the extra administration that comes with it such as payroll and invoicing so you can concentrate on what you’re best at, education.
Ok that’s it for now folks! If you’ve come just for the cute pictures of Colin the Cat, we can’t blame you!
Thanks for reading, we hope you’ve found this informative and if you want any more advice you can always contact your local office here.
