Your questions answered:
Q. How do I become a teacher?
A: If you are considering teaching as a possible career path then we have found that the Training and Development Agency website is one of the most comprehensive sites available. The site gives all readers a detailed overview of the training routes available as well as the compulsory entry requirements. You can find their website at www.tda.gov.uk
Q. What services do Solo Teachers provide?
A: We provide staff cover for short and long term teaching placements in dance, drama, music and art. We cover primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units across Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex. We also offer educational event management and peripatetic teachers for schools, colleges and universities.
Q. How can I contact Solo Teachers?
A: Our office is open from 7.30am until 5.30pm Monday to Friday. We are also open during holiday periods except on bank holidays. You may place bookings either for a pre-booked absence or for emergency cover by emailing bookings@soloteachers.com, or by using our out of hours on-call service on 07841 012 575.
Q. What can I do to maximise my chances of getting regular work?
A: Please call Solo Teachers regularly to ensure that we know you are available for work. You can also email these details to office@soloteachers.com and your details will be logged for our team.
Q: How much notice will I be given for a new booking?
A: This can vary from a few weeks to the morning of a booking.
Q: Can you send me the application forms?
A: It is not possible to complete the registration process via email as it includes undertaking a face to face interview with a Solo Education Consultant, which will be arranged once you call us.
Q. How can I help speed up my registration?
A: It is advisable to contact all referees prior to interview to allow them to have a chance to write a reference on your behalf, so that when they are contacted by Solo Teachers, the process is quickened. Also having all of the correct documents for your CRB check will speed up the process.
Q: Do you offer permanent work?
A: Yes we do. We work in close partnership with schools, colleges and universities and keep in regular touch to assess their needs and to search for staff. Please speak to your Solo Teachers Consultant to discuss your career aims and how we can help you.
Q: Can I choose to work when I like?
A: Yes of course. We understand everyone has different requirements for work; we can work around you to find a suitable placement to match your requirements and location.
Q. Do Solo Teachers cover my travel expenses?
A: No, but on occasion, at our discretion we can help towards a particularly long journey with prior agreement with the client.
Q. What checks are carried out by Solo Teachers during the recruitment process?
A: All applicants are interviewed by Solo Teachers. Qualifications are checked, professional references obtained and a medical history form is completed. Solo Teachers also ensure that all staff has a current CRB Enhanced Disclosure, before they are allowed to work. If a teacher does not have a CRB then they are required to apply for one, through Solo Teachers at a cost of £42.00.
Q. How long do CRB's usually take to process?
A: Although the length of time can vary depending on the time of year, it usually takes between 4 - 6 weeks. We must stress that any teacher waiting for a CRB to come through will not be allowed to work through Solo Teachers until the disclosure has been sent to head office.
Q: What is your equal opportunities policy?
Solo Teachers believes in Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity for all. The company follows a sustainable ethics policy which ensures that every individual, irrespective of race, gender, class, disability, religion, culture or sexual orientation, receives equal care and attention by all team members who work for Solo Teachers, and at no point during the application process are any of the above elements drawn upon when deciding if a worker is suitable to work through Solo Teachers.