You might choose to apply directly with schools that post vacancies online, or look at online job boards catering for the education sector. LinkedIn and Facebook can also be a source of job vacancies. Alternatively, you could find the perfect role through an established teaching agency.
This way, you have the support and guidance of a friendly recruitment consultant to match you with the right school. Additionally, a dedicated compliance officer will ensure all the required documentation is in place.
If you choose to work through Prospero Teaching, then you have the added benefit of receiving interview advice and in-post support from a member of our training and development team (all teachers themselves with experience as interviewers).
If you choose the teaching agency route, the steps you will need to take are outlined below:
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Register your interest with a teaching agency
Shortly after filling in a quick online form, you will be contacted by a dedicated consultant who will have a quick chat with you to find out exactly what you are looking for. They will discuss with you your preferences in terms of role, location and salary. Decide on the type of role that you’re interested in prior to applying. Primary KS2-based teaching assistant? Secondary learning support assistant? SEND support? By providing this information, your teaching agency will be able to put you in touch with a consultant who works with the right schools for you.
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Complete your registration
If you choose to register with an agency, a compliance officer will work with you to ensure all your documentation is present and correct. This would include your passport, an alternative form of ID, your degree certificate, your CV and completion of up-to-date safeguarding training. [LINK] Most agencies will set you up with a payroll company and teach you how to use the timesheet portal to submit your weekly timesheets. Ideally, registration would be completed in person at the office nearest to you. During registration, you have the opportunity to meet your recruitment consultant and a member of the training and development team.
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Attend interviews or trial days
Once you have agreed on the area, the type of school, and the year group you would like to work with, your consultant will match you up with appropriate schools. You’ll be invited to either an interview or a trial day (in most cases) once your consultant matches you with the right school.
Here’s what you need to know when preparing for a teaching interview.
Before attending, you will receive advice and guidance from a member of the training team. They will be a teacher with either a primary or secondary school background depending on the position in question. You will also receive a role-specific handbook filled with tips on how to impress, including an outline of common interview questions and how to answer them effectively.
Trial days are when you essentially spend a ‘day on the job.’ It’s possible that you would be paid for a trial day, and they have several other benefits… You gain experience as you earn, and have the possibility of securing a long-term graduate teaching assistant job at the end of it. What’s not to like? If this sounds daunting or you have questions about what to expect, a member of our training team is always on hand to advise.
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Start work in your new teaching job!
Here’s where the real fun begins! We are sure you will have a rich and rewarding experience in the classroom. The benefit of working with Prospero is that your consultant is always available to answer any questions or concerns.
Want to find out more or speak to an education consultant in your area?
Give us a call on 020 7404 6383, reach out to your nearest Prospero Teaching office, or register with us today.