When considering taking a placement or job at a new school, it’s important to make sure that the school is right for you.
We all strive to be happy and settled in our place of work, so choosing the right school is a big decision. Here are our top tips on how to work out if your new school is the place for you. As always, our team and website are always here to support you throughout your journey.
1) Look at the school website.
This is first way for the school to advertise itself, not just to parents but also to potential staff. Look at the way they teach, how they bring the school together, and their ethos. You can get a feeling about a school just by looking at the school’s website. Take a look at the Headteachers statement and consider if they appear to share the same values as you. The Headteacher will need to promote the school to potential new staff as well as to parents, so it is important that you agree with their message.
2) OFSTED report.
A school’s OFSTED report will give an opportunity for you to see how the school is performing. Is the school Outstanding or Requiring Improvement? The report will give you an immediate understanding. Schools with higher ratings will be more stable and require a higher standard of staff to maintain that OFSTED report, however schools with lower ratings may receive more support and funding.
3) Location.
It is important to consider how easy is it to travel to your new school, and if parking is available if you are looking to drive. The journey may not seem important when selecting your place of work, but the stress of travelling to get to a workplace can be significant. Prior to applying, look into public transport, how often these services run and how long it can take. Of course, travel to the workplace may seem minor, but by preplanning your journey you will save yourself time in the long run.
4) Size of School.
Think about if you prefer a busy environment or more of a peaceful, rural setting. You may have a preference in the size of a school you work in. There is a mixture of small to large schools in Essex, so it is important to consider the pros and cons of each. You may prefer larger schools with a real diverse mix of children and adults, or perhaps you would prefer a school with a smaller admission? Think about what keeps you motivated as a teacher and then work out if the school offers that.
5) Job Progression.
A common interview question is ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?’ This is something to think about and get clear in your mind prior to any interview. This opens other questions to consider yourself, such as:
- Does the school you are applying to offer the career path you want to follow?
- Does it offer the training you require?
- Will the school support you in helping you to progress?
The most important thing to remember is to trust your instinct. There are plenty of schools in Essex that will support you in making the transition to a new position, and we are always on hand to advise, guide and support you. At Gold Education Recruitment we will support you along the way and are here to answer any questions you may have.
Contact us today to discover the latest vacancies available in Essex schools.