Thank you to all of our Supply Team for their hard work over the Autumn Term.  The office team and management at ESL wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Throughout the term, team members have been prompt in responding to all communications; thank you. This enables members of the office team to respond to enquiries promptly and efficiently which ultimately provides both the quality and speed of service which the modern day demands.

Winter Procedure: As a reminder, although following the early snow last week we are sure you are aware but in the event of inclement weather the likelihood of partial or whole school closure is a realistic possibility. To remain abreast of weather news, we recommend the following, in addition to the ESL office, as sources of accurate information:

⦁    Radio WM (95.6) or Free Radio (96.4)
⦁    Local Authorities maintain a list of schools closed. i.e Birmingham LA maintains a list which may be found at: https://disruption.birmingham.gov.uk/list-of-birmingham-schools/
⦁    Follow ⦁    @BCCDisruption on Twitter
⦁    Individual school websites

ESL Office Opening Hours ~ Christmas Holidays 2017:

Office Closed:       27-29 December 2017 AND 2 & 3 January 2018

Office will be open:        4 & 5 January 2018 (9.00am – 3.30 pm)

Normal Office hours (7.00am - 7.00pm) will resume on Monday 8 January 2018.

When the office is closed there will be an opportunity to leave a message on the answerphone; please telephone 0121 414 1166 or send an email to enquiry@esl.uk.net.

Review of 2017: This academic year has had a slow start. The foundation of supply is the principle of flexibility. Whilst everyone has a different experience and journey, flexibility is at its core. For individual professionals, supply can mean experiencing new schools, seeking good practice, attaining a work life balance. For schools, supply ensures that they can find a flexible solution to managing staff absence, by creating minimal disruption to pupils.

If you have not achieved the volume of work you seek we would recommend that you consider the following:

⦁    Expanding the key stages in which you are willing to be assigned. i.e. For Key Stage 1 teachers, consider accepting assignments in Year 3; For Key Stage 2 teachers, would you welcome the opportunity to teach in Year 2.
⦁    Part days are an excellent opportunity for you to showcase your talent. For some, the financial reward may be prohibitive. It is worth remembering; a morning session may extend to a full day and for the purpose of AWR, a part day is a week.
⦁    Geography. Extend the areas to which you are willing to travel. If you travel by public transport consider the use of a taxi.
⦁    Early morning calls.
⦁    Long Term Assignments.
⦁    Increasing the days on which you declare availability for work.
⦁    CV. Is it accurate, up to date and does it showcase your approach to teaching and creating a dynamic and exciting learning environment. We have recently sent you pointers on how to improve your CV please do read.

Sometimes a marginal change can have a dramatic impact. Our combined experience indicates that both the requirements of individuals and schools can change at great speed. Please advise us of your availability to work and keep us informed should your opinion to any of the above factors change, now or at any point in the future.

Preferred supplier of agency staff  We are on the preferred supplier of agency staff to Birmingham City Council schools and as such subscribing schools should use an agency from this list when using supply teaching staff.  We have been in contact with every school who subscribe to this service to introduce ESL to them and promote the skills and attributes of all our team members.  We hope to develop relationships with them and become their preferred agency.  

2018 In the coming weeks, the dawn of 2018 will be upon us and with it the opportunity for renewal and resolution. For some, there will be the opportunity to embark on a fresh adventure with a new class in a new setting; others will introduce new topics ensuring that learning opportunities are challenging, stimulating and exciting. Whether you are embarking on your Stunning Start, your Marvellous Middle or your Fabulous Finish, pupils deserve the commitment and enthusiasm that ESL team members demonstrate minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day.

In return you can be certain that our resolution to provide prospective and existing team members, client schools and pupils a long term, high quality service based on collaboration, partnership, transparency, integrity, financial fairness and trust, remains at our core.

Happy New Year.