Schools

Working in Schools not only involves Teachers but also Teaching Assistants, Care Assistants, Technicians, Caretakers, Midday Supervisors, Catering, Clerical and Administrative Staff.

Teacher
Nottinghamshire schools need skilled and committed teachers with a wide variety of talents, interests and backgrounds representative of the diverse ethnic and cultural communities served by us. We have over 385 Nursery, Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools, including special schools supporting children with Special Educational Needs. The Education Department also employs specialist teachers to assist mainstream schools in supporting children with special educational needs, as well as providing language support and special provision for Travellers. It also provides a Supply Teacher Agency Service to schools in both Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Schools.

All routes into teaching require a minimum level of qualifications and most teachers have qualified teacher status. Teaching is traditionally a graduate profession and qualified teacher status currently requires either a degree or equivalent plus Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree. However, there are a number of other routes into teaching such as the Graduate or Registered Teacher Schemes.

Further advice or information can be obtained from the Teacher Training Agency (Telephone 01245 45454) or from the Nottinghamshire Education Personnel Group - (0115) 977 4612.

Teaching Assistants
Teaching Assistants are employed by schools to support the learning, developmental and welfare needs of pupils under the guidance of a teacher. In addition Teaching Assistants support the work of teachers through assisting with group activities, preparing and organising equipment, displays and records.

Most Teaching Assistant posts are in the primary sector and special schools, although opportunities also arise in secondary schools.

Many Teaching Assistants are employed specifically to support pupils with Special Educational Needs both in mainstream and special schools. Their role is often to provide support on a one-to-one basis. They may also be required to work closely with the teacher to enable the pupil or group of pupils to make the most of educational opportunities available. Where appropriate specific training will be given for working with individual children. Teaching Assistants work term time only and the full-time working week is 32.5 hours per 195 school days paid all year round. Opportunities often arise for part time working, as most schools adopt a flexible approach to the agreed working hours to meet the needs of the school and pupils.

Recognised qualifications include CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education (NNEB), BTEC EDEXELL National Diploma in Childhood, NVQ3 Early Years Care and Education, NVQ caring for Children and Young people. However, there are also other combinations of qualifications which will be recognised.

Further information can be obtained from Education Personnel Group on (0115) 977 3386.

Personal Care Assistants
A number of special and mainstream schools employ Personal Care Assistants to support pupils with special needs across the whole age range, with their personal care whilst in school. PCAs work as part of a team under the direction of the class teacher. They are involved in developing and implementing care plans in relation to personal hygiene, mealtimes, transportation and physical needs.

PCAs work term time only and the full time working week is 32.5 hours per 195 school days paid all year round. However, working hours are flexible depending on the needs of the school and the individual pupil being supported. Part time opportunities often occur. No specific qualifications are required and salary scales will depend on the individual requirements of the post and experience and qualifications of the PCA.

Further information can be obtained from the Education Personnel Group on (0115) 977 3386.

Educational Psychologist (EP)
The role of the Educational Psychology Service is to provide advice to the Local Education Authority, to schools, to Governing Bodies, to parents and children and to a range of agencies outside the Education Service concerning children’s learning and developmental needs. An important aspect of an EP’s work relates to the provision of specialist advice concerning children who are experiencing difficulties related to their learning, their development or their behaviour.

Educational Psychologists also advise on policy and provision for meeting children’s special educational needs. Educational Psychologists must be qualified teachers and have at least 2 years’ teaching experience. In addition, they must also possess a first degree in Psychology (recognised by the British Psychological Society) and a post graduate qualification as an Educational Psychologist. They are paid within the Soulbury Scale in accordance with the National Joint Council’s Scales for Local Authorities.

Education Welfare Officer
The Education Welfare Service plays an important part in supporting the Authority’s commitment to providing equality of educational opportunity to the whole community. Education Welfare Officers work in designated areas to provide a regular support service to schools. Their work may involve supporting children in need, working with school staff to identify pupils with attendance problems and provide early warning of education, emotional and social problems. They also play a key role in the protection of children at risk, supporting parents of children with special needs, liaising with social and medical services and the provision of Home Tuition where appropriate.

Education Welfare Officers should have a good standard of education and experience of working in or with schools, the Social Services or other relevant agencies. DIPSW or equivalent or other relevant qualifications e.g. teaching, youth and community are desirable.

For more information on the above two posts only contact the Personnel Group, Education Department on (0115) 977 3294.

Administrative and Clerical Staff
All schools employ staff to support an increasingly complex range of administrative functions. The exact duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the school and the necessary qualifications and experience will be stated in the details for each post e.g. GCSE English and/or Maths; RSA II Typing, etc. Some secondary schools offer opportunities for senior administrators to manage a team of support staff providing the full range of secretarial, clerical, administrative and financial duties as well as assisting with school budget management. Other posts will involve word processing, reception and general clerical duties. There are opportunities for full-time, part-time and term-time only work.

Technicians
Technicians support and maintain science laboratories, design/technology workshops and ICT, mainly in Secondary schools. For these posts, specific qualifications such as appropriate GCSE’s, NVQ’s and experience relevant to the duties may be required. Posts may be part-time, term-time or full-time depending on the needs of the school.

Caretakers/Site Managers
Caretakers and site managers are employed by schools to supervise and manage the security, maintenance and cleaning of the school premises. Although formal qualifications are not usually required, schools seek evidence of practical skills, relevant experience and an understanding of the needs of a school. Most posts are full-time and in some cases the caretaker is required to live in the accommodation provided on the school site.

Midday Supervisors
Midday Supervisors assist with the supervision of pupils during the midday break. The team will usually share a range of duties including supervision of indoor and outdoor recreation areas, and helping with the organisation of the dining areas. The work is term-time only and the hours of work are usually limited to 1 - 11⁄2 hours per day depending on the school’s lunchtime arrangements. No formal qualifications are needed but some experience of supervising children and young people is desirable.

For further information on opportunities in schools, contact the Personnel Group, Education Department, County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7PQ or telephone (0115) 977 3324.