Absolute Beginner

[Jesse Garon P]

Hello all,

Crikey.

I'm an NQT (Secondary Music) as of June this year. About to start applying to supply agencies (North London) as of this weekend. All I need to know is everything .........

How many to apply to?
How much work to expect?
Who to apply to?
Would an agency tell me to sling my hook if I was only prepared to travel 4 or 5 miles? (those that I've spoken to have given pretty vague answers).
Is it worth going to schools direct - approaching my placement schools etc?
etc.
etc.

Couldn't be more vague I know - but any and all advice welcome....

Thanks

[janeb]

Hi and welcome.

I'm not secondary and not in London
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but we've had lots of discussions on this forum about agencies.
Most seem in favour of going to schools direct - you get paid more for a start!!
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I would probably try to visit some local schools and talk to the Heads directly. Follow up any positive visits with a letter showing your contact details and availability. I got lots of work like this and was able to stop working for agencies.

However, a lot of schools prefer to use agencies so if you don't have any luck, try an agency or 5! See which ones will offer you the type of work which suits you, how many days they will get you - remember, they are working FOR you! Be upfront about mileage etc - an agency which I previously worked for gave me loads of work (eventually!) with the condition that everything had to be pre-booked and within 30 minutes of home as I had other work commitments and 2 young children of my own!

Have a look at previous posts on the subject to find other advice.

Good luck

[Jesse Garon P]

Thanks Jane,

Really useful advice, and I've checked out the forum in more detail. I feel better equipped already!

It all looks a bit daunting at this stage so positive feedback is very welcome.
I like the
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of approaching Headteachers at local schools - would never have thought of it as I wouldn't have expected to get much past the reception desk - but I'll certainly give it a go.

Thanks again

Mark