As the government recently announced that the introduction of ID cards will be delayed across the nation, a growing teacher recruitment agency, Step Teachers, has taken the decision to issue all their supply teachers with ID cards, which they will carry with them on assignments. Founder, Marios Georgiou explains how they have come to this decision: “We are aware that there has been a lot of discussion in the media over whether the issuing of ID cards is an infringement of civil liberties, but having recently been awarded the Quality Mark in recognition of our strict vetting and recruitment procedures, we felt that the addition of ID cards, was the icing on the cake. We wanted to offer our client schools an extra reassurance that the teacher, who arrives at the school for the assignment, is who they say they are.” Since the cards were issued a few weeks ago, none of Step Teachers’ teachers have complained about having the ID card, and in fact they have only given positive feedback as have their client schools. “I do not see a problem with carrying a photo ID card. I have nothing to hide and I am happy to feel that I am doing my part in making sure that the children are safe. I do not see it as an infringement of my civil liberties in this context.” Hugh Senior, Professional Supply Teacher Step Teachers has each day, on average, over 100 teachers working on temporary assignments in schools across the UK and the introduction of these ID cards will act as just one more security check for schools employing supply teachers, who have to protect their children.
Editor Notes
Step Teachers provides quality supply teachers and teacher recruitment services to primary and secondary schools across the country. The company was founded in 2000 by former teachers, Marios Georgiou and James Newman and holds the DCSF Quality Mark. They believe in building relationships with their clients, both schools and teachers, and in using a personalized approach to ensure that their real needs and requirements are met. To register or to speak to someone about supply teaching needs Step Teachers can be contacted by phone on: 0800 026334 or through their website: www.stepteachers.co.uk. PR and Promotions handled by TJL Marketing. For more information or images, please contact Karen Kennard at:TJL Marketing65 High Street, Happened, Hertfordshire, AL5 2SLTel: 01582 464048E-mail: [email protected]
