The DCSF Vetting and Barring Scheme

Like many teachers and school helpers I thought the DCSF had gone over the top with the latest Vetting and Barring Scheme. This initiative asks people who have ‘intense’ contact (that’s 3 or more times within1 month to you and I!) with children, to pay £64 to get a clearance to be able to go into schools. We all saw the reaction from the authors who are disgusted by the initiative and this has seen the government agree to pay for their checks as long as they aren’t getting paid for their visit. This is all very well but what about the input schools receive each week from parents?

When I was teaching I had a fantastic parent who came in every Tuesday afternoon to support me with spelling games. Will schools have to turn parents away unless they can afford to pay £64 themselves? Think of all that invaluable expertise and help that would be lost. Schools could lose supportive fathers that in addition to their skills can provide an additional male role model for some children.

So I decided to call them and get some answers. I spoke to a very well informed gentleman who was able to answer all my concerns clearly and concisely and make sense of all the media hype I had heard.

* Firstly, you only pay £64 (£28 for the Independent Safeguarding Authority and £36 Enhanced CRB) if you are paid to work with children and vulnerable adults. All volunteers will need to go on the list by November 2010, but there is no fee.
* Joining the list is down to the individual, not the school or group you volunteer with and lasts for life.
* You only join once regardless of how many organisations you work with.
I have to say I felt very reassured and I am having a DVD sent to me with further information about it.
So rather than getting heated about this issue, get the facts. Call them directly on 0300 123 1111 or visit their website www.isa-gov.org.uk

Summer wishes and updates Blog

We would like to wish you all a fantastic summer holiday, full of fun and adventure!

Meanwhile we have lots planned here at Eteach. Our new improved website will be completed and launched in September where you will find:

· Better navigation and search functionality
· More information on schools, such as, images, videos and podcasts
· Fresh new advice tips from, finding a job to first days FAQs
· UK, International, Independent and Temporary Zones, all to cater for your individual needs
· A new personal profile, where you can create your own CV online
· Track all your jobs and join Talent Pools
· And much much more….

So keep your eye out in September for the new Eteach website, with a fresher, sleeker look, and more importantly a better revised website to help you find your next job the smarter way!

Men urged to teach Primary

According to the TDA 4 out of 5 applications made for primary vacancies are from females. This is an issue that has worried parents and teachers for some time.

But surely it doesn’t matter whether the teacher in the classroom is male or female, what matters is that a lot of our primary schools are staffed entirely by women and that may effect some pupils.

Surely the main objective should be whether the teacher is the most effective?
But not everyone agrees with this, there are several views on why males should enter the classroom:

* Having male role models is essential for both girls and boys.
* Boys would rather turn to men when wanting to confide in someone about issues such as bullying.
* Boys sport cannot always be delivered by female teachers.
* Children need to see teaching as a career option for both sexes.
* It gives children a more balanced view of society

The above are just some reasons as to why more men are being recruited into the teaching profession, but NASUWT believe the gender of the teacher has no real impact on the students.

In my opinion more men need to teach in primary schools so that children have a balanced view of life. Its not only women that can be good primary teachers and nurture children in a learning environment.

What are your views?
Do you think the gender of a teacher affects a child?
Do you think this area is being scrutinised too much?
Have you have any experience whereby you felt your learning had a positive/negative affect because of the gender of your teachers?

Add a comment!

Summer Holidays – how much are holidays??

One of the overriding observations that the general public have is that teaching is an excellent job because of the long holidays, especially in the summer. 6 weeks of doing nothing, just relaxing after the long school year. But how many of you actually do just that?

How many of you spend at least the first week filing that mountain of assessment work, sorting through resources, and trying to decide what to do with that piece of paper that doesn’t fall into any particular group! Were you the one who drew the short straw and had to move classrooms as well?

And then the week before you are due back in its planning, (with another new initiative to incorporate) classroom organisation, and hunt the resources. Before you know it you are asking yourself ‘Where did it go to?’

Not this Year! Don’t waste this precious time. Summer holidays are the time to do all the things you put off. Say yes to seeing friends and family. Say yes to visiting an exhibition or a place of interest. Say yes to doing a new activity like rock climbing or pottery painting. Read all the Whitbread nominations. My target, from my sons teacher at parents evening is to take him roller skating, something I haven’t done since I was in my teens. I have to say I’m quite looking forward to it.

So tell us what are you going to do to really make this summer holiday different? How are you going to get that work/life balance? Let us know … add a comment!

Teachers to have licences

From September 2010 teachers will need to gain a licence to teach – a licence that will then need to be reviewed every 5 years through assessments. Children's Secretary Ed Balls states the proposal is “intended to weed out weak teachers” – but what exactly is a weak teacher?

Union leaders have had mixed views, with ATL stating they think it’s a “bureaucratic nightmare” and NASUWT saying the licensing scheme would give teachers "the long overdue recognition that it is a high status qualification".

Although it may be seen as a positive factor, with parents knowing their children are being taught by teachers approved by the government, it could also be something which may have negative effects – what happens to the teachers who don’t pass the assessment?

Let us know your view, do you think the introduction of a licence will boost the teacher status to that of a doctor or lawyer? Does this new law put you off from studying to become a teacher, or do you feel more encouraged? Is this unnecessary pressure on teachers, or something that’s best for children and teachers alike?