One of the main reasons people work on supply is for the flexibility it brings. As a Teaching Assistant, you have the control to decide when you want to work – whether that’s full-time or part-time.

 

It also brings with it opportunities. The opportunity to work in a range of schools and academies, the opportunity to work with different teaching staff and the opportunity to make a difference to hundreds of pupils within your local community.

 

Working on supply at a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) gives you all the above opportunities but it also means you can work within their cluster of academies – following one set of policies, procedures and frameworks.

 

CER candidate and Teaching Assistant, Trish explains how working on supply at one MAT has helped her fulfill the challenge she set herself when she decided to semi-retire – to continue learning.

Working on supply

 

Having moved house, Trish decided to semi-retire after 22 years of working in the education sector. She registered with CER to work on supply for extra financial support but also for a challenge.

 

She explained: “When I decided to work on supply I knew I was no longer earning a regular wage. I didn’t need a regular wage – I was looking for a challenge. I had reached the age of semi-retirement but knew I still had a lot to give and I could continue to help schools and students.”

Northern Education Trust

 

After working in numerous schools across the North East, a temporary opportunity arose to work at Northern Education Trust.

 

Trish accepted this placement as a Teaching Assistant and has worked in different academies under the Trust ever since.

 

“I have worked in several NET schools. The structure is amazing. Before I started I understood the expectations of myself and what they expected of their students. All NET academies follow the same policies and procedures and the structure of the days is the same, which works well for me,” Trish said.

Variety

 

Due to Trish’s experience and qualifications, she has undertaken different positions in the classroom and since working at NET academies she has taken on different roles.

 

“Originally I was asked to provide one-to-one support to a student with complex needs and behavioural difficulties but I have also covered different lessons when a teacher has been absent. I love the challenges the different roles bring and I see this as an opportunity for me to continue to learn.

 

“You can work for different academies within the Trust and each placement is equally as rewarding, regardless of the length of time you’re there. I initially signed up for a seven-week placement but then the Trust asked me back.”

CER manages all the temporary working opportunities at NET academies, so as Trish is registered with CER, she has the first choice of placements at the Trust.

 

She said: “There’s always the opportunity to have a varied choice of roles. I am a qualified tutor so I can do online learning and take a class as a Cover Supervisor.

 

“CER also provides training courses that are second to none. There’s always an opportunity to brush up on your training. CER has given me that – job opportunities, training and professional development.”

Joining a Recruitment Agency

 

Before Trish joined CER and was looking to join an agency, she didn’t know which agency to register with and was confused about where to start.

 

She explained: “It was a minefield, I looked at lots of agencies. A few people recommended CER – they said you won’t want to sign up anywhere else.

 

“I had confidence in CER due to the professional manner. That was over 2 years ago and I haven’t looked back. My consultant Matty is great. If I need him he’s always on the end of the phone and we always have football banter at the end of the week!”

 

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