A day Trip to The British School
One of our Recruitment consultants, Eleanor Pay, spent the afternoon helping the Reception class at The British School with there reading. Its lovely to see our consultants reaching out and helping within out schools. We do let them out of the office sometimes!
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Covid-19 pay advice
Following many enquiries in relation to teacher’s rights and pay in light of government announcements, Cover Teachers powered byClass People have been doing their upmost to keep up to date with all legislation and provide you with suitable contacts and reports to support you in these difficult times.
Therefore to summarise some of the matters/issues raised:
The majority of our teachers/teaching assistants and nursery staff are paid via and number of payroll providers please find their details below:
Originum : 0161 713 1730 / info@originem.co.uk
Azebra : 01923 627 900 / sales@zebragroup.co.uk
Orange Genie : 01296 468 483 / info@orangegenie.com
Key Paye : 0345 371 0303/ portfolio@key.co.com
On their website you will find links and advice regarding your rights in light of Covid-19.
You will also see information from the teacher unions, with their advice and rights on the icons below.
Click here if you are a member of the NEU, or here for any financial support
Click here if you are a member of NASUWT, or here for any financial support
Whilst we have made clear to all schools we are here the need for our service may be limited and your opportunity of earning will also be too. As such you could also consider looking for further assistance from the Government by way of credit. Further details can be found here. The rate of Universal Credit has now been increased so that it is in line with the rate of Statutory Sick Pay.
We understand and appreciate the hardship the closure of schools will cause to all those workers in the education sector and we are keen to ensure you treated fairly and equally to all other temporary workers. With that in mind there are two petitions you may like to consider putting your name to put to government.
Click here is you would like to : Pay long-term supply teachers and support staff during mandatory closures.
Click here if you would like to : Pledge for financial help for agency workers as yet not covered by any Government funding . (ie. 0hour contracts workers.)
Cover Teachers powered by Class People remain operational to assist anyway we can, so please don’t worry in silence give us a call or email and we will offer you all the support that you can.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Not surprisingly, Cover Teachers have seen a large rise in enquiries regarding the global issues of Coronavirus. We have taken advice from trusted sources and official government guidance is constantly being updated so we can keep up with developments.
As a company we are following government guidelines and we advise all of our candidates and clients to do the same.
Useful links:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Information and Advice on the gov.uk website includes:
- Advice from the FCO (foreign and commonwealth office) which particularly relates to anyone travelling to or back from countries and areas affected by the virus.
- An updated list of countries/areas that are affected and advice about actions to be taken when returning to the UK from those places.
- Guidance issued by Public Health England and the Department for Health.
Additional information for anyone working in the education sector can be found on the government website under Guidance for Educational Settings.
Current COVID-19 advice
Symptoms:
At the time of writing, the common symptoms are:
- Respiratory symptoms
- Fever, cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
Hygiene:
The current guidance is to:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
- Put used tissues in the bin immediately.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
When to seek medical assistance
Presently, people are advised to contact the NHS 111 number if they feel unwell or if they may have been exposed to the Coronavirus. They should not go to the GP as they could spread the virus if they have it.
We will continue to keep updated with government guidelines and update you as necessary.
Kind regards,
The Cover Team
Read MoreThe road to securing your first teaching post
https://www.classpeople.co.uk/news/the-road-to-securing-your-first-teaching-post/40892/
Enter your details to get a guide on our sister companies website -Classpeople
Read MoreNEW BLOG
https://www.classpeople.co.uk/news/supply-teaching-benefits-misconceptions/40772/
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Testimonial Tuesday
I have been working for Cover since going back to work after the birth of my son in 2013. My husband and I decided that supply teaching would work well with his shift work, enabling me to work on my husband’s days off. This gave us valuable family time back and it also meant that we didn’t have to use childcare for our little boy.
I love working for Cover. They have always taken into consideration my skills, areas of expertise and my preferences when matching me with schools. Unlike other agencies I have worked for, they never try to push me into working in a year group or school I am uncomfortable with. Because of this, I have been able to build up a good rapport with a small group of schools (my favourites) over the years. I am always requested for by my regular schools, which takes up most of my working week and means that I rarely go to new schools. This is great for me, as I love to feel part of a team and my schools certainly make me feel this way.
When Cover was taken over by Class People, I was worried that things would change and that I would lose my regular schools. However, Maddie and her team have worked very hard to make sure that they retain good working relationships with their schools and teachers, communicate efficiently and get me enough work for my availability. I always recommend Cover to teachers looking to do supply, as the best company to work for.
I have been working for Cover since going back to work after the birth of my son in 2013. My husband and I decided that supply teaching would work well with his shift work, enabling me to work on my husband’s days off. This gave us valuable family time back and it also meant that we didn’t have to use childcare for our little boy.
I love working for Cover. They have always taken into consideration my skills, areas of expertise and my preferences when matching me with schools. Unlike other agencies I have worked for, they never try to push me into working in a year group or school I am uncomfortable with. Because of this, I have been able to build up a good rapport with a small group of schools (my favourites) over the years. I am always requested for by my regular schools, which takes up most of my working week and means that I rarely go to new schools. This is great for me, as I love to feel part of a team and my schools certainly make me feel this way.
When Cover was taken over by Class People, I was worried that things would change and that I would lose my regular schools. However, Maddie and her team have worked very hard to make sure that they retain good working relationships with their schools and teachers, communicate efficiently and get me enough work for my availability. I always recommend Cover to teachers looking to do supply, as the best company to work for.
Read MoreNEW BLOG
https://www.classpeople.co.uk/news/school-start-age/40715/
Check out our latest blog!
Read MoreSupply Teacher income advice
Check out our sister company's latest blog....
https://www.classpeople.co.uk/news/supply-teacher-income-advice/40543/
Read More5 ways to make the most of your SEN pupil contact time
Check out our new blog on our sister company (Classpeople) website
https://www.classpeople.co.uk/news/sen-pupil-contact-time-tips/40604/
Read MoreHolly representing Cover at the Yate recruitment fair
Read MoreWOODSTOCK SCHOOL SPONSORSHIP
Cover Teachers were delighted to donate a kindle for Woodstock School's raffle to go towards their new minibus.
Read MoreOPEN DAY
SUPPLY TEACHER OPEN DAY - THURSDAY 11TH APRIL 10AM TO 3PM
We are keen to meet supply teachers and teaching assistants looking for long term or day to day supply assignments in Bristol and the surrounding areas. We are local, independent agency that has been working with primary, secondary and SEN schools for 20 years.
Come and meet the team and find out more about supply opportunities near you. for more details contact madeleine@coverteachers.co.uk.
Read MoreThe lengths we will go to
Maddie was an absolute champ today visiting schools, not letting her broken leg slow her down! The things we do for our Schools..
Read MoreA day Trip to The British School
One of our Recruitment consultants, Eleanor Pay, spent the afternoon helping the Reception class at The British School with there reading. Its lovely to see our consultants reaching out and helping within out schools. We do let them out of the office sometimes!
Read MoreUWE Futures Fair
We had a lovely time at the UWE Futures Fair last week, met some awesome up-and-coming teachers who we know are going to do brilliantly!
Supply Teaching is fantastic for flexibility and can help you gain a wealth of experience in your chosen area. If you would like any information, or you would like to come in for a chat about what we can do for you, please give us a call!
Read MoreBedminster Lantern Parade
We had a really lovely time helping out at the Bristol Lantern Parade, supporting the local schools and getting involved in helping the community. What a lovely way to spend a Saturday! If you are ever interested in getting involved, it happens every year and they are always looking for people to get involved!
Read MoreA lovely Afternoon out!
Story Time!
Branch Manager Madeleine Mann has been busy reading to the pupils at Crockerne C of E Primary today and helping them to develop their skills.
Lovely to see our consultants volunteering and getting involved!
Read MoreNew Year, New office
The Cover office has moved!
This is our new address: Regus 2430 / 2440 Aztec W, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4AQ
Feel free to pop in for a cuppa if you’re in the area
Read MoreWe are always sad to lose a Fantastic Teacher!
We are sad to annouce that today we have lost a fantastic Teacher that is unfortunately leaving us for a more permanent position. IWe hope they exceed in all of their future endeavors and will gladly welcome them back if they ever decide to teach Supply again! Here is the wonderful email they sent us:
I'm emailing you to let you know that I will not be carrying on working for Cover Teachers as I have received a full time contract for September.
I'd like to thank you all at over Teachers for all the work you have provided me with over the time I have been working with you. It has given me a lot more experience and confidence in my teaching and played a huge part in preparing me for my full time job in September.
I would highly recommend Cover Teachers to anyone I knew who wanted to do supply teaching and I would definitely rejoin your services if I ever decide to go back into supply teaching.
Thank you all again for your help
Read MoreMeet our new Placement Student!
We woud like to extend a very warm wlecome to our new placement student, Eleanor Pay. She will be with us for the next year as a trainee and is already becoming an integral part of our Team here in Bristol.
Read MoreJoin us for Tea and Cake!
With half term approaching, Cover Teachers would like to invite you along to our Registration Day for tea and cake.
Over a cuppa, we can chat about what type of role you are looking for and find out more about you - and of course indulge in a slice of cake (or two!)
Feel free to invite a friend or colleague along who may be interested in supply teaching opportunities too.
Please email Branch Manager Madeleine to confirm your attendance: madeleine@coverteachers.co.uk
Or call 0117 973 5695
Read MoreMeet our Intern, Gema!
Cover Teachers are supporting the Erasmus+ programme.
We welcomed Gema Solano from Spain 4 weeks ago and she is already half way through her internship in our Bristol office.
The Erasmus programme is a European funding programme established in 1987, offering University students a possibility of studying or doing an internship abroad in another country for a period of at least 2 months.
Gema has been providing admin support for the last few weeks and has really grown in confidence in this time. She has been a great help to us in the office and we're confident that Gema will go back to Spain with improved English and business knowledge.
Gema says:
“I was very interested in the Erasmus programme to be able to improve my English for my Administration and Finance course. I have really enjoyed my time at Cover Teachers and my English is improving every day. I have also been learning more about the operations of the business and made some good friends within the company. I would highly recommend the programme.”
It's great to have you on board, Gema!
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COVER are sponsoring the Bristol Education Awards!
We are thrilled to be Event Partner sponsors at this year's Bristol Education Awards.
The awards celebrate the hard work and successes that take place in Bristol's education system, recognising the best talent who dedicate their lives to working with children and young people.
Madeleine Heath, Branch Manager, says:
"It's great to be sponsoring the Bristol Education Awards this year, following in the footsteps of Class People who were sponsors last year. To sit in a room with so many inspirational teachers, headteachers, and education leaders is a real privilege and we wish the very best of luck to all the nominees."
You can keep up with the awards and our involvement on their website here.
Read MoreSeasons greetings...
Read MoreCPD October 2017
Once again the brilliant Dr Julie Casey led this day course, covering Behaviour Management specifically from the perspective of supply teachers across all key stages. The group collected a metaphoric toolbox of strategies for low-level disruption during the morning while the afternoon was devoted to looking at the very latest neuro science for understanding behaviour.
We all shared strategies and experiences and Julie was as ever thoroughly entertaining in her delivery. Many thanks to all who attended, it was lovely to see you and have the opportunity to get to know you better.
Read MoreRan GB!
Congratulations to our colleague Mina and her husband James who have now successfully completed their challenge to RUN the length of Great Britain. Share more details of the entire trip at www.minaholder.com in which Mina reflects on: “birds, wildlife and flowers, rain, gales, sunshine, bog and peat hags.”
Read MoreRunGB
Our teaching colleague Mina is taking on the formidable challenge of running the length of the country, starting from Lands End on May 10th and planning to reach John O’Groats entirely on foot. She and her husband are not raising money but instead taking this opportunity to spread good news about lovely people the length of the country!
We can all track her progress at www.minaholder.com. Good luck Mina and James.
Read MoreOpportunity to Consult
For those in the Primary Sector, the Department for Education has opened up a consultation document regarding anticipated changes to assessment procedures in Early Years, KS1 and KS2. It is a lengthy document but makes for interesting reading even if you don't wish to participate in the consultation:
https://consult.education.gov.uk/assessment-policy-and-development/primary-assessment/?utm_content=bufferc45b0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Read MoreUnion News
COVER recommends that all staff belong to a union and the two biggest teaching unions have now announced their intention to merge to become the National Education Union. Read more by following this link: https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/atl-and-nut-merge-and-form-a-new-education-super-union
Read MoreMPs to investigate umbrella companies
Read here about plans to investigate umbrella companies: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39058166
COVER Teachers are proud to pay their agency workers directly and do not use an umbrella company.
Read MoreChoosing to Supply
Please see link to research findings highlighting the issues in school causing poor retention.
http://recruitmentbuzz.co.uk/inflexibly-stress-pushing-nurses-teachers-towards-agency-work/?utm_source=Rec+Buzz+%7C+28th+February&utm_campaign=UA-35626914-1&utm_medium=email
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Welcome Back
Our colleague Peter Todd, has recently returned from a cycling tour of Rwanda. Peter has been visiting local communities previously supported by his fund-raising efforts back in 2015 when he cycled across Britain along the C2C route. This visit included cycling up and down 6000 ft of mountains in the land known as The Land of a Thousand Hills! Peter was visiting rural areas to see projects initiated to improve access to clean water leading to improved farming methods to combat hunger, supported by the charity TearFund. Congratulations Peter and welcome back!
Read MoreDon't Miss
It was lovely to see some of you for drinks at the office. A great opportunity to meet other supply staff and catch up with education news and issues.
On the subject of which, you may have heard talk in staffrooms about the Radio 4 programme – Supply and Demand. It is well worth listening to. This link will take you to it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b083r1zh
From everyone on the COVER team, we would like to wish all our staff and schools a great Christmas break and see you again in the New Year.
Read MoreThanks
Many thanks to all of you for a positive start to the academic year. We are looking forward to the half term break (although the office will be open if you’d like to pop in) followed rapidly by Term 2 and the build up to the Christmas festivities. On the subject of which, we will be inviting registered staff to a seasonal social event on Thursday 8th December – save the date and watch out for further details.
Read MoreWelcome Back
It is a new term and the Cover Team is ready. Over summer we have made considerable efforts to benchmark ourselves against the best recruitment consultancies in the country. As members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, we are committed to providing the best recruitment services we can and are therefore delighted to have passed the REC’s compliance test with a fabulous score of 98% - gold stars all round!
Joining our team this month is our newest Consultant, Janet Woolley, who has over twenty years of Primary teaching experience. Feel free to talk to her about your classroom experiences, she would be happy to listen.
We are already looking forward to Christmas which we hope to celebrate with you all. Further details to follow.
Best wishes
The Cover Team
Read MorePrimary Maths CPD held on Saturday 7th November 2015
Alex Parry(NCETM Course Leader) led this day course, covering Algebra and Computer Coding in the Primary School. The first part of the day was spent looking at the new content of the Algebra syllabus. Some time was also spent on Internet Safety and the general changes to the IT syllabus but the main focus was on Coding.All present had the opportunity to experiment with various aspects of coding - and Alex was, as usual, inspirational in her delivery. Many thanks to all who attended - always good to catch up! Read More
Peter Todd rides the C2C Cycle route
Congratulations to Peter Todd who cycled the C2C Cycle route over the summer to raise money for the Nailsea Uganda Water Project. This route is 217 km from Whitehaven to Sunderland, climbing 1903 feet over the Hartside Pass.
The Nailsea Uganda Water Project has, after three years, now finally reached its target of £90,000 and helped to change lives in the Kosoro area of Uganda
Read MorePrimary Maths CPD held on Saturday 17th Jan 2015
Alex Parry, an accredited NCETM Professional Development Leader in Primary Maths, delivered an informative and motivating Course at Woodstock School on Saturday 17th Jan. Experimenting with the maths equipment brought along by Alex, encouraged the teachers to explore the mathematical ideas now covered in the new curriculum. All agreed that the day had been great fun and looked forward to applying their new knowledge in the classroom.Read MoreJanuary gathering
Many thanks to all those who came along and enjoyed a drink and a chat on Thursday 8th January. It was good to catch up on everyone's news and a great way to start the New Year!
Cover Teacher runs 10K!!
Congratulations to Tracey Giles (one of our primary teachers) who ran the Bristol 10K run on Sunday 11th May. She ran to raise money as part of the "Love Running" team.
If you would like to support Tracey please follow the link below:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TraceyGiles
Read MoreCourse held at Woodstock School, Sat 29th March
The CPD course on Effective Supply Teaching held at Woodstock School on Saturday was well attended. The course was led by David Stott, a very experienced Trainer, find out more on his website www.dave-stott.co.uk He made the course content informative, useful, interesting and very enjoyable. The Course notes can be viewed/downloaded from the Resources section of the website. All attendees were awarded a Course Certificate and have been emailed a copy of the content. I think you would all agree it was worth giving up a beautiful Saturday!
Read MoreOfsted? No problem!
Not only did one of our Secondary teachers battle through the inclement weather to get to school, he was faced with the unexpected pleasure of an Ofsted Inspection. Undaunted, when an Inspector observed his lesson, Craig rose to the occasion and was rated 'Good with outstanding features' - we are all very impressed - well done Craig!
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