Why? How? What? Who?
Whether you need help using the Eteach site, or have a question about finding your new job, our growing FAQ section will point you in the right direction. And if not, you can pose your question directly so we can add it in the future.
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What is QTS and how do I get it?
QTS stands for Qualified Teacher Status. This is awarded to a teacher who has completed an appropriate teaching qualification and is deemed to uphold the professional code of the General Teaching Council of England. Only a teacher with QTS can be employed in a maintained, or state school on a permanent contract, with pay according to the qualified teacher pay scale and access to continuing professional development and pension contributions. The most common route to QTS is through the completion of a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) followed by a year’s induction in schools. For full details of the standards for QTS visit: http://www.tta.gov.uk/php/read.php?sectionid=108&articleid=456
Can anyone see my CV if I add it to the site?
When registering you have the option to upload a CV in Word format, which you can make available to agency recruiters listed on Eteach. They can then view your CV each time they add a job relevant to you (based on the criteria in your 'CV details'). Existing members can enable this function by logging in to the site and clicking the ‘membership’ tab in ‘My Eteach’.
What is a CRB and how long is it valid for?
A CRB is the common term used to refer to a background check performed by the Criminal Records Bureau. A clear ‘enhanced disclosure’ from the CRB is an essential pre-requisite for any person who wishes to work with children or vulnerable adults, regardless of their job role.
Enhanced disclosure takes between three and six weeks from initial application. You cannot work in the presence of children or vulnerable adults until this is returned. Under the present DCSF guidelines, a CRB check is valid for three years unless you have a break in service of over three months, in which case a new disclosure will be required. Visit www.crb.org.uk for information on services, your rights and details of the check.
Where do I get information about CRB checks?
Visit www.crb.org.uk. Here you will find information on services, your rights, and information about the check.
What is a spine point?
All teachers working in the maintained sector are paid according to the Main Pay Scale. This ensures that teachers’ pay is proportionate to their experience, level of qualification, level of responsibility and the cost of living in their area.
Classroom teachers begin on the main pay scale (MPS). This is broken down according to location into England and Wales, Inner London, Outer London and Fringe. This scale runs from M1 to M6. Each September teachers move up a point on the scale subject to satisfactory performance. At least one period per week must be completed over a twenty-six week period to count as a ‘year in teaching’.
Upon reaching the top of the main pay scale a teacher will be assessed against eight national standards. If successful they will have the opportunity to be assessed to cross the ‘threshold’ to the upper pay scale (UPS). This scale runs from U1 to U5.
Additional salary points and opportunities to earn are made available for further specialism or responsibility. For full details of teachers pay in the UK visit: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/Management/pay_and_performance/pay/
What is the GTC?
The GTC is the General Teaching Council for England and Wales. The GTC’s role includes improving standards in teaching and in the quality of learning. It’s particularly concerned with professional standards and acts as a regulator of teaching standards, also operating a disciplinary function.
GTC registration is required for all teachers with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) may work in England for up to four years without QTS but if an OTT gains QTS then registration is required.
What is the difference between a state school and an independent school?
There are several types of state schools, forming what is referred to as the ‘maintained sector’. The main difference between maintained and independent schools is in how they are funded.
A maintained school is owned and funded by an external body - usually the local education authority, a charitable organisation or a church foundation. Schools in the maintained sector have to deliver the national curriculum.
An independent school is usually funded by fee-paying parents and is not maintained by the local authority or central government. Such a school is not required to follow the national curriculum, although the majority do.
What is the national curriculum?
The national curriculum (NC) is the outlined educational requirement for pupils of a compulsory school age (5-16yrs). It’s organised on the basis of five key stages: 1 applies to children aged 3-5, 2 & 3 are applicable to primary schools and 4 & 5 to secondary schools. For a comprehensive summary of the national curriculum visit www.nc.uk.net
What is the DCSF?
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is the agency responsible for education in England and is headed by the Secretary of State. The goals of the DCSF are: “to give children an excellent start in education, enable young people to equip themselves with life and work skills and encourage adults to achieve their full potential through learning.” More information on the DCSF can be found on their website at http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/
Where can I find schools that are looking for graduates for the Graduate Teacher Training Programme?
This is a tricky one. In the vast majority of instances the most effective way to find a school to support you through a GTP is by making independent individual applications to all schools in your area. Some positions may be advertised on local education authority websites. Further guidance is available from the GTC helpline on 01254 454444.
I am an NQT. Do I need to join the GTC?
Wait to be contacted. Your university will inform the GTC that you have passed QTS. The GTC will then update its database and send you a certificate.
If I trained as a secondary school teacher, can I work as a primary school teacher?
As long as your PGCE provides you with Qualified Teacher Status it isn’t unusual to move from secondary to primary and vice-versa. But a PGCE in Further Education does not lead to QTS for compulsory phases of education (primary and secondary). It is markedly harder to move from primary to secondary education – a secondary school teacher must have a subject specialism that they can teach up to year 10.
Why is it that, when I conduct a search before logging in, I get more vacancies shown than if I conduct a search after I have logged in?
Schools can specify the location (or country) they wish to receive applications from. It’s most likely that you are unable to apply for certain vacancies as you are not resident in the country in which the position is advertised. Alternatively, you may not have qualifications specified by the advertisers as necessary for the post.
Before applying for positions, please check that you have the relevant qualifications and/or satisfy the specified criteria.
I’ve downloaded an application form from the site in PDF format. What is a PDF?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. To be able to view this document, you will need to install Adobe Reader, which you can download for free from:
www.adobe.com
What requirements and qualifications do I need to become a teacher in ICT?
Have a look on the Training and Development Agency’s website www.tda.gov.uk. They should be able to offer advice. Alternatively, you can call the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.