FROM: Tim Newton

THE LOCUM REGISTER

I am writing again this year to Heads, Deputies and experienced class teachers who may be interested in an arrangement which has now run successfully for over ten years and which offers opportunities for professional development, while being of immense help to schools in difficult situations.

LOCUM HEADSHIP APPOINTMENTS

There are, unfortunately, occasions when schools suddenly need support because of unforeseen circumstances, such as the illness of the Headteacher. In some cases, of course, an existing member of staff is able to undertake the Head's duties until the situation is resolved. However, there are other instances where, for various reasons, this is not possible and Children's Services are asked to find a suitable replacement at short notice, sometimes within 3 - 4 days. The members of the County Headteacher Service are the first recourse in these situations, but they are limited in number and are usually fully committed elsewhere.

Since 1993, we have kept a register of existing Headteachers and Deputies who are willing to go at short notice to such schools. This letter is an opportunity to start that involvement, or for those currently on the register, an opportunity to re-affirm their availability. Clearly, prior permission has to be sought from Governors before names could be finally included in this register and many Governing Bodies may initially be reluctant to agree. However, for Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers who would value the opportunity to widen their experience and welcome the challenge of responding to a new situation on a temporary basis, this could offer a professional development which could then add value to their own school on their return.

Most governors will also realise the benefits of such valuable professional development of their school's staff. There will also be professional advantages for those members of staff who assume extra responsibility in the absence of the Head or Deputy involved in this scheme. Placements are usually for a term at a time, occasionally 2/3 months and sometimes for 1 or 2 weeks or shorter, to allow a situation to be assessed and a long term placement organised.

Inclusion on the Locum Register does not, automatically, mean that you will be called upon. The Local Authority has to consider a range of factors, such as distance, size and type of school, specific requirements of the receiving school and particular specialisms, before making contact. Nevertheless, it would be immensely helpful if you were able to indicate a willingness and availability, in principle, to participate.

LOCUM TEACHER/DEPUTY HEAD APPOINTMENTS

In 1996 we began a register of teachers willing to use their experience and skills in a senior management role in another school. I would be interested to know of those who would wish to be considered for inclusion on such a register.

If you are interested in either of the above opportunities, I should be grateful if you would complete the attached proforma and return it to Christine Slater, Admin Officer, Room 38 at County Hall as soon as possible. Alternatively, an online application can be made at http://www.esinet.norfolk.gov.uk/core/locumregister/

Fax Back Proforma