Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I become a teacher?

If you are considering teaching as a career then we have found that the Training and Development Agency website is one of the most comprehensive sites available. The site gives readers a detailed overview of the different training routes available as well as the specific entry requirements. See www.tda.gov.uk for more information.

What services can Randstad Education provide?

We provide teaching staff to cover on a short-term temporary basis for more than 15,000 days each week to nursery, primary, secondary and special schools throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We also provide staff for longer-term temporary posts and can help you to locate and appoint permanent staff.

How can I contact Randstad Education?

All offices are open from 7.00am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday. We are also open during holiday periods except on bank holidays. You may place bookings either for a pre-booked absence or for emergency cover using our local office out of hours on-call service whereby a consultant from each office will be contactable on the local office number until 10.00pm each evening and throughout the weekend. An answering machine is available at all other times.

I'm not a qualified teacher but I want to work in education, where can I get experience?

In order to work for Randstad Education on a supply basis as teaching assistant, unqualified teacher (instructor) cover supervisor, exam invigilator or nursery assistant you will require 3 to 6 months in an environment where you are working with children aged 0 to 16. This can be in any number of environments such as

Teaching assistant in primary, secondary and special needs schools
Working in private nursery
Coordinating workshops (such as drama, art, outdoor workshops etc)
Working with children as part of church/community/mosque groups
Teaching abroad
Private tuition (any subject)
Providing support to University students with special needs
Working in after school clubs/ breakfast clubs/ holiday clubs
Camp America or working as a children's holiday rep
Working as a carer in a children's home/ home for vulnerable adults
Youth club leader/ Brownies/Guides/ Sunday school teacher
Working with children or vulnerable adults in the NHS (such as speech therapists and occupational therapists)

I already have some experience when can I get started?

If you have experience of working with children, you can provide suitable references and have an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure you can work for Randstad Education. The registration takes about an hour, and once we have obtained references you can work for us the following day.

I haven't got a CRB/ I've lost my CRB, what do I do?

If you do not have an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure you will have to apply for a CRB (costing £36) and wait for this CRB to be returned before you can work for Randstad Education. This will take 6-8 weeks. If you have lost your CRB it's a good idea to tear your house apart looking for it, the CRB will not provide another copy 2 months after it was issued.

What can I do to maximise my chances of getting work regularly?

Try to call your local office every morning at 7am to ensure the team know you are available for work.

How much notice will I be given for a new booking?

This can vary from a few weeks to being contacted the morning of the actual booking.

Do I have to pay a joining fee?

No there is no joining fee, neither is there a placement fee for teachers.

Can you offer me work in other locations?

Yes we have over 30 offices in the UK which collectively cover all LEAs throughout the UK.

I am moving to a new region, but I cannot get in to register and I need work immediately when I move, what do you suggest?

We can pre-register you via the internet, email, fax or post, then when you arrive in the area all you will need to do is call in to see us for a quick chat.

Can you send me the application forms?

Candidates are able to pre register online here, however it is not possible to complete the whole process as part of the registration process includes undertaking a face to face interview with a consultant from your local branch.

How can I help speed up my registration?

You can email or fax details of your references as chasing up references can sometime take a long time.

Do you offer perm work?

Yes we do. We work in close partnership with schools throughout the country and keep in regular touch with heads to assess their needs, find them top-quality teaching staff - and to proactively search for your ideal position. Please speak to your local education consultant to discuss your career aims.

Can I choose to work part time?

Yes this wouldn't be a problem. We understand everyone has different requirements for work, we can work with you to find a suitable placement to match your lifestyle.

I think I am paying too much tax, what can I do?

You will need to check your tax code on your payslip. If you are on Basic Rate and Randstad Education is your main employer you will need to fill in a P46.

How do I work out my tax if I am registered with more than one agency?

You will need to decide which agency is getting you the most work and make sure the tax office has them registered as you main employer.

Are we entitled to travel expenses?

No but sometimes at our discretion we can help towards a particularly long journey.

What checks are carried out by Randstad Education when recruiting staff?

All potential staff are interviewed by a consultant in their local office. Qualifications are checked, professional references obtained and a medical history form is completed. Randstad Education also carries out the Criminal Records Bureau checks, or check any that are provided by the applicant in addition to List 99 checks (under the Protection of Children Act).

How long do CRB's usually take to process?

Although the length of time can vary depending on the time of year, it usually takes between 4 - 6 weeks.

Do you have access to resources?

We have an excellent range of teaching resources available which offer to all candidates. Every branch has a dedicated Resource Library and there is also an extensive range of materials available online.

Who will be my point of contact?

Each office has a specialist consultant who is dedicated to Early Years, Primary, Secondary or Special Needs. This individual will be introduced as your main point of contact.

Do you offer social gatherings?

Indeed we do, each office organises its own social events at different times of the year and holiday seasons. Contact your local office to find out more.

I've just moved to the UK/ I've been working abroad, what do I do?

If you have lived abroad in the last 12 months or have arrived from overseas you must have an overseas police check and a Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure before you can work for Randstad Education.

What's next?

Once you are registered with Randstad Education will be able to offer you a variety of roles from day to day work to long term and permanent placements. All we ask is that our candidates show willing, are flexible and reliable!

If you would like to gain a wealth of experience in education, work when you want and possibly obtain permanent employment or experience to go on to do a PGCE then working with Randstad Education is definitely for you!