Solo Education, a specialist teaching agency based in London, established ten years

Supply Teaching in the U.K

What do I need to be a supply teacher in the U.K?

The three essential requirements to apply for work as a supply teacher in the U.K are;

* a valid U.K work permit - if appropriate
* a recognised teaching qualification
* some familiarity with the UK curriculum (we suggest spending some time observing in a British school)

How do I gain permission to work in the UK?

* European Union

If you are an EU citizen, you have automatic right to work in any EU country.

* Other Overseas Countries

Before coming to the U.K you must make sure you have permission to work. There are a number of ways in which you can do this.

Dual Nationality

You are automatically entitled to work in the UK if you have dual nationality in any European Union country. In order to qualify for this you will need a dual second passport.

Home Office - Immigration The Department of Education
and Nationality Department and Employment
Lunar House, Mowden Hall,
Croydon, Staindrop Road,
CR9 2BY Darlington,
Tel: 0208 686 0686 DL3 9BG
Tel: 01325 392 120/2/3 Fax: 01325 392 199
Email: info@dfee.gov.uk

What would supply teaching offer you?

Supply teaching provides the opportunity to;

* experience a wide variety of different schools within the British Education system.
* choose the locations you wish to work in and the number of days per week you want to work.
* work across different age ranges
* provide a valuable addition to your CV

Solo are looking to employ motivated, flexible teachers with good organisational skills. You need to be adaptable and reliable with a professional approach to every allocated placement.

If you have a work permit and your qualification has been recognised

by NARIC, then take the next step and apply now.
Janet Manning Primary Education
London Borough of Lambeth (Overseas Teachers Supply/
Education Directorate, Literacy/Numeracy/
International House, Behaviour Management)
Canterbury Crescent,
London, Tel: 0171 926 9829
SW9 7QE email: jmanning@lambeth.gov.uk

Sue Kendall-Seatter Head of Overseas Teachers
Canterbury Christ Church Primary Education
University College, Tel: 01227 782 088
Faculty of Education,
Canterbury, Secretary : Julia Willis
CT1 1QU 01227 782 207

Useful Contacts

Teacher Training Agency
PO Box 3049,
Chelmsford,
Essex,
CM1 3YT
Tel: 01245 454 454
Fax: 01245 261 668
Email: helpline@kit-tta.co.uk

British parent or grandparent

You can claim the right to work in the UK for up to four years if you have a British parent or grandparent. You may also be able to claim this right if you have a parent or grandparent who is a citizen in another EU country.

It will be necessary for you to contact the relevant embassy to find out more about the rules and regulations surrounding this claim.

Marriage

If you are married to a British citizen you are entitled to work in the UK.

This may also apply if you are married to an EU citizen or someone who has dual nationality in another EU country. Again this must be checked with the relevant Embassy.

Working Holiday Arrangement

The working holidaymaker scheme is an arrangement for single people aged 17 to 27 inclusive. It provides the opportunity for teachers to take an extended working holiday for up to two years.

In order to find out if you qualify for the working holidaymaker scheme you will need to contact your local British

Embassy.
How do I find out if my qualification is recognised in this country?

You will need to contact;

UK NARIC
The National Academic Recognition and Information Centre
for the United Kingdom
Oriel House,
Oriel Road,
Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire,
GL50 1XP

Tel: + 44 (0) 870 990 40 88 Fax: + 44(0) 1242 258 611
Email: info@naric.org.uk

UK NARIC provides comparability information between UK and International Qualifications.

* As an overseas teacher, with a recognised teaching qualification, you can work on supply for up to two years. Within these two years you can spend up to four months in any one placement.

* In order to take up a permanent post in the UK you will need to have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This can only be granted automatically to EU citizens, but it will be necessary to contact the DfEE for more information
How do I become familiar with the British Education system?

Before beginning any teaching work in the UK it is necessary to become familiar with the National Curriculum. To order copies of National Curriculum documents and supporting literature you will need to contact:

TSO Publications Centre
Tel: 020 8873 9090
Fax: 020 8873 8200

For copies of up to date DfEE publications you will need to call 0845 602 2260 or contact: www.open.gov.uk/dfee/dfeehome.htm or www.vnunet.com

It is also important to become familiar with school structure and organisation within the UK. A number of colleges and educational institutions offer familiarisation courses designed for overseas teachers. A selection of these courses are listed, if you need any extra information please contact the DfEE.

Dr Graham Tarrant
Head of Inset Education
Institute of Education
20, Bedford Way,
London,
WC1 0AL
Tel: 0208 612 6582