NQTs – A Survival Guide

We have plenty of opportunities for NQTs here at Key Stage Teacher Supply!

For everyone coming to the end of their teacher training right now, we have compiled a little survival guide, focusing on different areas of concern for NQTs. All this is based on our long experience in education (over 16 years), and it all applies whether you are on casual supply or in long-term work. Take a look:

In the school:

• Be familiar with key school policies
• If unsure about anything,, never be afraid to ask – sounds obvious, but it’s really important.

In the classroom:

• Treat pupils as individuals – learn names quickly and try your best to build relationships by getting to know them
• Find out at the very beginning who has SEND or medical needs, and what works best for them – ask your SENCO
• Have the very highest expectations for behaviours and learning from the outset – it sets the tone for the whole term/year.

Behaviour:

• Model the behaviour you want to see by being courteous at all times
• Be firm, fair and approachable
• Always remain calm in the face of poor behaviour, and never take it personally (or give any indication that  you have taken it personally)
• Always follow the whole-school behaviour policies – it promotes consistency across the school and children like to know where they stand
• Try to respond proportionately to both positive and inappropriate behaviour – over-praising good behaviour and work in certain children can build resentment in those children who are taken for granted because they are ‘always good’.

General considerations:

• Invest in the relationship with your mentor and establish mutual expectations from the outset
• Remember you are not alone – if you experience difficulties, share them with your mentor, colleagues or union representative
• Pursue all CPD opportunities
• Actively listen to pupils and colleagues – it’s a great tool for learning and improving!

Here at Key Stage Teacher Supply, we love to meet and work with NQTs and experienced teachers alike, as everyone brings something unique to our schools and their students.

If you would like more information about supply teaching in Lancashire and Cumbria, call 01254 507210. We have branches in Blackburn, Chorley and Lancaster, serving over 300 local schools, nurseries and colleges.

To see our latest vacancies, click here.

We’re proud of the service we provide to our candidates and delighted to share their feedback, to see what our candidates have said, view our candidate reviews, here.

COVID-19 update: Here’s the link to Gov updates for schools on Covid 19.