Ray Philpott

31^st January 2001 Ros Hill

01603 222363

It has become apparent that some schools have had difficulties recruiting supply teachers. In addition, a number of schools have reported problems in accessing the supply list on the Intranet.

Education Personnel Services has contacted a number of schools about these problems and after careful consideration I have decided that a number of measures should be taken to improve our support to schools. These measures and some advice on the situation are detailed below.

An up-to-date paper copy of the supply list is enclosed as well as some more detailed guidelines on accessing the supply list on the Norfolk Education Service Intranet.

The main benefits of accessing the supply list on the Intranet are that it is updated on a daily basis as new supply teachers become available on the list. We would hope that eventually all schools will be able to access the list conveniently and if paper copies are needed for home etc use, schools can print them as required. However, paper copy updates will be supplied to schools in the future, half-termly on a request basis until the end of this academic year. The situation will then be reviewed in full consultation with schools. If you wish to receive paper copy updates regularly, please complete the attached form and return it in the envelope (you will of course have to be subscribing to an appropriate Education Personnel package of services). These changes will be at no extra charge to schools already subscribing.

Education Personnel Services will also be strengthening its support to schools in monitoring the availability and placement of supply teachers and assisting with redeployment situations. This would also include further encouragement of leavers/retirers to be available for supply teaching and to register for the supply list. These changes will be at no extra charge to schools.

Work is being undertaken to allow applicants for work as supply teachers to be able to apply on-line. This will speed up the recruitment process and increase efficiency. This facility should be in place by September 2001.

Education Personnel Services is developing a new service for schools to assist when schools have explored and exhausted their normal sources of supply, including:

• schools' own supply list
• the Norfolk County Council supply list
• teacher supply agencies
• local sources, including other Headteachers and colleagues.

School Day mornings 7.00 am - 9.00 am

School Day early evenings 5.30 pm - 8.30 pm

There would be one telephone number and two members of staff on standby. A charge will be made for contacting the service leading to a search. If the search is unsuccessful no further charge will be made. If the search is successful a further charge will be levied.

Education Personnel Services are currently sorting out the final details of this service and schools will be written to by half-term. The intention is to commence the service after half-term. This service will be introduced on a trial basis for the rest of the half-term until Easter and its success and practicality will be evaluated during this period. Obviously the service will only be successful if schools use it as a last resort - if it is not used within this spirit and intention, it will not succeed as there is likelihood that the service could be overloaded. You should also be aware that staff providing this service will have an up-to-date list of teacher availability but do not have a supplementary pool of teachers.

Work is also being undertaken to research and evaluate the possibility of the County Council organising a Supply Teacher Agency for schools. This will take some time to develop but will be considered in close consultation with Headteachers. It is unlikely that such a service could be introduced in 2001 but work will proceed on this as quickly as possible.

Finally, I would like to say that the LEA is aware of the problems affecting schools and will do its very best to assist and support Heads and staff in schools. If there are any extreme problems or issues schools wish to raise do not hesitate to contact your School Improvement Support Officer or Education Personnel Services as appropriate.

Yours sincerely

 Bryan Slater

Director of Education