Call for retired teachers to come back to Cornish classrooms as staff absences rise
It's feared the Omicron variant could trigger a higher demand for supply staff than ever before
A plea is going out for retired teachers in Cornwall to return to the classroom amid rising staff absences.
Opus Education Recruitment, based in the Duchy, says more and more are having to isolate because of coronavirus and it is tough to find supply.
Now they are supporting the government's appeal in asking former teachers, teaching assistants and support staff to all come back and help local schools.
The Cornish recruitment agency fears that the Omicron variant will increase staff absences in the new year, meaning that the demand for supply teachers and support staff will be higher than ever.
Those who are recently retired, or trained as a teacher and moved career, are being called to consider whether they can find even a day a week for the spring term to help protect face-to-face education.
Spokesperson Megan White-Jones told us: "We've seen a massive shift, particularly at the end of the autumn term so November and December, where schools were having to close entire classes because we couldn't get supply staff to cover those lessons because teachers were having to isolate.
"It's something that we've seen more prevalent since Omicron and more of the absences from schools, that we want teachers whoever they are to return to classrooms particularly in Cornwall where it is so rural and there is such a demand down here to help students who have already lost out on so much.
"It is those things that you get in the playground playing with your friends and learning those life skills, we could potentially have a generation that doesn't have those skills if we don't get teachers back into the classroom."
How to register
- Contact the Team to Register your Interest
- Attend a Virtual Interview with one of our Safer Recruitment Trained Consultants.
- Complete the Opus Education Recruitment Registration Form
- Complete Opus Education Recruitment Vetting Checks
- Complete the Opus Education Recruitment Safeguarding Training Package
I have no experience in Schools, can I help?
Yes, you can! Experience is not compulsory for signing up for work as a Teaching Assistant or Support Staff with Opus Education Recruitment.
Essential Requirements to become a Teaching Assistant:
 GSCE Maths and English (Grade C or Above) or Equivalent
 Right to Work in the UK
 Sense of personal drive and ambition
 High levels of energy and enthusiasm
 Approachability, openness, and integrity
 Resilient individual
 A good sense of humor and good interpersonal and communication skills
 Absolute discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
Opus Education recruitment say they will offer comprehensive training for new and former Teaching Assistants and Support Staff.
You can find more information on getting involved here.