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Stay informed and ahead of the curve by visiting our blog for the latest updates, insights, and developments in the Education Sector. Our dedicated team of experts look into a wide range of topics, from teaching strategies to policy changes.

Safeguarding in Education : The 3 Most Essential and Critical Features You Must Know

Safeguarding in Education has never been more important than it is in the current age. With the rapid rise of mobile devices, the constant use of social media, and advancements in online technology that connect us across the globe, the need to protect our children from potential threats and harmful influences grows every single day. Schools are under increasing pressure to help manage these risks, and the responsibility on education professionals to safeguard students has never been greater.

From our perspective as an education recruitment agency based in Staffordshire working closely with schools across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Cheshire East we see first-hand the demand for well-trained staff who are fully up to date with safeguarding policies and procedures. We are proud to say that safeguarding is a top priority for us, and we hold some of the highest standards in the local area.

Our mission is to ensure that the staff we place in schools are not only filling staffing shortages but also are safe, trained, and confident in their safeguarding responsibilities. One way we achieve this is by encouraging our staff to take advantage of our free CPD training library, which includes over 120 courses. These courses are designed to help staff develop as professionals whether they are teachers or teaching assistants and to stay informed about any changes in safeguarding practices and the evolving risks in society.

We also carry out termly DBS checks on all our staff. This ensures that every candidate we send into schools holds a clear, up-to-date DBS certificate, giving schools peace of mind that the professionals we supply are safe and trustworthy.

Furthermore, we believe in face-to-face interviews with every candidate. This allows us to understand their approach to behaviour management, assess their experience with safeguarding, and evaluate their willingness to learn and improve. It also helps us gain an honest insight into their values, attitudes, and readiness to adapt to new safeguarding challenges.

Below, we explore the three most important features of safeguarding in education today.

1. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

The foundation of Safeguarding in Education is ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, and respected. This includes having clear policies on anti-bullying, online safety, and child protection. Staff must be vigilant in recognising signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and take immediate action when concerns arise. A safe environment is not just about preventing harm it’s about promoting wellbeing and encouraging pupils to thrive academically and emotionally.

2. Ongoing Training and Awareness

Safeguarding is not a “one-time” responsibility. Policies, threats, and best practices are constantly evolving, particularly with the rise of online risks such as cyberbullying, grooming, and exposure to harmful content. Continuous professional development ensures staff are prepared to respond effectively. This is why we provide access to over 120 CPD courses, enabling education professionals to refresh their knowledge and adapt to changes in legislation, technology, and social trends.

3. Robust Recruitment and Selection Processes

Ensuring the right people work with children is one of the most crucial aspects of safeguarding. This involves thorough background checks, including DBS verification, employment history checks, and in-depth interviews. We take this a step further by conducting termly DBS updates, giving schools confidence that our staff are always cleared to work with children. This rigorous approach not only meets statutory safeguarding requirements but also reinforces our commitment to child safety.

Teaching Assistant supporting 3 students during class representing Good safeguarding in education

Why Safeguarding Matters More Than Ever

In today’s connected world, Safeguarding in Education is no longer limited to physical safety within the school grounds it extends to protecting children in digital spaces, ensuring they have the resilience and knowledge to navigate online risks. Schools and agencies must work together to uphold the highest standards, ensuring every child can learn and grow in an environment free from harm.

By prioritising ongoing training, thorough vetting, and a culture of safety, we can all play our part in keeping the next generation safe. At GB Recruitment, Safeguarding is not just a requirement it’s a responsibility we take to heart every single day.

Inspire | Teach | Thrive

Teachers: The Top 3 Best Benefits of Choosing a Career in Education

Why becoming a Teacher Could Be the Career You’ve Been Looking For

At GB Recruitment, we’ve been working closely with schools in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire for over 25 years; we know the education industry inside and out. Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand the challenges schools face in finding enough passionate, skilled teachers and in keeping them in the profession for the long term.

It’s no secret that the education sector is under pressure. Recruitment numbers are struggling to keep up, and too many teachers leave the profession early. That’s why we wanted to write this to shine a light on the positive side of the job. Whether you’re fresh out of university, considering a career change, or simply curious, here are my top 3 benefits of becoming a teacher.

1. Pensions and Pay

One of the most overlooked benefits of becoming a teacher is the financial security it can offer. The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is considered one of the best in the country, giving you peace of mind for the future. While salaries can vary depending on location and experience, teaching offers clear pay progression.

In Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas, new teachers (ECTs) start on a competitive salary that increases as they gain experience. On top of that, there are opportunities for additional responsibility allowances, leadership roles, and specialist teaching positions, all of which come with financial rewards. In a world where job stability is harder to find, teaching offers a strong and steady career path.

2. Job Satisfaction

It’s not promoted more how rewarding teaching can be. Yes, there are challenges – the workload, the planning, the marking – but nothing beats the feeling of seeing a student understand something for the first time or watching them grow in confidence over the school year.

In Stoke-on-Trent’s schools, teachers often become more than just educators; they’re role models, mentors, and sources of inspiration. Every lesson you deliver has the potential to shape a child’s future, and that’s not something you can say about every career. The impact you have as a teacher can last a lifetime – and you often see the results right in front of you.

3. Work-Life Balance

We have to be honest about teachers’ work-life balance. As most people know, teaching isn’t a 9-to-5 job. There’s planning, marking, and meetings that can spill into your evenings. However, with good time management, clear boundaries, and a supportive school environment, you can create a healthy work-life balance.

One of the biggest perks is the school holidays, which allow teachers to recharge, spend time with family, or focus on hobbies. And in Stoke-on-Trent, being based in the heart of the country means you’re never far from great days out, countryside walks, or city breaks to make the most of that time off.

ECT supply teacher engaging with a diverse group of young children in a classroom during a creative learning activity.

Why We Need More Teachers in Stoke-on-Trent

Here at GB Recruitment, we work with schools every day that are in urgent need of enthusiastic and dedicated teachers. The profession needs fresh talent and experienced educators alike. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a teacher, now is the time to take that step; the demand is high, and the rewards are real.

We want to push and promote teaching as a career more and want to ensure our schools and children have the best, motivated and passionate teachers available to them. That’s why we work to support both new and experienced teachers in finding the right school, role, and career path. Whether you’re looking for a permanent position or supply work to get a feel for the classroom, we’re here to guide you.

And finally, teaching offers more than just a job; it’s a secure career with excellent benefits, the chance to make a difference, and a lifestyle that, with the right balance, can be incredibly fulfilling.
Make the step into teaching, and you won’t regret it. Use our motto as a reminder why.

Inspire | Teach | Thrive

Evolving Support: The Dynamic Roles of TAs, EYPs, and 1:1 Support Staff in Schools

Teaching Assistants (TAs), Early Years Practitioners (EYPs), and 1:1 Support Assistants working with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) play essential roles in schools, contributing significantly to student success and well-being. Their roles have evolved, reflecting changes in educational policies and teaching approaches, making their contributions to inclusive education increasingly vital. By providing tailored support, collaborating with teachers, and offering one-on-one assistance, they foster academic achievement and create inclusive learning environments.

Teaching Assistant Roles

Traditionally, Teaching Assistants were viewed primarily as support staff responsible for tasks like preparing classroom materials, supervising students, and assisting with administrative duties. However, their role has become integral to schools, as they now lead activities, work closely with groups or individual students, and provide targeted support, particularly for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). TAs ensure lessons are tailored to meet diverse needs, allowing every child access to the curriculum.

1:1 Assistants

Classroom assistants and 1:1 staff are often involved in planning and delivering targeted interventions aimed at raising attainment. They work closely with teachers to monitor student progress, assess outcomes, and adjust strategies as needed. This collaborative approach enhances the learning experience and fosters a cohesive educational environment. In many schools, support staff also take on specialised roles, such as literacy or numeracy intervention specialists, behaviour mentors, or EAL (English as an Additional Language) support workers, further integrating them into the school’s team.

Early Years Practitioners

The role of Early Years Practitioners has similarly evolved, particularly with the growing recognition of early childhood education’s importance. EYPs now play a key role in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, focusing on holistic child development. They plan activities that promote play-based learning, fostering critical early skills in communication, problem-solving, and social interaction. EYPs are crucial in identifying and supporting young children with additional needs, ensuring early intervention and appropriate support.

Ever Evolving Roles

Overall, the evolving roles of TAs, EYPs, and 1:1 Support Assistants reflect a shift toward more inclusive and supportive educational environments. Their expanded roles highlight the importance of collaboration in education, where the contributions of all staff members are valued and utilized to enhance student outcomes.

ECT ? Here are the opportunities that supply teaching can provide you

what are the opportunities for a ECT

Don’t worry if you are an ECT and haven’t yet secured your first teaching post or managed to complete your induction, Supply Teaching can offer you a wealth of opportunities, that can significantly shape your early career pathway. One of the significant benefits is the chance to work in various schools and academies. This exposure helps you identify the school culture and environment that suit you best, guiding your future applications and ensuring you find a place where you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Supply teaching also allows you to develop a wide range of teaching strategies and classroom management techniques. Adapting to new situations and diverse student needs enhances your ability to handle different classroom dynamics effectively. This adaptability and skill set can make you a more competitive candidate for full-time roles.

Supply teaching also provides networking opportunities. Working across multiple schools enables you to connect with a broad spectrum of educators and administrators. These connections can lead to professional development opportunities and potential job offers. Building a strong professional network early in your career can be instrumental in finding future employment and advancing your career. Schools often communicate with each other, offering a way to get noticed across a multi academy trust. This inter-school communication can open doors to even more career opportunities.

Furthermore, supply teaching allows you to gain experience in different subject areas and year groups. Such experiences can help you identify your strengths and preferences, guiding your ECT professional development and choices. It can also increase your versatility as a teacher, making you stand out from other ECTS, to potential schools who may need teachers who can demonstrate a growing skill set and provide examples during interviews.

Moreover, there is the potential for securing long-term or permanent positions. Many schools favour supply teachers they are familiar with and have seen perform well in their classrooms. By demonstrating your competence and reliability as a supply teacher, you may increase your chances of being offered permanent roles within the schools you work in.

Additionally, short term or day to day supply teaching provides a unique opportunity to focus on teaching without the added pressures of administrative responsibilities. This can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of your career, allowing you to develop your teaching skills and build confidence in your classroom management. The reduced administrative burden can also lead to a more balanced workload, making the transition into the teaching profession smoother and more enjoyable.

Lastly, working as a supply teacher can help you develop adaptability, tenacity and confidence. The nature of supply teaching requires you to quickly adapt to new environments and challenges, building your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. This experience is invaluable in preparing you for the demands of a full-time teaching position and can significantly enhance your overall effectiveness.

In summary, supply teaching as an ECT provides valuable opportunities to explore different schools, develop a broad range of skills, network with professionals, gain diverse classroom experiences, and secure long-term employment. It helps you focus on teaching, build resilience, and set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. So, don’t be disheartened if you haven’t secured a full-time position yet—supply teaching could be your next career move.

Supply Teacher’s Top 4 best strategies to thrive

The top 4 ways to thrive as a Supply Teacher

Supply teaching is an exciting and rewarding role that requires adaptability, flexibility, and a diverse skill set to thrive. Whether you’re an experienced Teacher or an Early Career Teacher (ECT) just embarking on your journey, supply teaching presents a myriad of opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Though it can be challenging at times, supply teaching is also deeply rewarding. It provides a platform to leave a lasting impact on students’ lives while refining your abilities or allowing you the freedom to explore new teaching styles whilst gaining invaluable experience.

However, excelling in this role extends beyond mere subject knowledge. It necessitates resilience, effective classroom management techniques, and a willingness to adapt to ever-changing school circumstances. In this blog, we’ll delve into the essential strategies for mastering the art of successful supply teaching.

Preparation is Key: Successful supply teaching hinges on good preparation. Prior to entering the classroom, invest time in creating a versatile bank of activities suitable for various year groups. Consider incorporating open-ended math investigations, engaging picture books, or versatile video clips that span across different age groups.

These resources serve as invaluable tools to engage students’ interest and create productive learning experiences. Additionally, make it a priority to arrive early on the day of your assignment. This extra time allows you to carefully set up the classroom environment, thoroughly review any plans left by the class teacher, familiarise yourself with the school’s routines and policies, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. By being well-prepared, you not only enhance your confidence but also equip yourself to navigate the day.

Building Positive Relationships: Establishing a positive relationship with students, staff, and the business manager is fundamental for effective supply teaching. Take time to connect with students on a personal level, demonstrating genuine interest in their learning journey and well-being. By fostering an environment of trust and respect, the children will want to work with you and will report this back positively to their class teacher on their return.

Additionally, by creating connections with the other teachers and your class TA (who remember knows the children best) can enable smoother communication and access to support when required. Simple gestures like offering a warm smile and friendly attitude can pave the way for future assignments at that school or other schools within that Academy Trust.

Elementary Pupils Wearing Uniform Raise Hands To Answer Question As Female Supply Teacher Reads Book

Flexibility and Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability are essential attributes of an effective supply teacher. Embrace each day with a readiness to adjust to any unforeseen changes in the school day, viewing them as chances to embrace a challenge and increase personal and professional growth. Maintain a positive attitude, as your positive outlook influences the atmosphere in the classroom and people around you. By remaining flexible and open-minded, you not only navigate the day and challenges with ease but also model resilience to your students.

Effective Classroom Management: Successful classroom management is essential in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere as a supply teacher. Begin by establishing clear behavioural expectations aligned with the school’s policies, ensuring consistency for the students’ benefit. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage positive behaviour and manage disruptions with swift yet composed responses. Through creating a structured and supportive classroom environment, you enhance student engagement and increase productive learning outcomes.

Conclusion: Supply teaching offers unique rewards, challenges and avenues for personal freedom and professional growth. As an education recruitment company based in Newcastle-under-Lyme we see this everyday and understand what schools are looking for in teachers. With strategic approaches and the right mindset, thriving in this dynamic field is entirely achievable. Prioritising effective preparation, fostering positive relationships, embracing flexibility, and employing effective classroom management techniques are key components in developing your skills as a successful supply teacher.

By doing so, you not only enhance your effectiveness in the classroom but also leave a lasting impression on your students and the schools’. Embrace each challenge and opportunity with enthusiasm, dedication, and recognise that every opportunity presents a fresh chance to create a productive impact and make each day a positive experience for all.

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