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FAQs

Common Questions

The role of a recruitment agency like SENDirect is to act as a bridge between job seekers and employers. We match candidates to suitable job vacancies, handle contract negotiations, ensure compliance, and take care of all the necessary paperwork on behalf of the candidate.

For candidates, using SENDirect means you have a team working to secure you a new job. Our services are completely free, and we provide valuable support with CV preparation and interview advice.

You can register by visiting our registration page.

Once you have registered and uploaded your CV, our consultants can reach out as soon as a suitable job opportunity arises, sometimes even before it’s posted online. You can also set up job alerts and preferences, so you're only notified about roles that interest you.

Yes! You can send your CV using our Quick CV Drop. Once registered, your CV will be directed to the most relevant consultant, who will reach out when a suitable position becomes available.

For each job listing, there is an ‘Apply’ button. Simply click this button and follow the steps to complete your application.

Starting your first contracting job might seem intimidating, but it’s quite simple. Just give us a call, and we’ll guide you through the entire process.

Contracting offers many advantages, particularly financial. Contractors often earn higher pay rates compared to permanent employees, sometimes up to three times more. Pay rates vary depending on your skills and experience.

If you haven’t received a response, the job posting might still be open. Our consultants may review all applications once the position closes. It’s also possible that this particular role wasn’t a fit, but we’ll contact you if another suitable opportunity arises.

Absolutely. You can apply for as many roles as you find suitable.

Unfortunately, you must have a valid work permit to apply for roles through SENDirect. Our compliance team will request evidence of your right to work in the UK, such as your passport, proof of National Insurance, and two recent proofs of address.

Yes, you must disclose any pending or past convictions. Employers will also require a DBS check.

At SENDirect, we believe in equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. As recruiters, we are committed to eliminating bias throughout the recruitment process. For more details, please refer to our diversity policy.

Our services are completely free for candidates. We will never ask you to pay a fee, transfer money, or provide credit card details. If you encounter such requests, it may be a scam. If you have concerns, please contact us immediately for guidance.

Our office is based in Hadleigh, Essex, and we serve clients and candidates across the Essex, London and the home counties.

SENDirect is dedicated to protecting your privacy. All personal or sensitive data is stored on secure servers, and we fully comply with current data protection laws. You can learn more in our privacy policy.

If you wish to have your personal data removed from SENDirect’s database, please let us know via our contact page.

For an interview, it’s best to dress smartly to make a good impression. Ensure your outfit is appropriate, well-fitted, and ironed. 

To help you best understand the world of SEN/SEND, here is a glossary of SEND terms.

 

If you’re currently working with us, simply reach out to your consultant with any updates to your contact information or circumstances. 

Yes, submitting your timesheet weekly is crucial for ensuring timely payment. If you’re unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to contact your consultant for guidance.

If you’ve changed your bank details, inform your consultant immediately to avoid any payment delays. If your consultant isn’t available, you can reach out to the designated contact at our office.

Yes, we do. Your consultant can provide you with all the details and answer any questions you have about using an umbrella company.

If you’re unable to attend work, notify both your SENDirect consultant and your direct supervisor as soon as possible. If your absence is due to illness, keep everyone updated on your condition and expected return date.

If you need to raise a concern, please refer to our complaints procedure to ensure your issue is handled appropriately.

For employers, finding the perfect candidate can be time-consuming and challenging. By partnering with a recruitment agency like SENDirect, employers can access top-quality candidates more quickly. Skilled recruiters bring specialised knowledge, deep market insights, and valuable connections, ensuring a focused and effective service.

If we’ve worked together before, you can simply email the job details to your consultant. If you’re new to SENDirect, please contact us through our website, and we’ll connect you with the best consultant to discuss your needs.

Understanding your needs, mission, values, and culture is crucial for us to provide a personalided service. This knowledge allows us to find candidates who will thrive in your environment.

We employ a range of strategies to source top candidates, including job boards, social media, events, referrals, and our extensive internal database. We also invest in SEO and content marketing to attract quality applicants.

There are several reasons why you should work with SENDirect:

  • Our consultants possess deep expertise in their respective fields, ensuring a smooth recruitment process.
  • We have access to a broad pool of candidates, including those not registered with other agencies.
  • We are driven by results, going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
  • We pride ourselves on being approachable, friendly, and professional.

The timeframe depends on the role, location, and required skills. During our initial briefing, we can provide an estimate of the time needed to find the perfect candidate.

If you have a complaint, please refer to our complaints procedure on our website to ensure your concerns are addressed properly.

Compliance involves a series of checks conducted by our agency to confirm your identity, verify your right to work in the UK, and ensure there are no issues that would prevent you from starting your new role.

A Recruitment Support Officer is responsible for ensuring that all compliance checks are completed before you begin your new job.

Compliance is crucial for ensuring safety and legality. In some cases, it is a legal requirement that must be fulfilled before you can start working. Each employer may have specific compliance needs based on the job role.

We aim to complete your compliance checks as quickly as possible, sometimes even before your interview. This allows us to expedite your start date if you’re offered the position.

The duration depends on the documents required and how quickly you can provide them. Typically, we aim to complete compliance within 3-4 days. Additional time may be needed for a DBS check or extra references.

The required documents vary by role, but generally, we will need:

  • Proof of National Insurance
  • Two proofs of address
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Two references

You will need to provide your passport, proof of National Insurance, and two proofs of address dated within the last three months.

We typically require two references, with one being from your most recent employer. Your Recruitment Support Officer will guide you on any additional reference requirements.

If you don’t have a passport, we will accept your birth certificate, proof of National Insurance, and photo ID.

Acceptable proof of address includes:

  • Utility bills (not mobile phone bills)
  • Council tax statement
  • Bank statements
  • Mortgage statements
  • Government or local council documents
  • Printed P45 or P60

Acceptable proof of National Insurance includes:

  • National Insurance card
  • P45 or P60
  • Payslip
  • Letter from HMRC

Some employers may require a DBS check. Your Recruitment Support Officer will let you know if this is necessary.

Your Recruitment Consultant will introduce you to your Recruitment Support Officer, who will handle compliance matters. If you cannot reach them, call our main office number for assistance.

SEND careers we recruit for include a variety of positions, such as:

  • Teachers
  • Teaching Assistants
  • SEN Teaching Assistants
  • Cover Supervisors
  • School Administrators
  • Exam Invigilators
  • Behaviour Managers
  • Deputy Headteachers
  • Headteachers
 
 

We partner with a wide range of schools, such as:

  • SEMH (PRU) Schools
  • SEND Schools
  • Early Years (EYFS) Schools
  • Primary Schools
  • Secondary Schools
  • Further Education (FE) Colleges

Depending on your situation, the registration requirements may vary, but generally, we ask for:

  • A relevant degree-level teaching qualification (or final year of teacher training)
  • Recent classroom experience (within the last 6 years)
  • A valid UK work visa or EU Passport
  • Relevant ID proof
  • An enhanced DBS check

Similar to teachers, support staff must provide:

  • Classroom or care experience (within the last 2 years)
  • A valid UK work visa or EU Passport
  • Relevant ID proof
  • An enhanced DBS check

Registration with SENDirect is free. The only cost you may face would be for a DBS check, and it is recommended that you subscribe to the Update Service.

If you need to submit a DBS application, you can get more information here.

If you already have a current DBS with the update service subscription, this will speed up your registration.

Yes, final-year students can register as supply teachers. We often help students earn extra income and secure their first full-time teaching positions.

Once you’ve registered and submitted all necessary documentation, you could start working as soon as the next day, depending on how quickly your DBS, ID, and references are cleared.

Absolutely! Many of our candidates are recent graduates, particularly those with degrees in fields like psychology, which are highly valued in SEND schools.

SENDirect processes payments weekly, provided we have received a signed and approved timesheet for the work completed.

Pay rates for teachers and support staff depend on your experience, qualifications, and the roles you take on. We ensure competitive pay rates that meet your expectations during registration.

Yes, all pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay.

For most Local Authority SEND roles, at least one year of relevant experience is typically required. These positions often demand immediate contribution with minimal training, so experience within a Local Authority or significant senior-level experience in SEND is essential.

Interim contracts typically last between 6 to 9 months, though some may extend longer depending on the Local Authority's needs. As your contract nears its end, we’ll explore the possibility of extensions or help you secure your next role. Our consultants focus on providing continuous employment opportunities.

In many cases, yes! Some clients allow completely remote work, though others may require occasional office presence. If you prefer a fully remote position, let one of our consultants know, and they’ll help find a suitable opportunity for you.

Generally, a 4-week notice period isn’t a problem, but it’s always best to confirm with the consultant managing the vacancy, as some councils may have more urgent needs.

While most of our clients seek full-time workers due to long-term needs or additional support, part-time roles do occasionally become available. However, they are less frequent compared to full-time opportunities.

We recruit for a variety of roles, including:

  • SEND Officers
  • EHCP Writers
  • EHCP Coordinators
  • Educational Psychologists
  • Heads of Education
  • Senior SEND Practitioners

We primarily partner with Local Authorities across the Essex and London, as well as the home counties. If you have a specific authority in mind, please reach out to discuss opportunities further.

SENDirect will never request payment for services, cash transfers, or credit card details. The only possible cost is for a DBS check, which is paid directly to the DBS service. If anything seems suspicious, contact us immediately for guidance.

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