1st Contact Heads GOLís Expanded Preferred Supplier List to Tackle Teacher Recruitment

The Government Office for London has today confirmed that the Preferred Supplier List of teacher recruitment agencies for the capitalís LEAs has been increased from six to fifteen. Using a rigorous selection process the additional agencies have been chosen to represent the best of their competitive set in terms of value, quality of teachers and service.

A Government Office for London spokesperson said: We always intended to expand the list in time for the start of the Autumn term to give schoolís the best possible choice. The pilot has been a great success so far and we feel that it has given schools quality assurance, teachers with high standards and transparency around value for money. We are sure these strengths will be maintained with the addition of the new agencies to the list.

Online recruitment agency 1st Contact, one of the new agencies on the PSL are specialists in international recruitment, bringing teachers from Australia, South Africa and Australia and placing them in schools across the UK.

1st Contact MD Mike Kaye said: The appointment of 1st Contact onto the GOLís preferred supplier list signifies another milestone in the development of our agency. It reflects our commitment to superior customer service, our investment in teacher attraction, great employees and infrastructure and our desire to be the most competitive agency within our arena. Weíre looking forward to offering schools who we donít currently work with, the opportunity to experience working with our staff and teachers.í

íAustralia, New Zealand and South Africa represent the highest quality of supply teachers and add an international flavour to the school staff line up. We are proud partners of the Government of London and are looking forward to doing everything we can to answer the needs of Londonís LEAs.í Mike Kaye

Stephen Twigg, Minister for London Schools said:
This new initiative on supply agencies should make the market work more effectively to deliver the best quality supply teachers to London schools. The PSL will help schools to make more informed decisions on the agencies they use by providing clear information on services and costs

The Teacher Recruitment and Retention Unit (TRRU), in collaboration with the Association of London Chief Education Officers and Association of London Government, has facilitated the development of the pan London recommended list of preferred supply agencies. The list of agencies is intended to enable Headteachers to access agencies who endeavour to provide better trained teachers. The list also hopes to encourage more value for money. The agency applications were scored and assessed by Headteachers and LEA representatives and will be monitored during the 5 term pilot scheme, running throughout 2004.

Councillor Louisa Woodley, Chair of Education Panel, Association of London Government said: Many London schools are heavily reliant on teachers supply agencies, so itís important that we can ensure that high quality staff can be provided at reasonable costs. This is a joint initiative which promises to bring significant benefits to Londonís schools. Zoe Sharman, Headteacher Charlotte Sharman School, Southwark said: Setting up the recommended preferred supplier list will have a direct impact on childrenís learning that will be positive and measurable.

To speak with Mike Kaye MD of 1st Contact about the expanded PSL and Issues around teacher recruitment contact Hugo Eyre-Varnier on 07711 686535 or email hugo@hugepr.com