Key Education Services owner Samantha Dyson is putting out an appeal to teachers who are thinking of returning to work, but do not necessarily want a permanent job, to get in touch. Key Education Services, a long established, independent teaching agency is one of the newest residents at The EpiCentre in Haverhill.
Samantha says: “Please give us a call to discuss your requirements. Supply teaching is a great way for qualified teachers to stay in, or return to teaching, whilst having the flexibility to spend time on their hobbies and other commitments they may have.”
“We are looking for teachers who are qualified, reliable and flexible. Retired teachers often think they are too old to do supply but the experience they can offer is invaluable and they can choose the days they want to work” adds Samantha.
She says that following COVID it became difficult to recruit teachers as the pandemic had a major impact on family life and many took it as an opportunity to step back from teaching, to retire or change career.
“We are now rebuilding the number of teachers on our books and whilst we have had an influx this academic year, as we get into spring with short-term and long-term sickness, there is a further call on our services from schools dealing with teacher shortages,” comments Samantha.
“It is a competitive market and therefore, response time and the calibre of teacher is really key,” says Samantha. “As an independent agency we have high standards and are pro-active in our communication with the schools.”
Key Education Services is a member of the Recruitment & Employment Federation (REC) and is independently audited every two years to ensure all legislation is adhered to. “We are placing people to work with children, and it is not something you can cut corners on, so our vetting procedures go above and beyond, and it dictates whether we place a teacher or not.”
Samantha comes from the local area and has two small children. She attended Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill, and after time spent working for agencies such as Adecco, in 2018 she bought the company that her mother originally set up in 2006.
Of The EpiCentre she says: “It is perfect for our needs, with different companies to talk to and networking events to attend. From a rental point of view, it is cost competitive. The fact that they offer business support advice as part of the rent is a unique bonus; as a small business you do not always have a big team to bounce ideas off and get some clarity. The building is modern and spacious, and the broadband is reliable which takes away a lot of stress!”
Andrew Bell, centre manager at The EpiCentre, says: “We are very happy to have Sam and her team from Key at The EpiCentre providing a very important service to the educational sector and wish her well.”
