THE NORTH East’s fastest growing education recruitment agency has opened a new office in Northumberland to meet increasing demand for its services in the county.
North Tyneside-based First Class Supply has been working in partnership with schools across the region for almost twelve years and is the largest supply provider in Northumberland.
The 18-strong-team, led by Lesley Robinson and Steph Boulton and which includes education professionals and ex-headteachers, has built a well-deserved reputation for investing in the community.
The team were highly commended at the recent North East Charity Awards in the “Outstanding Charity Support” category in recognition of partnerships with organisations including the Newcastle United Foundation and Seven Stories, as well as supporting schools with their specific projects.
Now to further improve the service they provide to their high number of partner schools in Northumberland, First Class Supply has opened a second office in the state-of-the-art Blyth Workspace on the town’s Quayside.
The Arch Northumberland development on Commissioner’s Quay opened earlier this year and provides contemporary facilities for meetings and training courses offered by the company.
Director Lesley Robinson said: “We work to build true partnerships with schools and ensure all our teaching staff feel valued. As we are the largest supply provider in Northumberland, it made sense to bring some of our staff closer to them.
“Blyth Workspace is a fabulous environment to work in and an ideal venue for hosting the many training courses we deliver to our schools and supply staff”.
The first course to be delivered from the office will be the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) programme for schools, which has already been met with high demand.
Government data shows that around three children in every class have a diagnosable mental health disorder.
The issue was the major topic at the seventh Schools North East Annual Summit in October, which included an official announcement of a North East Commission into the mental health of pupils, made by Schools North East Director, Mike Parker and resonated by HM Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw in his keynote speech.
Co-Director Steph Boulton added: “First Class Supply have been working with health professionals in this area for some time now and we are pleased to be providing a nationally recognised Mental Health First Aid programme, licenced by MHFA England to our partner schools.
“The first course is taking place on November 30 and December 1 this year and will be followed by a rolling programme of courses starting in January 2016.”
