Secondary School Job of the Day!!!

Are you an English Teacher, looking for a January 2016 start in Rochester , Kent ?

TimePlan Education, working in partnership with their client school, is looking for anEnglish teacher who has taught successfully across Key Stage 3 and 4. The position is a full time contract starting January 2016. A successful candidate must be committed to achieving high standards and able to inspire students across the ability range at KS3 and KS4.

A successful and flourishing 11 to 18 co-educational school in the Medway Valley area of Kent. This school was rebuilt in 2007 and provides their community with modern, well resourced facilities yet has an ethos founded on traditional values. They provide a friendly, caring and disciplined environment whilst ensuring students have extensive learning opportunities to unlock their self-belief and aspirations.

To be considered for this English teaching vacancy based in Rochester , Kent you will need to;

• Show you are an imaginative and forward thinking classroom practitioner.
• Have the willingness to form part of a successful and enthusiastic team.
• Support the school ethos at all times during your working days.
• Possess excellent teaching skills and an ability to lead classes with pace and sufficient challenge.

It is essential that you understand the schools academic standing and have a sincere commitment to sharing long-term aims.

In return we offer:

• Professional classroom support from our team of Headteacher consultants throughout the length of your contract.
• A dedicated Key Contact at the TimePlan South East office.
• TimePlan South East teacher socials where you can meet teachers who are teaching at schools in your placement area.
• Opportunities to aid your professional development.
• Pay to scale.

If you are interested in applying for this English teaching position in Rochester, Kent please apply online today or call on 01732 373340, TimePlan the number one teaching agency for jobs in the south east.

Everyone Needs a Buddy!

Should more schools follow this example? 

Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe has just unveiled its “Buddy Bench”, aimed at eliminating loneliness and fostering friendship in the playground. The school hopes that this will help spread the message of inclusion and kindness.
The bench was launched in the playground by three pupils: Molly, Rosie and Lily who had been commended by the school for their acts of kindness. Molly and Rosie found £120 in school and immediately handed it in. It was then reunited with Saint Paul’s Wayne Hardy. Lily stopped in the street to assist an elderly lady and help tie her shoe laces.
A member of the public, Stacey Flanagan, called the school to make them aware of Lily’s kindness: “This was the nicest thing I had seen in a long time; it was a lovely gesture and a wonderful act of kindness.”
The Buddy Bench idea was started by an eight year old boy, named Christian, who lives in Pennsylvania. He had a great idea to have a bench on the playground designated for students who aren’t sure who to play with, who to talk to, or who just want to assess a situation before joining in a group. He called it the “Buddy Bench”, a place to meet and play with new friends or old friends
“The Buddy Bench reminds the pupils to be kind and to reach out to one another,” explained Mrs Angie Holland from Saint Paul’s. “We believe the bench will help eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. We want to be a school where people help each other, cheer each other on, share with one another, think of others and focus on building a strong community.”
Deputy Headteacher, Miss Tina Wilkinson, said: “Sometimes it’s the really simple ideas that can make the biggest difference. All the children know that they can go and sit on the Buddy Bench if they are feeling lonely and that someone will offer to play with them. We want to foster a culture of kindness throughout the school.”

Primary School Job of the Day!!

NCY3 teaching vacancy in Bexley, required for January 2016

This is an exciting opportunity to join a lovely Bexleyheath primary school!

TimePlan Education working in partnership with their client Bexley primary school are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic teacher to cover a maternity leave. The position starts in January 2016 and is part-time 3 days per week every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. You will join a team of people who are professional, hard working, supportive and committed to ensuring that all of the children reach their potential. A good understanding of learning and teaching KS2 age is essential. This post is suitable for an NQT, overseas trained or an experienced teacher

This Bexley Primary School is a popular, oversubscribed, two form entry school that welcomes children from the local Bexleyheath area. The school is in easy reach of an overground railway station which means this school is convenient for commuters from Central London and Kent and is located in a beautiful woodland setting in extensive grounds.

They have good levels of support and professional development in place.

The children are well-behaved and keen to learn and make a contribution to the wider world.

This teaching vacancy in Bexleyheath, Kent requires an applicant who has understanding of the UK curriculum.

You will be:

* A dedicated practitioner.

* Committed to improving standards and raising achievement.

* Creative, inspirational and able to enthuse and engage the children.

* A good team player.

You will have:

* High expectations of achievement and behaviour.

* Excellent communication skills.

* A good sense of humour!

In return we offer:

* Pay to scale

* Professional classroom support from our team of Headteacher consultants throughout the length of your contract

* A dedicated key contact at the south east office

* TimePlan South East teacher socials where you can meet professional teachers from all over the planet who are teaching at schools in your placement area

* Opportunities to aid your professional development.

If you are interested in applying for this teaching job in Bexleyheath, Kent please apply online today or call Paul Chuter on 01732 373340 at TimePlan, the number one teaching agency for primary teaching jobs in the south east.

Highland Council Offices and Schools Could Close Early By BBC News

All Highland Council offices and schools could be closed from lunchtime on Fridays under proposals aimed at saving the local authority money.

Views have been sought from the public on the plan and other ideas to help the council tackle a potential funding gap of more than £21m next year.

Reducing the working and school week to 4.5 days would result in significant savings, the council has said.

Cutting class-time has been suggested before but was opposed by some parents.

Highland Council said most staff would still be working their existing contracted hours, but doing so over 4.5 days.

It added that some people may wish to reduce their contracted hours and this option could be available on a voluntary basis where practical.

'Consulting widely'

Chief executive Steve Barron said: "It is important that to note that this is currently a proposal only, one which needs further work and which would only be implemented with the agreement of elected members in February.

"Clearly there will be some service areas where this could pose practical difficulties, hence the wish to consult and to think carefully about impact and feasibility."

Budget leader Bill Fernie said: "At this stage this is just a proposal, but we think it is a good idea and one which compare very favourably with some of the other options coming forward, and we will be consulting widely.

"It is our priority to maintain services and jobs in Highland and as such, this is part of a package of proposed measures, with the aim of setting a balanced budget, whilst protecting key services."

Angry backlash

A year ago, Highland Council delayed a proposal to reduce the time pupils in primaries 4, 5, 6 and 7 spend in class.

The local authority said the decision had been made because other councils were considering the same idea and it had now become a "national debate".

But Highland Council had experienced an angry backlash from parents on the matter at the time.

A petition was raised against the plan and it also drew criticism from parents on social media sites.

Bob Coleman, of the teaching union the EIS, has raised concerns about the latest proposal.

He told BBC Radio Scotland: "The council has looked from time to time at cutting the primary pupil week and this might be an opportunity for the council to do that.

"We have always opposed cutting the pupil week in primary schools.

"From an educational point of view that would mean a significant loss of teaching time. It would amount to something like 19 days per session - seven months over a child's primary life."

He added: "A child's entitlement to education shouldn't be sacrificed on the altar of austerity."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34908409

Wash, Brush, Comb! Hygiene Habits for Kids By Pamela Wingerden

 How to make sure your students stay clean!

“Wash your hands. Brush your teeth. Did you use soap?” These are just a few of the phrases preschool parents repeat like a broken record. It's a fact: children and germs go hand in hand. Each day parents watch their children play in the sand at the park, stick fingers in their noses and mouths, pick up slimy creatures, and reach eagerly for food that's fallen on the ground.

Getting preschoolers to take over the brushing, scrubbing and rinsing themselves is an important step in the development of a preschooler's independence. Not only does it give parents a welcome break and help ditch the dirt in the short term, but teaching basic hygiene concepts to children at a young age will form the groundwork of a healthy lifestyle in the future.

Proper Hygiene

Just as you teach your child the steps to ride a bike or play a game, it's important for you to teach your child proper hygiene habits. Personal hygiene can include such skills as how to properly wash hands, take a bath, brush teeth and hair, and follow proper toilet training skills. “The most common health issues that come up is from preschoolers playing with unsanitary things and then touching their mouths and other kids before washing hands," says pediatrician Carol-Lynn Barsky. "At this age, it is primarily hand washing that will keep them healthy.”

Get in the Habit

Help train your child to get in the habit of washing his hands after certain activities such as using the bathroom, playing at the park, and being at a friend’s house. Keep a regular schedule for taking baths and help your child brush teeth and hair in the morning and before bedtime everyday. If your child gets in the habit of regular hand washing, brushing teeth, and bathing, it will become more natural and reminders from parents will be less necessary. One of the most effective ways to teach consistency in good hygiene is to set a good example as a parent by washing your hands, and brushing your teeth and hair in front of your child regularly.

What about Germs?

It's important to gently explain the idea of germs to your child, without scaring him. You want your child to feel free to make mud pies and pick up insects, without the fear of germs. “I teach the children that not all germs are bad, but that some germs can make us sick," says preschool teacher Shannon Johst. "I talk to them about how fast germs can spread, and that washing hands will keep them safe.” The key is to focus on what your child can do for his body to stay healthy rather than focusing solely on germs.

Make Teaching Hygiene Fun

Learning to take care of his body should be fun for your child and not a chore. Here are some ideas to be creative:

• Pretend to be a “germ detective” and use a magnifying glass to examine your child’s hands and teeth. Give him a “secret mission” to wash his hands or brush his teeth.
• Give your child a "buddy" to wash while he washes his hands, such as a rubber ducky, plastic figure or toy car. Ask if his buddy used soap, rather than asking your child about his own hands.
• Let your child pick out a special soap and toothpaste at the store that he'll use to wash his hands and body and to brush his teeth. There are many "cool" soaps out there, such as soaps in the shapes of animals and scented foam soaps. When your child is involved in the selection of products to use, he will feel that he has ownership of the hygiene process.
• Use a “puppet helper.” Have your child choose a puppet that will be a washing buddy in the bath or remind him to wash hands when he gets home. Talk in a funny voice with the puppet to differentiate the puppet from the parent. Being "helped" by a puppet and being nagged by a parent will get different results from your child.
• Teach your child how to bathe different body parts by using a favorite doll as an example in the bathtub.
• Keep a laminated “body check” chart in the bathroom to have your child check off what parts of the body he has taken care of that day; teeth, hair, arms, legs, hands.

Establishing good hygiene habits with your preschooler is the best defense against the germs that live everywhere in your child’s environment. Enjoy being creative with your child and setting good examples, and you'll be left with a clean, happy and healthy child!

http://www.education.com/magazine/article/preschool-hygiene/

School Scraps End of Year Prom over 'Unacceptable Pressure' By BBC News

Should schools concentrate on the Education rather than the Prom?

What are your thoughts? 

A girls' school has scrapped its end of year prom claiming it is too much of a "distraction" to pupils.

The school's headmaster said the "growing expense and luxury" forced on parents was also a major concern.

Beaulieu Convent School in Jersey also referred to "worries about alcohol and drug consumption" at the end of Year 11 event for pupils aged 15-16.

A former pupil said the prom was an important milestone and accused the school of overreacting.

Chris Beirne, headmaster, said the "significant focus and distraction" caused by the prom "does not fit into the ethos of our school".

Writing to parents Mr Beirne cited a letter from an unnamed colleague who was convinced the preparations and the event were "not positive, constructive or healthy experiences".

'Unacceptable pressure'

The colleague wrote: "The financial strain and the inevitable competition associated with this is another very unwelcome, and sometimes crushing, aspect for many parents."

The letter from the colleague also referred to "alcohol and drug consumption at after-parties" as "a considerable concern".

It said the strain of trying "to be slim, fashionable, have perfect skin" led to "unacceptable pressure".

Mr Beirne said he could no longer "safely manage the risk" associated with the event.

'Taste of maturity'

The independent Catholic school said it would continue to offer Year 13 leavers a celebratory mass with their families followed by a drinks reception at the school.

The £5,400-a-year convent has around 760 students aged 4-18.

Former pupil Hannah Hosegood, 20, said her prom was "a first taste of maturity" and the school should tackle individual pupils if they had concerns about drugs or alcohol.

She said: "It's really upsetting knowing those girls won't be able to experience an event you spend a fair amount of time looking forward to and remember for the rest of your life."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-34873930

Secondary School Job of the Day!

Are you a Chemistry Teacher, looking for a January 2016 start in Tonbridge, Kent?

TimePlan Education, working in partnership with their client school, is looking for achemistry teacher who has taught successfully across Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. The position is a full time contract starting January 2016. A successful candidate must be committed to achieving high standards and able to inspire students across the ability range at KS3, KS4 and KS5.

The school is an outstanding west Kent grammar school which is in the top 1% of schools nationally. It has about 1100 students, where staff are fully committed to the development of every individual in a stimulating, safe and friendly environment in which students are valued and may thrive intellectually, emotionally and physically.

To be considered for this chemistry teaching vacancy based in Tonbridge, Kent you will need to;

• Show you are an imaginative and forward thinking classroom practitioner.
• Have the willingness to form part of a successful and enthusiastic team.
• Support the school ethos at all times during your working days.
• Possess excellent teaching skills and an ability to lead classes with pace and sufficient challenge.

It is essential that you understand the schools academic standing and have a sincere commitment to sharing long-term aims.

In return we offer:

• Professional classroom support from our team of Headteacher consultants throughout the length of your contract.
• A dedicated Key Contact at the TimePlan South East office.
• TimePlan South East teacher socials where you can meet teachers who are teaching at schools in your placement area.
• Opportunities to aid your professional development.
• Pay to scale.

If you are interested in applying for this chemistry teaching position in Tonbridge, Kent please apply online today or call on 01732 373340, TimePlan the number one teaching agency for jobs in the south east.