The Challenge

My long-term teaching role was reduced to part time and ended around Easter time. I was looking for a short-term supply job to fill the gap until the summer holidays. I had worked with a different agency before, but decided to try another agency to ensure I was working enough and to also see how the two compared.

A friend sent me the details of Zen, which is how I discovered them. I was initially attracted to them because they promised to pay more money, with less being claimed by the agency as they do not make profits from commission.

The Solution

My previous teaching role with year 1 had been a big time commitment, as I had regularly been working 50-55 hours a week. When I joined Zen, I asked for daily supply work and was hoping for a lighter schedule for a few months.

I have worked in a variety of schools with Zen Education, which has been interesting. They have frequently found me Reception and Nursery roles, which I have particularly enjoyed as a supply teacher. It’s easy to fit in with the free flow activities and usually means an earlier finish as there’s no marking. I also enjoy teaching older grade levels in the school and the teachers and other staff members have been really helpful in assisting me in each new school.

The Results

I now have a permanent job which I begin in September, but Zen has provided helpful work in the interim. I have found it to be a very easy and rewarding process doing guaranteed supply with Zen. Most days Zen have found me work, but on the few days I’ve not worked, I’ve still been paid.

'I have genuinely found all of the staff very friendly, personable, pleasant, helpful and transparent in their communication.'

The booking system is easy. Receiving the bookings by text means that it’s impossible to lose a booking because of missed phone call. In addition, bookings can be confirmed very easily online and reduces the stress of securing a teaching job.

Since the first meeting with the Zen Educate team at the interview, I have genuinely found all of the staff very friendly, personable, pleasant, helpful and transparent in their communication.