Finding your first teaching job

You are the future of education 1 Finding your first teaching job

Applying for your first job as a teacher marks a significant stage in your career. It’s an exciting time, but you may also be feeling apprehensive about what you need to do. That’s why we’ve created this booklet. It includes tips on job hunting, applications and interviews, and covers what you need to think about in terms of pay and conditions and types of job. It also outlines how the National Education Union can advise and support you.

2 Contents

Applying for a job 4 Interview 8 Job offers 12 Types of schools 13 Get involved 16 Pay and pension matters 18 Fixed-term/temporary contracts and supply work 22 Education Workforce Council – Wales 24 General Teaching Council - Northern Ireland 25 Induction matters 26 Cyber caution 31 Professional development 33 If you need help 34

3 Where are jobs advertised? Teaching jobs are widely advertised. Schools and academies advertise jobs on their websites. Some schools may also write directly to colleges and university departments with details of Applying teaching jobs available. Most councils have dedicated school jobs web pages, for a job and also post details of the council NQT pool arrangements there where applicable. Other good places to look for jobs are the Times Educational Supplement (Tes) and Schools Week, both published every Friday (see tes.com and educationweekjobs.co.uk), and the Government website gov.uk/find-teaching-job Vacancies can occur Your course tutors may have information on local vacancies or have at any time, but you personal contacts that may be helpful. should begin looking If the post is suitable for NQTs, usually the advert will say so. If it is unsuitable for advertisements from for NQTs, the advert will usually state January. The majority the reason why. of jobs are advertised in Work as a supply teacher can be found through local authorities, schools or May and June, and most agencies. students obtain their jobs during the summer Employment agencies term. Jobs continue to be You should not need to sign up with an advertised well into the employment agency to find your first job. If you follow the advice here, you autumn. should have access to all the advertised jobs in plenty of time to apply for and secure employment. Registering with an agency may result in you being under contractual obligation and it will cost your school money to employ you. You can find advice and information for supply teachers, including agency work, at neu.org.uk/supply

4 Is it the right job for you? The person specification You are most likely to be successful if A person specification includes the the job you have applied for is close to selection criteria for shortlisting and the age range or subject area for which interviewing. It lists the qualifications, you have been trained. If the job you knowledge, experience and skills are interested in is not advertised as required by the post holder to carry permanent, check the exact nature of out the role as described in the job the contract being offered. Information description. about the different contract types can The person specification helps the be found on page 22. employer to be fair and judge all Induction is an important factor that applicants against the same criteria. you will need to consider before you Read the person specification carefully decide which posts to apply for – see and use your supporting statement page 26 for more information. to show you meet all the essential selection criteria listed. The most Your application successful applications are the ones where applicants have demonstrated When you ask for details about a how, through their knowledge, teaching vacancy, it is likely you will be experience and skills, they meet the provided with: criteria listed in the person specification. • an application form • information about the school • the equal opportunities policies of the school and employer • a job description • a person specification • guidance notes on the appointment procedure. Your application provides the evidence a prospective employer needs about you when deciding on a shortlist. You will probably be asked to complete an application form and provide a supporting statement.

5 Application tips • Keep a copy of your application as it may be referred to at the interview. These application tips may help to You can also use it as a starting point maximise your chances of being called for future applications. for interview. • Make sure you answer all the • Read the guidance notes on the questions on the application form. appointments procedure carefully and • Only include information that is follow the employer’s instructions. relevant and that you can back up • Look at each point of the person in an interview. You should include specification and set out your a brief covering letter, which should knowledge, experience and skills in usually be addressed to the head relation to each one. teacher. • When you write your supporting • Do not include a CV unless one is statement, be specific and concise. requested. Occasionally, candidates • Make the application personal. are asked to apply by letter and CV, Demonstrate that you have particularly in the independent sector. researched the school/college/local Your CV should be no more than authority/academy trust that you are two pages and your covering letter applying to and state why you are needs to be far more detailed in this particularly attracted to working for case, and should include a supporting them. statement relating to the person • In your supporting statement, it may specification. be worth highlighting in bold when you are referring to key qualities asked Applying to a pool for in the job description or person Some local authorities run a ‘pool’ and specification. This makes it easy for first-time applicants, usually for primary assessors to see where you meet the posts, apply to the pool rather than for criteria. individual posts. This can significantly • Begin and end your supporting increase the number of posts for which statement with impact and aim to you will be considered if interviewed. convey a sense of your personality. There will be a specific application form • Pay attention to spelling and to complete, and individual authorities grammar. Ask someone to check your will have their own deadlines. application before you send it. Interviews usually take place over two • Set out your application so it is clear or three days and your slot will be and easy to read. Remember your around 20 minutes, during which you’ll application is likely to be one of many be asked a variety of questions and to that members of the selection panel discuss your portfolio (see page 9). will consider.

6 Choosing referees the Children’s List and/or Adults’ List, if this information was requested when Usually, you will be asked to provide you applied for the certificate. two referees. Sometimes an employer will take up references before the The ECRC will be sent to you initially so interview. You will be expected to give that you may check that you have been at least one referee who can comment correctly identified and the information on your teacher training experience. disclosed is accurate and relevant to the Some colleges and departments specify purpose for which it was requested. which tutor or other person should be If you have any concerns about the named as a referee. accuracy of checks carried out by the If you have the choice, select someone DBS, or concerns about the relevance who can comment on your academic of disclosed information on your ability and teaching performance. It ECRC, call 0345 811 8111 or email is most helpful if a school learns from [email protected] your referee that you were successful on school placement. Criminal convictions You may also wish to name a head The job application form may teacher or teacher from one of your require you to declare your criminal placement schools. If you are a convictions, including those that would secondary education student, you may normally be regarded as ‘spent’. You wish to ask the head of the faculty in do not have to provide details of any which you were training. cautions, reprimands or warnings issued Always ask those you wish to name as six or more years ago (where you were referees for their permission before aged 18 or over at the time) or issued doing so. Tell them each time you two or more years ago (where you apply for a different job, so that they do were under 18 at the time). Convictions not unexpectedly receive requests for obtained more than 11 years ago (where references. you were 18 or over at the time) or five and a half years ago (where you were under 18 at the time) will not Criminal record checks be disclosed in an ECRC provided As part of the recruitment process, you certain conditions are met. For more will be asked to apply to the Disclosure information about what these are, refer and Barring Service (DBS) for an to the DBS website at gov.uk/dbs Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate (ECRC). Your prospective employer or the registered body acting on their behalf will process and countersign the application form. The certificate may include information from local police records, such as acquittals or other non-conviction information, eg, allegations. If you have been convicted of an offence in the past, this information may appear on the ECRC. It will show whether you are barred on

7 Preparing for the interview Thorough preparation before an interview is crucial. If you are well prepared, you can be more confident in your performance and ensure you make all the points you wish to get across to Interview the panel. Below are some suggestions to help you to prepare. • Research the school/college/local authority/academy trust you are applying to so you can demonstrate knowledge and enthusiasm for the role. • Re-read your application form. This will provide a starting point for your interview preparation. • Prepare key points and examples of The purpose of an your knowledge, experience and skills interview is to select the to give evidence to the interview panel best candidate for the that you meet the selection criteria. • Read Educate, your NEU magazine, job. It also gives you the for all the latest developments in the opportunity to decide if it education sector. Our website neu.org.uk is also an important is the right job for you. source of information. • Keep up to date with educational If you are shortlisted developments and be familiar with for interview, be sure the terminology used to describe them. Tes and Schools Week are good to confirm you will be sources of information. attending. • Prepare to answer job-related questions, for example on behaviour and classroom management. • Pay attention to how the requirements of the national curriculum, covering maintained schools, impact on your subject or age range. • Have a basic understanding of any recent official reports on your subject area or age range, for example from Ofsted or Estyn. Your tutors and your college librarians should be able to give you more guidance on what is particularly relevant. 8 • Accept any invitation to visit before the interview. If possible, look at what happens in the classroom. Talk to students and show an interest in their activities. Think in advance of any questions you wish to ask. • Let them know in advance if you have any access requirements. • Make sure you know how to get there. If possible, do a practice journey before the day of your interview.

Preparing a portfolio Portfolios are important accessories to applications, especially in the primary and special needs sectors. By highlighting your successes, you offer interviewers a positive focus for questioning, as well as allowing your • Give answers based on your own skills to speak for themselves. experience, using phrases such as You could include: “My role was...” and “I organised...”. • Repeat and expand upon what you • examples of your planning, both have said on your application form. medium and short term The panel will not have memorised it. • an example of your assessment of • Take in a list on a notepad of your pupils’ work key ‘must say’ points and say these at • photos of displays or special events the end of the interview if you have such as class outings not had the opportunity earlier. • samples of students’ work, particularly • Jot down key points before beginning work that reflects what you value. your answer. • Feel free to pause before answering if Interview tips you wish to collect your thoughts. • Don’t worry about being nervous – • Ask for the question to be repeated it’s natural. if you don’t hear it properly or are • Don’t be put off by the other unsure what it means. candidates when waiting. • Do not worry if you dry up, just pause • Be positive and enthusiastic. for a moment and carry on. • Don’t forget to take a notepad and • Although you are being assessed pen, as well as any documents from the moment you enter the relating to the post and interview. school, remember you too are assessing – the day should be • Prepare one or two short questions a two-way exchange. that might be appropriate to ask at the end of the interview.

9 Questions you may be asked Trial lessons • What attracts you to teaching/this post? An aspect of the interview process may • How do you stimulate enthusiasm? be the requirement to deliver a trial • How do you encourage achievement? lesson. This usually involves having to teach a small group of hand-picked • What do you/others consider to be students for about 20 minutes. your strengths? • What issues in education interest you? In secondary schools, this will be in your subject area and you should be given • What do you think are current issues guidelines on the lesson for which you in your subject area(s)? need to plan with your interview pack. • What experience have you had In primary schools, you will be given of teaching and learning in a guidelines on the lesson, or part of a multicultural environment? What are lesson, you have been asked to deliver. the challenges? The observers/interviewers will be • How do you ensure all children, interested in the quality of your including those with special needs planning and preparation; your and disability (SEND), English as an rapport with pupils; management of additional language (EAL) and children any behaviour issues that may arise; from disadvantaged backgrounds, your knowledge of content/teaching achieve well? Give some examples. strategies; and your professionalism. • What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? Trial lesson tips You will almost certainly be given the opportunity to put questions to the • Ask the school/college about the year panel, so it is wise to be prepared. Here group and number of pupils you will are some ideas. be expected to teach. • What programme of induction does • Ask if any of the students have an the school offer? education, health and care (EHC) plan or other special educational needs or • Who will be my induction tutor? disabilities (SEND). • What are the main challenges facing • Ask if any of your pupils have English this school? as an additional language (EAL). • Will I be a form tutor? Is there pastoral • Plan thoroughly and keep your plan support for tutors? simple. • Research the school/college and area well and include a local element in your planning if possible. • Engage the students – this is key. • Demonstrate your strengths. • Plan for an interactive and lively lesson. • Plan for differentiation in questioning and activities. • Try to include all pupils and show that you recognise, and have planned for, any pupils in the class or group with SEND and/or EAL. 10 • Be aware of equalities and access that you will prompt the realisation the issues in your planning and delivery. question is inappropriate and should be • Ensure that the lesson objectives are withdrawn. set out at the beginning of the lesson, Many employers have adopted the and that pupils’ understanding is good practice of including forms for checked at the end. equality monitoring, which are looked • Don’t try to cover too many at only after interview and are there objectives. Keep it focussed. to ensure that employers can monitor • Don’t assume any resources are the impact of their equal opportunities available. Bring any additional ‘props’ policies. We advise you to complete and you would like to use in the lesson. return these forms. • If it does not go to plan, adapt and carry on. Interview expenses • Try to relax and enjoy it. It is reasonable to ask whether expenses can be refunded before you decide Your right to a fair to attend. However, not all schools/ colleges will cover expenses. and open process If expenses are covered they may It is unlawful for employers to be subject to limits and, if you need discriminate on grounds of age, accommodation, you should seek disability, gender reassignment, advice from the school about facilities marriage and civil partnership, in the area that are within those limits. pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, part- Withdrawing after the time status, fixed-term status or trade union activity. interview If you are a disabled applicant, you have It is not unusual for an applicant to a right to ask for adjustments such as attend the interview and realise that the written information in large print or job is not suitable. You may be asked if access to the interview room, to enable you still wish to be considered for the you to participate in the recruitment post. If so, you can politely and tactfully procedure on an equal basis with other ask to withdraw. candidates. If you do not wish to be offered the During the interview, you should not job after the interview, find a means of be asked questions about your marital conveying this to the panel before a status, family commitments, sexual decision is reached. Failing to do this orientation or disability or, in a non- will have wasted their time and may denominational school, about religious mean you are not paid your travel belief. Such questions could infringe expenses. the law and good practice on equal opportunities. Questions based on gender or racial stereotyping are also unacceptable. One response to this sort of question is to address yourself to the chair of the interview panel and ask politely if the panel wishes you to answer such a question. It may be 11 Accepting the job A verbal offer and acceptance of a teaching job establishes a legal contract even if there is nothing in writing to confirm the agreement. If you are not sure of the exact terms of the job being Job offered to you, then accept but ‘subject to contract’. offers The position is slightly different if the offer is made subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, such as references, an enhanced DBS (see page 7), medical fitness and right to work in the UK checks. If a conditional offer is made and accepted, the employer has the right to withdraw the Before accepting a job offer later if the conditions are not met. Once you have accepted an offer, you You may wish to ask about the school’s will be sent a letter confirming your policies on: appointment. Make sure you respond • pay promptly to confirm your acceptance • working time of the job. Keep a copy of your reply. • induction Before you confirm your acceptance in writing, make sure you are clear about • CPD/training the type of contract you are being • probationary period offered. There is information about • pensions. fixed-term and temporary contracts on page 22. Do you wish to accept the offer? No school should withdraw an unconditional offer of appointment If you have another interview for a job made verbally. If there is an attempt you would prefer in a few days’ time, to do so, contact the NEU as soon as you could ask the panel if they will possible. hold a job offer open. However, they may expect you to make up your mind If you have any queries, call immediately. This is not uncommon for 0345 811 8111 or email teaching posts. [email protected] It is unprofessional to accept a job at interview and then renege on this later. If you are unsuccessful this time You should decide at the time and stick If offered the chance of feedback, take to that decision. it. If it is not offered, ask for it. You should also ask for guidance on your performance from your tutors and any experienced teachers you know. Also, take the opportunity to attend any training sessions in interview techniques offered by your college or university. 12 Foundation, foundation special and trust schools A foundation school is a type of maintained school but with slightly different management arrangements and more flexibility on its admissions Types of procedures. The employer is the school governing body.

schools Voluntary aided and voluntary controlled schools These are a further type of maintained school. Most voluntary aided (VA) and voluntary controlled (VC) schools are faith schools. Faith schools is the common term used for those designated with a religious character. A VA school is very largely funded by the state and the employer is the governing body. A VC school has all its There are different costs met by the state and the employer types of schools and is the local authority. employers across Maintained nursery schools England and Wales. A local authority maintained nursery school provides education for children aged three to five, although education Local authority maintained could start from two in some cases. schools Maintained schools are funded by Pupil referral unit (PRU) or central Government via the local alternative provision authority. A PRU provides education for children Teachers in maintained schools are who are excluded, have medical needs paid and employed according to the or are otherwise unable to attend a provisions of the School Teachers’ mainstream or special maintained Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) school. The employer is the local on pay and working time and the authority. Burgundy Book agreement on other conditions of service.

Community and community special schools A community school is the standard type of maintained school. A community special school caters solely for pupils with special educational needs. The employer is the local authority. 13 Academies and free schools Independent schools Academies and free schools are Independent schools charge fees state-funded schools outside the to attend. These are usually paid by local authority family of schools. The the pupil’s family. Many independent employer is the individual academy schools are run as charities but some trust, or multi-academy trust (MAT) are run for profit. The employer is in the case of academies in a chain. the governing body or proprietor. Academies and free schools operate in Independent schools do not have to England only – there are none in Wales. follow the national curriculum and Free schools may be new schools set can set their own pay and conditions up by an academy chain, a private arrangements for teachers, including company, a group of parents or whether they offer the Teachers’ teachers, a faith group or a charity. Pension Scheme. Others are former private schools that have converted to free school status Types of post-16 colleges and stopped charging fees. The post-16 sector is made up of sixth University technical colleges (UTCs) form colleges and further education and studio schools are academies with colleges. Both types of college have a 14 to 19 intake that can be set up by been able to determine their own pay a range of organisations – universities, and conditions since 1992 but sixth employers, existing schools or further form colleges have retained national education colleges. pay scales and working agreements. The NEU is firmly committed to Further education colleges have taken supporting our members in academies a more fragmented approach with and free schools. Whatever the situation some colleges having no, or few, pay regarding union recognition, teachers rises over the years. However, there are are still entitled to be members of the national pay scales that the employer NEU, which can advise you on problems body and trade unions aspire to which you encounter at work. can be found at neu.org.uk/pay-scales. Many academies offer teachers’ terms Other differences are that sixth form and conditions that are identical or colleges tend to employ graduates and/ similar to the STPCD and the Burgundy or qualified teachers (QTS holders), Book. However, academies and while FE colleges tend to employ free schools can set their own rules vocational experts and also train regarding pay, working duties, days teachers on the job (sometimes with and hours, breaks, holiday, sick leave, college financial support). maternity/adoption/paternity leave, Another key difference is that and so on. For staff who are new to an FE teachers have a professional academy, see the chapter on pay and qualification called the Qualified pensions on page 18. Teacher in Learning and Skills (QTLS). This qualification has parity with QTS and therefore FE lecturers with this qualification can teach in schools as qualified teachers. QTLS is conferred by

14 the Society for Education and Training Northern Ireland schools (SET) which is an arm of the sector body for workforce development - Education Controlled schools and Training Foundation. Nursery, primary, special, secondary Sixth form colleges cater for students and grammar schools are under the aged 16 to 19, typically studying for management of the school’s board of advanced school-level qualifications. governors and the employing authority Sixth form colleges (some of which is the Education Authority (EA). have now taken on academy status) have their own national pay and Maintained schools conditions arrangements, which are Nursery, primary, special and secondary broadly in line with the STPCD and are under the management of the Burgundy Book for schools. The board of governors and the employing employer is the college corporation or authority is the Council for Catholic academy trust. Maintained Schools (CCMS). FE colleges cater for both 16-19-year olds and adult learners. Typically, students Voluntary grammar study A-levels or vocational qualifications. Each of these schools is under the Students may progress on to university or management of a board of governors. employment. Integrated education schools Pay and conditions are negotiated at the National Joint Forum but These consist of primary and carry recommendations to college secondary schools, which, individually, incorporations that are locally are under the management of a board implemented. The employer of governors. is the college corporation. Irish medium education schools These consist of primary and secondary schools, which, individually, are under the management of a board of governors.

15 We are the NEU Join today and get involved Find out more at neu.org.uk/get-involved

16 The NEU is your union and we really want you to get involved. Our strength as a union is down to our members who take the time to get involved. There are many ways you can do this, from answering surveys to playing a key role in campaigning or attending events and conferences. We have groups for new professionals, which are dedicated to trainees, NQTs and anyone at the beginning of their career in education, or who is aged 35 or under. The core aim of these groups is to develop future activists and leaders of the union and ensure that the next generation of education professionals shape both the future of our union and the whole education system. By joining, you will have the opportunity to get involved at every level of union activity and campaigns, supporting members with issues, informing NEU policy in relation to new professionals, and on the issues that impact on the lives of the young people you educate. Many members who are new professionals develop other active roles within the union such as workplace reps, local officers, committee members, executive members and members of the NEU groups, representing the sector in which they work. Getting involved in the NEU is a rewarding experience and you will certainly meet new people and make new friends along the way.

17 Pay for classroom teachers New entrants to teaching are paid on the main pay range. The values of the main pay range inner London, outer Pay and London, the fringe area, rest of England, Wales and Northern Ireland are set out pension below and further information can be found at neu.org.uk/pay-advice matters Teachers taking up their first appointment will normally be placed on the minimum of the main pay range. It is possible to be placed higher on the scale, in particular if you have previous experience in other types of teaching or other relevant occupations. However, this will have to be negotiated with the employer. Teachers can progress from the main pay range to the upper pay range Pay arrangements for after completing an application process generally known as threshold classroom teachers in assessment. The NEU recommends that local authority maintained schools use a six-point main pay range and three-point scale for teachers on schools are set out in the the upper pay range and most schools statutory School Teachers’ continue to use this.

Pay and Conditions England Document (STPCD) in The STPCD pay structure in England England and the now gives schools considerable discretion over their choice of pay scales and separate School Teachers’ criteria for pay progression. Advisory pay Pay and Conditions points were reintroduced to the STPCD Document Wales. In with effect from 1 September 2020. The advisory pay points are based on England, academies the joint pay scales recommended by and free schools are not the NEU and other unions, increased by the relevant amount from 1 September obliged to mirror those 2020. The joint union advice on school arrangements for newly teachers’ pay for 2020-21 is available appointed staff, though here neu.org.uk/media/5976/view The NEU is campaigning for the many do so. See page 20. restoration of mandatory national pay points and for the abolition of performance-related pay. Up-to-date pay scales can be found at neu.org.uk/pay-scales 18 Wales Teachers may receive additional The STPCD Wales has restored the allowances to refect teaching and national pay structure for teachers and learning responsibilities and special has abolished performance related pay. needs teaching involvement. Some schools may also pay recruitment and Up-to-date pay scales can be found at retention incentive payments. neu.org.uk/pay-scales Up-to-date pay scales can be found at Northern Ireland neu.org.uk/pay-scales All teachers in NI are employed on the Wales same terms and conditions set out by Department of Education NI. Teachers In Wales, performance-related pay taking up their first appointment will progression has been abolished in normally be placed on the main pay favour of experienced based pay scale at M1 and then progress annually progression and national pay scales until they reach M6. Once a teacher have been implemented. Members in has been at M6 for one year, they Wales should receive pay progression are eligible to apply for threshold based on experience and should (performance-related pay). refer to the separate teacher pay arrangements in Wales, details here A teacher must pass the threshold gov.wales/school-teachers-pay-and- process, assessed by their principal, conditions-wales-document-2020 to progress to the upper pay scale (UPS). Teachers progress on the UPS Northern Ireland scale every two years. Most teachers Teachers progress through the pay therefore reach the top of the pay scale scale under the Performance Review after nine years in post. and Staff Development Process (PRSD). Teachers can also receive additional Pay progression and other teaching allowances for other areas pay matters of responsibility and special needs teaching involvement. England Details can be found on the Progression on the main pay range and Department of Education website upper pay range is now performance education-ni.gov.uk/topics/ based and linked to annual appraisal teaching-staff reviews. To secure pay progression, you must meet the criteria and standards set down by the school, rather than progressing automatically on the basis of experience. The NEU has created a pay toolkit containing advice and support to secure fair pay treatment in the workplace. It includes advice on recommended pay scales, a model pay policy and checklist, securing pay progression, and advice on Up-to-date pay scales pursuing appeals where progression is can be found at denied see neu.org.uk/pay-toolkit neu.org.uk/pay-scales 19 Working conditions Academies and free schools Contractual working time and Given that academies and free schools professional duties for teachers in local are able to set their own contractual authority maintained schools are set pay, conditions and working time out in the STPCD, while contractual arrangements for newly appointed sickness and maternity rights are in the teachers, there are several key questions Burgundy Book national agreement. you need to ask when applying for a job Your contractual rights supplement your in an academy or free school. statutory employment rights. Further You can find guidance for members at information can be found at neu.org.uk/academies as well as details neu.org.uk/rights-and-conditions of recognition and pay and conditions In Northern Ireland agreement on agreements between the union and all teachers’ pay and conditions academies. of service is reached through the You should note that, while moving Teachers’ Negotiating Committee between local authority schools will (TNC), which comprises the employing not usually affect your contractual authorities/employer representatives, entitlements on matters like sickness and the Department of Education (DENI) maternity, your service in an academy and the recognised teachers’ unions or free school will not necessarily including the National Education Union. be recognised if you move to a local More information can be found at authority school or vice versa. This education-ni.gov.uk/topics/ does not, however, apply in the case of teaching-staff statutory rights to redundancy payments.

Pay in FE colleges and sixth form colleges and Soulbury officers The national pay scales and accompanying advice for these groups of members can be found on the NEU website at neu.org.uk/further-education and neu.org.uk/advice/soulbury-officers

20 Independent schools Independent schools can set their own pay and conditions. As well as knowing your starting salary, it is useful to see the school’s pay policy to know how your salary might progress and how cost of living increases are determined. Support staff members should ask about provision for overtime/time off in lieu. Further advice for teachers and support staff working in the independent sector can be found on the NEU website at neu.org.uk/independent average earnings and will be payable in full at your state pension age, which Pensions for new entrants is currently up to 68, Newly appointed teachers in local depending on their current age. authority maintained schools, After a two-year qualifying period, you academies and free schools and sixth will gain the right to various additional form colleges are automatically enrolled benefits under the TPS, including death- into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme in-service benefits and pension rights (TPS). Many independent schools also for surviving partners, dependants and participate in the TPS, but it is important children. For more about pensions go to confirm this. to neu.org.uk/pensions If you’re applying for a job in an Your pension contribution is related to independent school, a key question your total pay. Pension contributions to ask is whether the employer offers are deducted from your pay before tax, the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. You so you get tax relief on contributions. may find that some key employment The TPS is a very good scheme and the policies, such as sick leave and pay and best means to secure your retirement – maternity leave and pay, may not be as don’t miss out! generous as in the state sector. If you are unsure about asking about a single issue, you can always request a copy Pensions in Northern Ireland of the staff handbook which should Newly appointed teachers in all schools contain all of the main employment in Northern Ireland are automatically policies. enrolled into the Northern Ireland Independent schools are unable to offer Teachers’ Pension Scheme (NITPS). the Local Government Pension Scheme There are a small number of in to support staff but will offer their own independent schools in Northern pension schemes. Ireland that do not automatically qualify. The TPS is now a ‘career average’ More information can be found at scheme for new entrants. Your pension education-ni.gov.uk/topics/ on retirement will be 1/57 of your career teaching-staff

21 Fixed-term/ temporary Fixed-term or temporary contracts end contracts on a specific date, after a period of time, or on the completion of a task. They are frequently used where teachers and supply are employed to cover maternity or adoption leave, long-term sickness work absence, secondments, or pending a permanent appointment. The NEU opposes the use of fixed-term contracts for new teachers on induction or for so-called budgetary reasons. You should prioritise The law provides that fixed-term and temporary employees must seeking a permanent not be treated less favourably than teaching post but there permanent employees with regard to may be circumstances pay, conditions of service, pensions and training opportunities, and also places where you are unable restrictions on their repeated use. to do so.

22 Fixed-term and temporary contracts Supply teaching are sometimes used unfairly as a form of probation or in anticipation of Supply teaching via agencies is not falling pupil numbers or future budget covered by the School Teachers’ Pay reductions. If you believe you have been and Conditions Document (STPCD). offered a fixed-term contract for one The Agency Worker Regulations provide of these reasons, call 0345 811 8111 certain rights to such teachers. From or email [email protected] day one you have a right of equal access to collective facilities for staff such as the staffroom, canteen and Employment rights prayer room, and to be informed of It is a common misconception that employment vacancies. However, pay teachers employed on fixed-term and as an agency worker will be lower temporary contracts do not have the than a main scale teacher, you will not same employment rights as colleagues have access to the Teachers’ Pension on permanent contracts. Regardless Scheme, and you are unlikely to of whether you work on a full-time, receive much in the way of support or part-time, temporary or permanent training. Additionally, you will lack many basis, once you have completed two employment rights. years of continuous service with the The right to the same pay rate and same employer you have the right not working time provisions as directly to be unfairly dismissed. Non-renewal employed teachers is not acquired until of a fixed-term contract is, in law, a after 12 weeks on the same assignment. dismissal and if the dismissal is not If you can find supply teaching work for a fair reason, you may have a legal with a local authority supply pool or remedy. directly with a school or, even better, a Once you have completed two years’ permanent or fixed-term teaching post continuous service as a teacher, with in a school, you are likely to be much one employer or with one or more better off. Before you accept any supply employers in the state sector, you have work, find out exactly what is being the right to a redundancy payment. offered. If you are concerned or uncertain about If you have any queries, contact the anything set out in a contract you have NEU on 0345 811 8111 or at been offered, seek help and advice from [email protected] the NEU – call 0345 811 8111 or email [email protected]

23 Education Workforce Council – Wales

To teach in maintained certificate should be sent. For more information visit ewc.wales schools in Wales as a You will need to register before you qualified teacher, you begin your first teaching job in Wales, must be registered with including supply teaching. When you are given your EWC registration the Education Workforce number, keep a record of it. Teachers Council (EWC). in Wales are required to pay a fee to be registered with the EWC, currently £45 Your teacher training institution will per year. supply your details to the EWC. The If you need advice about the EWC will write to you with your unique registration process, contact NEU teacher reference number. That number Cymru on 0345 811 8111 or email will remain with you throughout your [email protected] career in the profession. You will be asked to provide confirmation of your name, date of birth and a contact address to which your qualified teacher

24 General Teaching Council - Northern Ireland

To teach in all schools in As you may not get permanent work straight away you will need also to NI you must be a qualified register with the Northern Ireland teacher and be registered Substitute Teacher Register (NISTR) with the General Teaching nistr.org.uk It is compulsory for all Beginning Council Northern Ireland Teachers to participate in the Northern (GTCNI) Ireland Induction and Early Professional Development Programme, regardless of You can register at gtcni.org.uk where where they have completed their Initial you will be given a unique teacher Teacher Training. reference number that will remain with Beginning Teachers must also register you throughout your career in teaching. online with the Education Authority As soon as you qualify you will need to for Northern Ireland at the start of register with the GTCNI. each year of the Induction and EPD Programmes regardless of whether in permanent or temporary employment, teaching on a day-to-day basis or not currently in post. Registration is open from mid-August. Please remember to re-register at each stage. More information can be obtained from eani.org.uk

25 The NEU believes induction must be a supportive process that helps new teachers begin to develop further their professional confidence and competence. In England, the Teachers’ Standards Induction are used to assess the performance of a newly qualified teacher (NQT) matters at the end of their induction period. Judgements should reflect the expectation that NQTs have effectively consolidated their initial teacher education (ITE) and demonstrated an ability to meet the relevant standards consistently over a sustained period in their practice. For the award of QTS and successful completion of induction in Wales, it will be necessary to demonstrate all The NEU believes every the relevant descriptors within the new class should have a Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership. NQTs must show they qualified teacher or one meet all induction level descriptors to who is on route to gaining complete their induction successfully. The new standards have been designed qualified teacher status. to inspire, challenge and support every practitioner to be the best they can be Once you have been and provide a framework for reflection awarded qualified teacher and development. status (QTS), you are There are different arrangements for the induction stage in Northern Ireland. required to complete an For more information go to eani.org.uk induction programme or call 028 9078 2020 or email [email protected] and to meet the Teachers’ Standards (England) or Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership (Wales).

26 Induction: how long? At time of publication, the Government was introducing legislation to increase teacher induction from one to two years, for those starting induction from September 2021. This is part of a wider package of support for new teachers called the Early Career Framework that includes an extra five per cent of time away from the classroom in the second year of teaching, the support of a trained mentor in school, and a suite of resources for early career support. If you have any concerns about this Induction: where? arrangement, speak to your workplace Induction can be served in the rep or your local branch/district following institutions if certain criteria secretary straight away. are met. You can find out more about this at • A relevant school in England – this neu.org.uk/induction includes a maintained infant, junior, You should ask for copies of the primary, secondary or middle school; following documentation for your own a non-maintained special school; a records: maintained or non-maintained nursery • completed NQT registration form school; a nursery school that forms part of a maintained school; a local • lesson observations authority maintained children’s centre; • notes from your professional progress a pupil referral unit (PRU); an academy, review meetings free school or city technology college. • NQT induction assessments from • An independent school in England or the first, second and third induction an independent nursery that chooses periods to offer statutory induction. • completed induction final assessment • A further education (FE) institution, and recommendation form including a sixth form college, in • any other documentation relevant to England. your induction. • A school or FE institution in Wales In Wales, you are required to complete in which an induction period may an induction period of three school be served under the Education terms or the equivalent. NQTs who are (Induction Arrangements for School not employed full time must complete Teachers Wales) Regulations 2005. 380 school sessions. This can include maintained schools; 27 maintained nursery schools that Induction: your entitlements provide an opportunity to meet the standards; non-maintained special As an NQT you are entitled to: schools; and independent schools • a reasonable job description that meet the national curriculum • a reduced teaching load of no more requirements. than 90 per cent of the normal • A British school overseas that is teaching timetable of other main inspected by a body approved by scale teachers in the school without the Department for Education (DfE) responsibility points; in the first year; against the British Schools Overseas 95 per cent in your second year (in Standards and is a member of a DfE- England) accredited association. • a planned induction programme, While some independent schools, tailored to your individual needs and free schools, academies, sixth form circumstances colleges and FE colleges participate • a school-based mentor to provide in the induction programme, not all day-to-day monitoring and support of them do. So, if you do start your - in Wales, you will be assigned an career somewhere that does not offer induction mentor in school and an an induction period, you will have to external verifier from the regional complete your induction if you later consortia want to work as a qualified teacher in a maintained school. • support from your head teacher, who has overall responsibility for your Qualified Teachers Status (QTS) gained induction programme and assessing while working in the state maintained whether you satisfactorily meet the or independent sectors is transferable Teacher Standards (England) or the between them. Professional Standards for Teaching For more information about the types and Leadership (Wales) of schools, see page 13. • oversight by the appropriate body. The NEU has produced a checklist for Induction: when? good practice in induction, along with advice guides on the process, see While NQTs are encouraged to start neu.org.uk/new-teachers. You are as soon as possible after gaining QTS, welcome to seek advice and support there is no set time limit for starting or from the NEU at any stage. If you are completing an induction period. This having difficulties you should speak to applies in England and Wales and NI, your induction tutor. If you are having however in NI teachers cannot apply difficulties with your school, talk to your for the upper pay scale unless they have rep or contact the advice line on completed Induction, EPD Year 1, EPS 0345 811 8111 or email Year 2 and two further cycles of PRSD. [email protected] If you are thinking of starting in supply teaching, it is worth remembering that, in England, you can only undertake short-term supply work for a maximum of five years from award of QTS, unless by then you have completed your induction. 28 Induction and supply teaching Supply teaching in England Although many new teachers decide In England, short-term supply to work as a short-term supply teacher placements of less than one term, as a means of gaining experience of or equivalent, cannot count towards different schools, the NEU advises you induction, as such jobs will not provide to seek a permanent or fixed-term an NQT with the breadth of experience, post in which you can complete your support and assessment necessary to induction period as soon as possible. enable them to demonstrate that they have met the relevant standards. A qualified teacher who has not completed an induction period can undertake short-term supply work of less than one term in a relevant school for a maximum period of five years from the point of award of QTS. This is a fixed time limit with no discretion to extend. For up-to-date information about pay rates for supply teachers, visit neu.org.uk/advice/supply-teachers- pay-conditions-and-working-time

29 Supply teaching in Wales Substitute teaching in The Welsh Government has a new Northern Ireland National Procurement Services Supply If you are employed in a school on a Teachers Framework for Wales. temporary basis for two terms or Introduced on the 1 September 2019, more, but less than one year, you are it is intended to provide schools with a required to: greater degree of choice and flexibility when it comes to deciding which • register for induction with the supply agencies to work with. It also Education Authority’s Induction and introduces a minimum daily pay rate EPD Team for supply teachers which is in line with • attend an EA Induction Core Day and the current School Teachers’ Pay and visit the Induction pages of the EA’s Conditions Document (STPCD), and Induction and EPD website to find out requires all agencies to offer relevant what you need to do to satisfactorily professional learning for employees meet the core requirements of as well as ensuring that appropriate Induction; support is given to all newly qualified • liaise with the school’s Teacher Tutor; teachers to enable them to meet • draw up, in consultation with the induction requirements. Teacher Tutor, two induction action For up-to-date information about pay plans linked to your Career Entry rates for supply teachers, visit Profile, classroom needs and teacher neu.org.uk/advice/supply-teachers- competences pay-conditions-and-working-time • implement the induction action plans; Schools will now be encouraged to • collect evidence of increasing use one of 27 agencies which have professional competence in an been awarded framework contracts. Induction portfolio which should be They are based on a geographical/ presented to the principal and the local authority lot basis rather than via chair of the board of governors. an all Wales service provider contract. For more information go to Supply teachers are advised to work eani.org.uk/services/beginning- for agencies that have been awarded teachers-induction-and-early- framework contracts. professional-development/induction All NQTs undertaking their induction through the accrual of short-term periods of supply are able to accrue 380 school sessions to be able to be assessed against the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership. NQTs completing their induction via this route will be required to complete an induction portfolio of evidence and log all their sessions with the Education Workforce Council (EWC) see page 24.

30 Cyber caution

If you use social How to stay ‘cybersafe’ networking sites, such • Do not publicly post information and photos about yourself, or school- as Facebook or Twitter, related matters, that you wouldn’t you should be extremely want employers, colleagues, pupils or vigilant. It is common parents to see. • You may wish to consider using a practice for prospective different name on social networking employers to look you up, sites from the name you use in your workplace as this will make it harder so make sure content does for pupils to find you on these sites, not show you in a bad eg use your first and second name light – the internet never rather than your surname to identify yourself. forgets. • Don’t use social media to air Once you are in a job, do not reveal any grievances – use the proper password, username or nickname to procedures instead. pupils. Students may find and circulate • Discuss expectations with friends– embarrassing and compromising are you happy to be tagged in material on their teachers. Similarly, photos? never use your personal email address • Keep passwords secret and protect or mobile phone to correspond with access to accounts. pupils or parents. Use your work email address and work phone.

31 • Do not befriend pupils or other • Request from management a copy members of the school community of the school’s policy on internet and on social networking sites; school email use. staff should consider carefully the What you should expect as a school implications of befriending parents employee: or former pupils and let school • all incidents that you report will management know if they decide to be recorded, including sexual do this. harassment and bullying • Keep personal phone numbers private • the school will respond to an incident and do not use your own mobile in a timely and appropriate manner, or phone to contact pupils or parents. support you to do so • Use a school mobile phone when • appropriate personal support, or on a school trip. Be aware that your information enabling you to access employer will be able to view your appropriate personal support, will be usage of this device. provided • Keep a record of your phone’s unique • information on the safe use of the international mobile equipment school’s communications network identity (IMEI) number (you can find will be provided to you your IMEI number by typing *#06# on your mobile). • the school will approach third party agencies on your behalf in order to • Keep phones secure while on school request that inappropriate material is premises, and report thefts to the removed, where possible police and mobile operator as soon as possible. • the school will support you in cases where it is necessary for you to • Report any cyberbullying incident to contact the service provider directly the appropriate member of staff in a timely manner. • where appropriate, the school will contact the police or external • Keep any evidence of a cyberbullying agencies. incident. For example, by keeping text messages or emails and by taking If you are unhappy with the way in a screen grab of material, including which an incident has been dealt with, the URL or web address (but be call 0345 811 8111 or email aware that taking a screenshot of [email protected] content that is potentially illegal could More information on the use of the constitute a criminal offence). internet is available in the NEU guidance • Do not personally retaliate against any on online safety and social media, incident. cyberbullying and sexting at • Use your school email address and neu.org.uk/advice/social-media-and- equipment for work purposes only. online-safety • Be aware that any personal web- based email accounts you access via your school network may be subject to the school’s internet protocol, which could include monitoring and surveillance.

32 The professional development programme reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of our membership, with courses designed for members in every sector and role. Our courses are skills-based, giving you practical tools to take back into your workplace and Professional beyond. development Examples of topics covered on our courses include: • building positive classroom relationships • managing positive behaviour • approaches to quality teaching and learning • surviving your first few weeks in the classroom • creativity in the classroom The NEU places your • leading outstanding teaching and learning and development learning at the core of our work. • supporting learners with SEND We push for improvements • effective team working in the levels of CPD that • adolescent mental health. You can find details of how to book on schools provide and we national and local NEU courses at offer a range of high- neu.org.uk/national-cpd quality, high-impact Publications courses that are free or The NEU also produces a series of heavily discounted for guides to help you in your career. members. They are free to members and cover a range of subjects, including classroom practice and legal advice. They are available to order and download on our website.

33 If you need help

If problems do occur, you should try to tackle them – they rarely go away by being ignored. If you are a trainee, a key source of assistance should be your mentor. Schools and colleges also have established support mechanisms if you experience problems with teaching groups or individual students. As an NEU member you can talk to the rep at your school or college, who will be able to offer you support. Your local branch/district can also provide help and advice. If you do not know the name/telephone number of your rep or local branch/district secretary, or do not have a rep in your workplace, call 0345 811 8111 or see neu.org.uk/contact-us You can also call 0345 811 8111 or email [email protected] for advice and support.

34 Full membership of the NEU is vital before starting your NQT year.

Upgrade your membership today for just £1 to receive effective support when you need it and continue to stand with 450,000 other teachers and education professionals who are shaping the future of education.

Upgrade now neu.org.uk/upgrade-now

35 Finding your first teaching job

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/nationaleducationunion NEU2053/1020 36