Matt’s off to a flying start with awardwinning supply teacher agency
VES is an established provider of temporary staff to schools across south Wales. Founded in 2009 it has quickly become the go-to agency for schools across Wales looking to fill their vacancies with experienced and inspiring supply teachers. VES’ success has led it to establish three offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Llantrisant and Swansea.
Not only is it one of Wales’ fastest growing supply teaching agencies but it has also won awards for the standard of its service. It’s also the first Welsh company to achieve the APSCo Compliance + accreditation. So, if you’re looking for short or long term placement opportunities, VES can help.
VES has an experienced team to work with you on all aspects of the recruitment service.
For candidates
Working with VES you will have a dedicated account manager to ensure it provides a quality service to you, there’s also a payroll department in house for you to contact with queries.
For schools
Each school has a committed account manager who works closely with them to understand their recruitment needs. Whether you’re looking for long or short-term cover, VES is committed not just to filling your vacancy, but also to ensuring it finds a candidate who is the perfect match for your school.
VES responds immediately to all requests, even during evenings and weekends, and keeps in regular contact throughout the process to inform you of progress. If you prefer the continuity of hiring the same teachers or classroom assistants, VES can help you create a preferred staff listing for your school. You can even use VES’ premises to meet or interview prospective candidates.
CASE study:
MATTHEW Stevens
Matt is 26 years old from Clydach, Swansea, and was born in Wales where he was also educated. He has been registered with VES since 2016 and initially worked as a teaching assistant (TA) for VES while he was completing and passing his QTS tests.
He qualified from Plymouth University in 2017 with a BEd and was placed in his first school placement at Glyncollen, just a stone’s throw from his home in April of that year.
Before realising his passion for education, he went to Tycoch College to do electrical installation following in his father’s footstep who was an electrician. However, Matt decided to change his course and enrol in an access course in education – he has never looked back.
His speciality is SEN (Special Educational Needs) and his passion and determination for giving back stems from his brother and the impact education has had on his development.
Matthews’ brother was born with half a brain; deaf, dumb and blind at birth – the family were told he wouldn’t live past the age of five.
Fast forward to today and his brother is now 24 and has his own speech, which Matt and his family de-code. He attends Swansea Vale five times a week and calls it “work”… as his older brother, Matthew bursts with pride when he talks about him.
Education has been a massive part of his life and Matt truly believes that his development and life span has exceeded expectations as a direct result of attending school.
Matt said: “I want to give back. I have no doubt that education, learning and encouragement of language development; as well as being around others has enabled my brother to thrive and have a life. He’s still with us at his age when no one expected him to be alive… it’s got to be down to his education and the teaching he’s received, as well as having a wonderful upbringing and care at home by my parents.”
Matthews’ passion
As well as education, Matt is passionate about sport and has been participating since an early age. He played rugby and football from the age of 11 and plays bowls three times a week for Sketty as the “skip”. Matt is really humble and didn’t like to refer to himself as the captain… despite him being a crucial part and directing the team. He also likes to go out and play golf after a busy week of teaching.
Why VES?
Matt was impressed with VES and is one of its GPS (Guaranteed Payment Scheme) teachers, which enables Matthew to have stability with regards to his working week and a guaranteed week of paid work. VES is supporting Matt with finding his NQT placement year, and finding him a suitable school will not be difficult, as he is highly regarded by every school he visits and always asked to return.
What’s next?
Matthew has got a plan…
“I’ve got a life plan… by the time I’m 40/45 I’d like to be headteacher of a school. So I have a few things to put in place by then don’t I. I plan to really ‘graft’ out and would like to work through the different classes and ages to work out my teaching ability and style.
SEN is my speciality and I have also worked in secondary schools through VES, so I’m open to any new opportunities that are presented to me.” Matthew now needs to find a placement for his NQT year.
Matthew continues:“I would recommend agency work and supply teaching through VES to anyone looking to sample what’s on offer. I have been with VES for two years and it is considerate of my preferences, while also encouraging me to work at a wide range of schools and key stages.
“This has undoubtedly benefited me and supported my development as a teacher.
“I am guaranteed payment through its GPS scheme and feel really valued as a result.”
■ VES is an award-winning supply teaching agency. Find out what VES can do for you.
Merthyr Tydfil 01685 788018 Llantrisant 01443 629225 Swansea 01792 359359 www.valleyeducation.co.uk