Headline is run by teachers and former Headteachers with extensive experience in both the Primary and Secondary sectors. Some are currently serving as Governors and consultants to local schools.
If you decide to register with Headline you will be invited to an interview so that we can find out about your experience and specialisms. We'll discuss where and when you want to teach. Headline will then offer you assignments that match your requirements.
Teachers thinking of returning to the classroom should contact Headline for advice. A period of up-dating, observation and short periods of supply teaching can be planned to suit the teacher- it may sound daunting, but recent successes include two teachers, now happily back in the classroom after a ten year break.
What to bring to interview:
1. A copy of your CV - this should show relevant personal details qualifications, career to date,
courses attended and any other information that may be relevant.
2. Names and addresses of two referees (preferably from a recent education employer)
3. Passport/driver's licence/birth certificate/marriage certificate/national insurance number to
verify identification.
4. DES/DfES/DCSF
number - this will begin with RP in some cases followed by the year of entry into teacher training and four or five digits. For example (RP)89/12345.
5. Originals of all relevant certificates - Degree(s), Teacher's Certificate, PGCE, etc.
6. Two passport size photographs. One of these will be used on your file and the other on an
identity card that we issue to all of our teachers.
7. Evidence of postal address (Bank statement/utility bill etc.)
8. G.T.C. Registration document
9. Your bank details and NI number
Many of the items listed here will be required for the completion of your enhanced Criminal Record Bureau (C.R.B.) Should you have a current CRB please bring this with you.
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• The rate of pay varies according to the requirements of the post. e.g. (Head of Department),
and the experience of the supply teacher.
Teachers taking long-term posts may receive additional payments for commitment associated with longer requirements.
• Supply staff complete a time sheet which is countersigned by the school.
• Timesheets should be submitted by the end of each month.
• Timesheets received by Head Office by the 4th of the month will be paid on the 12th of
the month.
• Payments are made directly into your bank account.
• You decide where and when you wish to work.
• Headline will telephone you with suitable offers of work.
• You will be paid promptly.
• Professional and friendly support is always available.
• Special support is available to NQTs and teachers returning after a career break.
• Long and short term assignments are readily available.
• If you are in receipt of a teacher pension further earnings through Headline will not affect
your entitlement, according to the current regulations.
Is supply teaching difficult?
Many of our teachers had never done supply work before and now thoroughly enjoy it. Many go back again and again to the same schools. Some have gained long-term or permanent contacts as a result of their supply work. It can be a bit daunting, going into a classroom with children you do not know but most schools are supportive of supply staff. We shall talk you through any concerns you may have at interview. Nearly all Headline staff are experienced teachers and we are always happy to discuss problems, offer support, suggestions and advice. Supply work is challenging but very rewarding!
Why a teacher supply agency?
We are aware of the increasing difficulties being faced both by Schools in need of temporary staff and teachers wishing to do supply work. It seemed sensible, therefore, to set up a central clearing house where schools could be helped and teachers accommodated without either side having to do more than make a single telephone call. You are employed by us, not by the school. We deal with all personnel matters including salary payments, tax and employer's national insurance.
What are the advantages of supply teaching?
You can offer yourself for as much or as little work as you want, to fit in with the needs of your other part-time work, seasonal work or family commitments. You can specify where you are willing to travel. If you do not want to teach in a particular school or on a particular day you just say "No".
What types of assignment will I be offered?
Assignments can vary from one half day to a whole year or more. We get requests for all Key Stages, from nursery to 'A' level. There are two types of teaching assignments long term and short term (emergency cover).
What do we mean by long term?
Some teachers only want long term work. We often have a number of long term vacancies in a variety of schools and these change frequently. By long term we mean half a term or more. In some cases a school will contact us and ask for a "selection" of candidates to be put forward for interview,we may be able to provide 2, 3 or 4 suitable teachers. We will also provide the school with CV's and references and verify that all "background" checks have been undertaken.
In other cases where schools have to appoint quickly (in the case of illness) then an appointment can be made on our recommendation. In all cases appointment is on a daily rate as set out in our agreement; we do not issue work. All teachers who undertake long term contracts will obviously need to follow the school's teaching and learning objectives and planning outlines and any duties which a permanent member of staff would undertake such as report writing, parent's evening etc.
What do we mean by short term (emergency work)?
Some teachers do not want long term work and are quite happy with day to day assignments. We have a number of retired teachers who only want a few days teaching a week and feel that they still have much to offer the profession. We also have NQT's "filling in" between travel and longer term work and there are those with young children who are only available occasionally. We also have people who are employed elsewhere, such as seasonal theatre work who again like occasional teaching. We hold a list of teachers who are prepared to undertake this "emergency cover". Some teachers prefer this type of work, teaching in a variety of schools; it also fits in with their busy lives. Before joining us many of our teachers had never undertaken supply work before; it can be quite a daunting experience at first! Please be assured though that we are always here to help where necessary and will listen to your concerns and offer advice.
Why carry a portfolio?
All teachers who undetake shorter term work should carry a portfolio of work. Supply teachers never quite know what to expect when they undertake emergency work! In some schools the day may be planned out for you. In other schools you may be requested to undertake your own work in the classroom. Therefore it is always best to be prepared! All teachers should carry a portfolio of work (a collection of assignments/worksheets) applicable to the age ranges and subjects they are prepared to teach.
How will I be contacted?
In all cases the details of your assignment will be given to you by telephone. Our offices are open from
6am to 9pm
and out of hours, our messages are checked regularly. Schools often contact our offices from 6.00am onwards requesting a teacher for that day.
We will try to contact you as soon as we can for emergency work or for assignments with longer notice early evening or week-ends. Sometimes you may not be available for teaching. Don't worry if you have to say no, please be assured we will contact you again. If you are unavailable for a long period then please let us know.
Your file will be retained at the office, just call us once you are available again. Some teachers prefer at least 24 hours notice of assignments and where possible we will accommodate this. If enough notice is given then it is often advisable to contact the school to ask whether any particular teaching needs to be carried out; schools often appreciate this.
Does Headline provide a pension scheme?
Headline does not operate a pension scheme for its teachers. Signing the agreement means that you accept assignment/s undertaken through Headline are not pensionable and that no future benefits can be claimed under the Teacher's Superannuation Scheme in respect of such assignment/s.
What happens if I am ill?
If you are unable to complete an assignment, or you are unable to attend work due to sickness or any other reason, then you must telephone the school and the Headline office immediately. If a school is not satisfied with your performance, for any reason, then Headline, at the request of the school, reserve the right to cancel the assignment immediately. Headline's liability will be limited to paying you for the days worked prior to the assignment being cancelled.
What takes place at the interview?
If you decide to register with Headline we shall invite you to a short interview so that we can find some information about you. We'll discuss where and when you want to teach and Headline will endeavour to offer you assignments that match your requirements. Interviews can be arranged at our offices in St. Albans or Woking or alternatively for those who may have to travel some distance we can arrange for the interview to take place at your home. The interview normally takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Relevant questions may be asked about your training, qualifications, career to date, specialisms and experience, availability and how far you are prepared to travel. You will also be asked to read through an agreement which incorporates a Code of Conduct which we would expect any professional teacher to abide by, for example punctuality, marking of work, dress code, school rules and customs etc.
We also have an Equal Opportunities Policy which again is part of our agreement. The interview is an ideal opportunity to ask questions about the company and any procedures you are not sure about; for many people joining an agency is a new experience. At the end of the interview once all questions have been asked you will be asked to sign a health declaration to ensure that you are fit for teaching and an agreement stating that you agree to abide to Headline's terms and conditions should you work for us.
By signing the agreement you are not "tied" to Headline, you are at complete liberty to seek employment elsewhere. You can refuse any employment that we offer (although we hope that you don't). Headline covers an extensive area, some teachers are prepared to travel to another county for teaching assignments; this will be noted at interview and your file will be copied and passed forward to the relevent county office.
Do ensure you bring all the items listed earlier under 'Information for teachers - Registration' to the interview.
What happens next?
Once the checks have taken place and references cleared teachers are sent a confirmation. In most cases this takes between two or three weeks. Any delays are usually caused by referees being slow in replying. If you do not hear from us after four weeks then please contact the Head Office. You will receive a letter of confirmation, time sheets and information about pay, tax and National Insurance. You will also be asked to complete a form giving bank details with your first completed time sheet if you have not already done so at interview.
How will I be paid?
Time-sheets and payments.
The time sheets are in triplicate and are colour coded; they are fairly self explanatory. At the end of an assignment ask the Headteacher or designated person to sign the time sheet once you have filled it in. The pink copy remains with the school and you keep the yellow copy for your records. The top white copy goes to the Headline office in St Albans on a monthly basis or in the case of a shorter assignment, at the end of the assignment. Payments are transmitted direct to your bank by BACS (Electronic Banking).
In order that Headline can pay you promptly timesheets must be received by the close of business on the 1st day of the following month. If you do not send in a signed timesheet you will not be paid. It is amazing how many people forget!
Headline teachers are paid on the 12th day of the month for all days worked the previous month. If the 12th falls on a non working day then you will be paid on the next working day. Payments are made for days, half days and long sessions worked. Unfortunately no payment will be made in respect of absence through holidays or sickness. National Insurance and Income Tax will be deducted at source. Headline will be responsible for paying employer's National Insurance contributions.
Those teachers who wish to work on a self employed basis should contact the Head Office for more details.
Why does Headline only pay its teachers monthly?
• A. Because the teacher would pay about 12% more National Insurance if paid weekly -
or indeed fortnightly, than if paid monthly.
• B. Headline's administrative costs would triple which would result in Headline having to
pay its teachers less!
What else do we offer?
Headline has provided specialist support and training for all areas of Education. We have delivered a range of initiatives for the DCSF , currently delivering Teacher Taster Courses (to attract the mature entrant into the teaching profession) in the Home Counties. We also run training days to cover new initiatives.
Who are we?
Headline's strength comes from its vast Education background. All of our education consultants are either teachers or former Head Teachers. Our consultants are still actively involved in teaching. We feel this allows us to ensure we are able to offer our teachers and schools the personal level of service we expect.
And finally...
It is not possible to answer every question in a format such as this. If you have further questions or would like to register with Headline then please contact us at one of the numbers below
Hertfordshire: Bedfordshire:
Essex
Telephone: 01727 840015
Buckinghamshire
Telephone: 01296 337338
Surrey: London
Telephone: 01483 433400
We look forward to hearing from you.
Use the links upon the left of every page to find out more about our services.
