The Importance of providing excellent rates of pay for teachers
Schools Mutual Services (SMS) stands out in the education sector by prioritising people over profits. This ethos is critical, especially when it comes to ensuring that teachers are paid fairly for their invaluable contributions. Here’s why providing excellent rates of pay to teachers is so important, and how SMS is leading the way in this endeavour.
With over 40 years’ experience in education management and resourcing, Schools Mutual Services deeply understands the philosophy and direction of trusts and schools. This understanding allows SMS to provide candidates who seamlessly fit into existing workforces, thereby supporting and enhancing the performance of current staff. By focusing on the unique needs of each school, SMS ensures that the best possible candidates are placed in roles where they can truly make a difference.
Unlike private recruitment companies, any profits made by SMS are reinvested back into the education sector. This reinvestment helps to improve the overall quality of education, benefiting both schools and students. It’s a model that prioritises the long-term health of the education sector over short-term financial gains.
Excellent rates of pay
One of the most significant advantages of SMS is its commitment to fair pay for supply staff. According to an article by Tes, variability in pay is a major issue for supply teachers, with 26% of readers surveyed earning less than £100 per day.
SMS is dedicated to ensuring that teachers receive the pay they deserve. If you are a qualified teacher working with SMS, you will receive a salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. This commitment to fair compensation helps to maintain the quality of education by ensuring that qualified teachers remain in the profession.
SMS is a mutual organisation owned by the schools that use its services. It is governed by a board of key executives who are currently active in education. This governance structure ensures that SMS remains focused on what’s best for education, rather than what’s best for shareholders.
The new Labour government says it will raise £1.5 billion from its plans to apply VAT and business rates to private schools. This money will fund various areas, including its plan to recruit 6,400 teachers. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. Many teachers are moving to supply roles for the flexibility they offer, especially when dealing with tight budgets and inflexible working conditions.
Supply teaching can be an attractive option for those looking for a better work-life balance or for those returning from maternity leave. However, the lack of fair pay and flexibility in the market can drive teachers away from the profession altogether.
Number one priority
The supply teaching market is here to stay, but it faces significant challenges. Many agencies view it as a cash cow, exploiting both schools and teachers for profit. This approach is not only morally wrong but also detrimental to the education sector. SMS, on the other hand, operates with a fixed market rate that is generally up to 50% less than competitors. This model ensures that schools can afford to hire qualified supply teachers without sacrificing quality or fairness. Excellent rates of pay is our number one priority.
Schools Mutual Services is a beacon of ethical practice in the education sector. By putting people before profits, ensuring fair pay for teachers, and reinvesting profits back into education, SMS is helping to create a more sustainable and effective education system. As teachers face increasing pressures and challenges, the importance of organisations like SMS cannot be overstated. By valuing and fairly compensating teachers, we can help to retain talented educators and ensure a brighter future for our schools and students.