Community Impact of the Year
4myschools have been shortlisted for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation prestigious Community Impact of the Year award 2023.
Choice and control
4myschools has invested in technology to revolutionise the choice and control that teachers and support staff have in schools. Via Updatedge we have given more work to supply staff in local schools they prefer to work with and to earn more by working more often when they are available.
More earning potential
4myschools priority was to improve the earning potential of supply staff in schools. Supply teachers and Support Staff often struggle to communicate with agencies and hirers, frequently receiving calls while they are already working, which leaves them with little choice of shifts and often feeling obligated to accept any work offered. This situation can give agencies a bad reputation, as teachers feel excluded from the process or believe they are not being treated with honesty and transparency. However, this is not always the case.
Better communications
When running a busy teacher supply desk, time becomes the greatest enemy, making it challenging to speak with everyone. Teachers and TA’s may be registered with several agencies, and therefore, we decided to invest in Updatedge to help them effectively communicate with all their agencies and hirers through a single app and hirers platform.
Levelling the field of supply work
This lack of equality between recruitment businesses, hirers, and supply staff in schools can result in agencies having a disproportionate amount of control, deciding who gets to work, when, and where. Our ambition has been to level the playing field, supporting teachers and schools with greater symmetry, transparency, choice, and control.
By doing so, we aimed to enhance the reputation of agencies with supply staff and schools and provide recruitment consultants with more time and a better work-life balance.
Empowering Supply Teachers
Through our innovative investment in Updatedge, we have significantly improved communications and eliminated some administrative overhead of managing communications between schools and supply teachers. We have empowered teachers, support staff and schools by providing them with access to highly innovative, free-to-use software via Updatedge.
Reducing Carbon footprint
More local work means a reduction in carbon footprint. It also supports supply teachers and support staff to reduce their commute saving them money and staying local to support their local community.
Reducing disruption for schools
The ability of schools to see the availability of local supply teachers and Support Staff, to offer work to via contacts represented by any agency has significantly improved transparency. Updatedge has reduced the disruption of no one available to cover classes and enabled schools to see through the platform who is available to offer work themselves, 24/7, removing uncertainty and delay. Schools can add their own direct temporary staff giving them more accurate management information about who is working when and deliver efficiencies in their schools enabling them to employ more local effective temporary teachers.
In the past recruitment consultants were required to relay messages between supply teachers and schools, this is no longer the case with the software service, schools and teachers communicate directly via chat. Direct communications have significantly improved outcomes for all parties Improving communications has enabled expectations to be accurately set, uncertainties addressed removing reliance on the busy recruiters who may misunderstand and are trying to represent many other supply teachers and schools too.
Improved communications have led to less misunderstandings and increased productivity, all parties are empowered to be more effective with what the job entails, resulting in happier teachers and schools.
Schools impact communities in many ways
Schools are not just educational institutions; they impact communities, playing a pivotal role that extends far beyond the classroom. As centres of learning, growth, and social interaction, a schools community impact is integral to the fabric of society, contributing to the well-being and development of both students and community at large.
It is important we invest in our schools community impact the following reasons.
Education as the Foundation
At its core, the primary function of a school is education. It equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become responsible, informed citizens. Education empowers individuals to pursue their dreams, achieve their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. In doing so, schools lay the foundation for a prosperous and enlightened community.
Fostering Social Cohesion
Schools bring together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and unity. They are melting pots where students learn to appreciate differences, respect one another, and build lasting friendships. In this way, schools play a vital role in breaking down barriers and nurturing a sense of belonging among community members.
Community Services Hub
Many schools serve as community service hubs, providing access to essential resources such as healthcare clinics, counselling services, adult education programs, and recreational facilities. These services not only benefit students but also extend a helping hand to families and individuals within the community who may otherwise have limited access to such support.
Economic Impact
Schools contribute significantly to the local economy. They create jobs for teachers, administrative staff, and support personnel. Additionally, they stimulate economic activity by attracting businesses, professionals, and families to the area. A thriving school can enhance property values and attract investments, benefiting the entire community.
Cultural and Artistic Hub
Schools often serve as centres for cultural and artistic activities. They host concerts, exhibitions, and performances that enrich the cultural life of the community. These events provide opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and cultural exchange, enriching the lives of students and community members alike.
Lifelong Learning
Schools are not limited to serving only the young. They offer opportunities for lifelong learning, adult education, and skill development. Whether it’s evening classes, vocational training, or community workshops, schools empower individuals of all ages to continue their personal and professional growth.
Civic Engagement
Schools instil a sense of civic responsibility and engagement in students. They educate future voters and community leaders, teaching the principles of democracy and the importance of active participation in local governance. Schools often serve as polling stations during elections, reinforcing their role in the democratic process.
Emergency Response and Support
In times of crisis, schools can serve as emergency shelters and support centres. They provide a haven for residents during natural disasters or other emergencies, showcasing their importance as community pillars in times of need.
In conclusion, schools are the lifeblood of local communities, nurturing the intellectual, social, and economic well-being of the community they serve. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the present and future of communities by fostering education, unity, offering work opportunities and growth. Recognising and supporting the vital role of schools in their local communities is essential for the overall development and prosperity of society.
In conclusion, schools are the lifeblood of local communities, nurturing the intellectual, social, and economic well-being of the residents they serve. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the present and future of communities by fostering education, unity, and growth. Recognising and supporting the vital role of schools in their local communities is essential for the overall development and prosperity of society.
If you would like to find out more or register, please get in touch today click here or call 01245 353808
Here’s what supply teachers have to say about us.
