As a trauma-informed school, our staff are our most important resource. We are committed to ensuring their wellbeing is a priority, as a healthy staff team is an effective one and this, in turn, has such a powerful effect on our pupils’ wellbeing.
At New River College, we’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic and dedicated staff who are interested in supporting our students to be the best they can be and in developing their own careers and teaching skills. We offer weekly training on all our sites, as well as actively encouraging the continuing professional development (CPD) of all staff to enhance their skills through attending training and visiting other schools and alternative provisions.
We offer our staff the following commitments and benefits:
Competitive pay – All teachers and support staff in Islington receive Inner London Weighting in recognition of high living costs. In addition, all NRC teachers and support staff receive a SEND allowance in recognition of the skills needed to support our students.
Staff supervision – All staff have a fortnightly one-to-one supervision meeting with their line manager. These meetings include wellbeing check-ins, and an opportunity to discuss work concerns with managers and get their support with day-to-day issues. The outcomes of these meetings are noted on the one-to-one template, signed, and copies are kept by staff and their line manager.
Open-door policy – Our line managers have an open-door policy for staff to discuss any wellbeing concerns that can't wait until the one-to-one supervision meeting. If unavailable at the time, line managers will try to be available at the end of the day, or staff can meet with another line manager who can provide support and feedback to their line manager.
Reflective practice – Staff can also request one-to-one support from NRC's CAMHS clinicians to discuss any concerns.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – EAPs offer employees free, confidential and independent support to help them balance their work, family and personal lives. Our EAP is unrivalled in its cost-effectiveness, breadth of services and use of technology to offer the most comprehensive range of support for our staff.
Tax-free childcare scheme – To qualify for this government scheme, parents have to be in work for at least 16 hours a week and earning not more than £100,000 per year. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare.
Subsidised fitness club membership – In January, June and October, NRC staff can apply for special membership of the seven council-owned leisure centres in Islington managed by GLL (also called Better). The offer is for GLL's Better Health and Fitness membership which includes access to gyms, swimming pools and group exercise classes. For more information, click here.
Tax-free bicycle loan scheme – A partnership between NRC and Cyclescheme, this scheme offers a loan for staff (paid for via the school's HR team) with up to 42% off a bike of their choice. To qualify, staff must have completed six months’ service, be on a permanent contract (or if on fixed-term contract, have one year remaining) and be earning not less than the minimum wage.
Interest-free season ticket loans – These allow staff to buy an annual travelcard; the loan is recovered over 10 monthly payments.
Welfare loan – Staff experiencing financial hardship can request a loan of up to £500, which must be repaid over a maximum of six months. Admin and interest charges apply.
Eye tests and glasses – If staff use a computer for two or more hours each day, they are entitled to a free eye test every three years and, depending on their prescription, free basic lenses and frames. Costs associated with the test will be covered by the school.
Long service award – Employees in post after October 2001 will receive a £250 long service award after 20 years’ service with Islington or 25 years’ service in local government.
Please note that in line with KCSIE 2022 and safer recruitment practices, New River College will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence. This will include a request for their online platform usernames/alias.
We regret that we are unable to sponsor visa applications.