Equal Opportunities Policy

Equal Opportunities Policy

Equal Opportunities & Important Points

TeacherActive is committed to Equal Opportunities and affirms its policy to ensure:

TeacherActive requires all supply staff to be fully aware of the implications of Equal Opportunities. TeacherActive is also concerned for the rights of pupils with special needs and wishes to ensure that they receive the same opportunities as those without.

You have a responsibility to keep in touch with current policies on Equal Opportunities and the use of physical intervention in restraining pupils via the DfE website. You are required to declare all criminal convictions, including cautions. As you are working with young and vulnerable people, any criminal convictions will not be treated as “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The information you give will be treated in confidence and only taken into account where the offence is relevant to the post for which you are applying. Failure to declare a conviction which later comes to light may require us to exclude you from our register and take further action. TeacherActive complies fully with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the DBS code of practice and undertakes to treat all applicants fairly.

In order to work through TeacherActive or at any school, you must have an up-to-date DBS check. If you do not have a current DBS, TeacherActive will arrange for a check to be made with the Disclosure and Barring Service, for the existence and content of any criminal record in your name.

Any information received will be kept in strict confidence and you will receive a copy. We must make it quite clear that we will not support you in the case of any inappropriate form of physical contact with a child. It is a condition of inclusion on our register that you comply with the spirit of Equal Opportunities and that you will not make questionable physical contact with pupils, including any instances of controlling or restraining pupils.

Timesheets

Many schools now use online timesheets. Your consultant will let you know where this is the case as you will not need to obtain a timesheet for these schools.

For schools that use paper timesheets, at the end of each day, or each week if you are there all week, ensure your timesheet is signed by an authorised signatory of the school. A copy of your signed timesheet must be received by TeacherActive by 5pm on Friday to authorise your payment. You may ask the school to fax your timesheet to TeacherActive; Alternatively, you may scan/photograph the timesheet and email the attachment to [email protected].

Arrival at School and Your Working Day

Please arrive at your assignment no later than 8.30am and allow enough time to familiarise yourself with the school before lessons begin. Schools are obliged to ask to take a copy of photo ID andvalid DBS check when a member of supply staff starts work for them so ensure you have either your DBS along with a passport or photocard driving license with you on your first day at a new school. Make a good impression!

Make an effort to fit in, be nice, go the extra mile, it really counts; Schools often call and ask for supply staff by name, and you could be. As a matter of professional courtesy, please ensure the classroom has been left tidy. Primary teachers are generally expected to mark the day’s work.

Staying in Touch

Should you be unable to attend a booking for any reason or your availability has changed, it is imperative that you make your consultant aware as soon as possible.

The latest we can accept a cancellation is 7.30am on the day of the booking and remember you can get through to a consultant on the office number during office hours and after-hours. If you work on a day-to-day basis for TeacherActive, please always call us after school each day to update your consultant with your availability and any relevant feedback from your day at school.

Dress Code

Always dress formally for attending schools. Avoid denim, keep jewellery to a minimum and only wear trainers and sportswear for conducting PE lessons.

Facial piercings should be discussed with your consultant. SEN schools will require that you wear practical clothing for various outdoor activities or may require you to attend swimming lessons. Please check with your consultant to see whether you should take alternative clothing.

Classroom Control and Discipline As a teacher or instructor, you will assume responsibility for classroom control with each class. Teaching Assistants should follow the guidance of the class teacher and support them in classroom management.

For your own protection, ensure that you keep a physical distance from all pupils when addressing them and void any action or tone of voice which may be construed as aggressive. Do not find yourself in a situation where you are alone with any pupil.

Your TeacherActive consultant can give you further advice on classroom management.