Education and Training Archives - Page 113 of 143

10 Ways Educators Can Support Children’s Mental Health

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, is a crucial reminder of the importance of mental well-being in our lives. This year let’s shine a spotlight on the role educators play in supporting children’s mental health in schools.

Meet Jamil: Divisional Manager of CER Darlington

Introducing Jamil, the inspiring Divisional Manager at CER Darlington, and explore the vibrant world of education recruitment in this blog.

Keeping Motivated as a Teacher

With the end of the academic year in sight, it can be hard for teachers to stay motivated. At this time of year, pupils are already looking forward to their summer holidays. So, it is a challenging time for most teachers who are feeling exhausted.

Mobilising a New Way of Working Through a Managed Service Approach

Gosforth Group, a Multi-Academy Trust overseeing six secondary schools, has transformed how it manages temporary staffing by partnering with CER, part of Affinity Workforce Solutions to implement a fully managed service provision (MSP).

Since transitioning in September 2025, the Trust has moved from working with 13 separate agencies to a single, compliant framework aligned with government procurement requirements. This shift has provided greater control, improved transparency, and streamlined processes across its academies.

Regaining Control and Reducing Complexity

Prior to partnering with CER, Gosforth Group relied on multiple suppliers, each operating with different charge rates and invoicing methods. This made it challenging to maintain demonstrate best value and gain clear visibility of data transparency whilst also placing spend above the procurement threshold.

This fragmented approach created inefficiencies, increased administrative burden and resulted poor spend visibility and control.

Anna White, MAT Procurement Group, explained: “Prior to working in partnership with CER, the supply spend was over the procurement threshold and providing a good opportunity to streamline and gain control on agency spend.

“The Lot 2 managed service provision was a no-brainer. It gave us the transparency and control whilst also streamlining the process and providing higher governance.”

Introducing a Managed Service Solution

To address these challenges, Gosforth Group adopted a Lot 2 Managed Service Provision, enabling the Trust to consolidate its temporary recruitment under a single, strategic solution.

Through this approach, CER supports the trust by:

Sourcing both teaching and non-teaching supply staff

Managing a wider supply chain, including specialist recruitment agencies

Engaging directly with the supply workforce

Providing access to reporting tools that support improved data analysis, workforce planning and budget control

This model has enabled the Trust to reduce spend, gain greater insight into temporary staffing requirements, and make more informed, data-driven decisions.

Under the Lot 2 agreement, Gosforth Group benefits from:

Efficient and consistent compliance processes

Pre-agreed rate cards for improved cost control

Transparent pricing structures

Fixed-term to permanent recruitment options

Streamlined timesheet and invoicing processes

MAT-level divisional reporting to identify trends and opportunities

Delivering a Structured and Effective Implementation

The transition to the managed service model was delivered through a structured 12-week implementation programme, ensuring a smooth and controlled rollout across the Trust.

Strong leadership and governance played a key role in the success of the mobilisation. Senior leadership provided clear direction and a top-down mandate, enabling consistency across academies and accelerating adoption.

Stakeholder engagement was a central focus throughout implementation. Regular communication with school leaders and booking staff helped to build understanding of the new approach, with adoption improving significantly as confidence in the model increased.

Hands-on support further strengthened delivery. A dedicated CER representative worked closely with schools on-site, offering face-to-face guidance, managing expectations and supporting stakeholders through new processes.

The onboarding process was carefully coordinated, with the majority of recruitment activity successfully transitioning to the new contract within the initial phase. Only a small number of legacy arrangements remained in place.

Improved Visibility, Efficiency and Future Opportunity

Since launching the managed service in September 2025, Gosforth Group has already begun to realise the benefits of a more strategic approach to temporary staffing.

Anna White commented: “Although we are still in the early stages of the contract, I feel we have achieved greater control and visibility over our temporary workforce. Moving to working with a single provider has reduced the administrative burden, improved communication, enhanced data control and identified trends in temporary staffing and absence.

“The successful mobilisation has positioned us to further optimise our temporary staffing strategy. With improved access to data, we can make more informed decisions and continue to drive efficiencies in future years.”

Start Your Further Education Career with CER

Further Education is a sector full of opportunity, purpose and progression. CER connects skilled professionals with colleges, sixth forms and training providers across the UK. We focus on honest guidance, personalised support and helping you find an FE role where you can grow and feel valued.

SEND Reform 2025–26: What It Means for Teachers, Support Staff and Children

The SEND Reform set out in the 2025–26 Schools White Paper is reshaping how schools identify and support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Managing Stress as a Teacher: Stress Awareness Month 2026

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it is also one of the most pressured. Balancing lesson planning, classroom management and administrative tasks can quickly lead to rising stress levels.