Teaching assistants. Using agencies

[Walk24]

A relative is looking for a first teaching assistant job. She has registered with an agency but is also applying for jobs directly with schools.
Once you have been accepted by an agency are there any restrictions on applying to schools directly or applying for jobs through other agencies? Are there any disadvantages with using agencies? Thanks

Depends on the agency. Some will have clauses restricting you from doing so.
In my experience of using agency for supply teachers, we haven’t been able to directly employ the supply teacher for 12 months since they did work unless the school pays a fee.

There are loopholes that you can go through though - but you stand the risk of being sued by the agency..

We’ve never employed anyone who has come to us through the agency. Only used them on long term assignments.

Not necessarily disadvantages, but things to watch out for or check:

When working for an agency, the school can end a contract at any point, which can create a lack of security. However, this works both ways, so a member of staff wouldn’t be trapped working their notice period in a school where they are unhappy.

Earnings are not split over 12 months as they would be in a permanent position, therefore there won’t be anything coming in during August.

Some mortgage companies may not like the above points when considering new applications.

Check what arrangements are in place for pension contributions.
Check also what availability and arrangements there are for on-going training, in particular for refreshing Safeguarding training.

Make sure to be in a union. Unfair working arrangements and allegations against agency staff do occur, meaning that support might be needed and nothing can be done to help someone who joins retrospectively.