It seems like no time at all since we launched the first edition of Chapters, and we’re delighted to be back with edition two. For people who spend so much of their time talking to teachers and deep-diving into the issues of the day, it’s exciting to be able to ‘put pen to paper’ and to share our ideas about freshening up with you.  We hope you find it useful.

We're always interested in how we can help ECTs, trainee teachers and their specific requirements. We've put together a set of resources with ECTs in mind. Use the links below to find out more: Success in 2022  Writing the perfect CV Finding the right ECT school Climbing the ECT framework ECT wellbeing Your finances Managing behaviour   Whether you're a trainee teacher, someone with more experience, or a school with vacancies to fill, contact Hourglass to see how we can help.

Will this bumpy road ever lead back to normality? This exam season is the first opportunity for many students to take formal exams. They’ve had to get to grips with the extended preparation period as well as exam hall rules and regulations, and the unique feeling when the time comes to ‘turn over the paper’. Of course, these young people are no strangers to pressure. Social media is an ever-present reminder that everyone else is enjoying a near perfect existence, and the competition to succeed academically and professionally is greater than ever. The ‘grown ups’ are still not getting it The package of support that was intended to make the path back to pre-pandemic arrangements as smooth as possible was marred by errors, both in the advance information and the exam papers themselves. And AQA, one of the country’s most influential exam boards allowed an A level chemistry paper to make its way onto Snapchat, Tiktok and other social media sites more than a week before students took their p…

It’s no secret that we’re living through strange times. The pandemic rampaged through life as we knew it and even though we’re trying our hardest to ‘get back to normal’ it seems like some things may never be the same. As education recruiters, we’ve watched from the side-lines as teachers carried a particularly heavy load. They’ve been holding schools together, trying to give everyone the best outcomes possible – whether in the classroom, remotely, or a combination of the two. It has been no easier for SLTs. Managing student bubbles and keeping everyone safe, and the timetable going was a full time job. Everyday activities, such as recruitment have sometimes been pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Now we’re coming across schools who can’t find the teachers they need. Now we’re coming across schools who can’t find the teachers they need, and teachers who are not excited by the vacancies within reach. It’s frustrating, to say the least. It may seem obvious, but sometimes the perfect…

We are proud of the relationships we build with the education professionals we work with – whether candidates or clients. Our aim is to take a proactive approach in partnership with schools, and a long term view of our candidates’ careers. Fundamentally, we’re a tight-knit team, committed to doing a good job and enjoying the time we spend at work. Our relationship with Pertemps means that we offer an abundance of benefits and a great salary. Our employees also benefit from an award-winning incentive scheme and comprehensive training opportunities. We're hiring! Due to ongoing success, we're looking for an associate permanent recruitment consultant to join us in our office on the outskirts of Halifax, West Yorkshire.  Click here to find out more.