CAN’T GET THE STAFF?

MOXI BRINGS YOU CLASSROOM-READY CANDIDATES

One former head teacher’s struggle to secure classroom-ready staff for his school has led to the launch of Moxi, a specialist education recruitment and training company, which is set to revolutionise the way the sector sources talent. 

Moxi offers a nationwide service to fill schools’ recruitment needs at all levels, from support staff and teaching assistants to classroom teachers and senior management leadership professionals. It also specialises in supplying qualified professionals to support special educational needs. 

RECRUITMENT FOR EDUCATORS, DESIGNED BY EDUCATORS

Founder, James Lowe has over 16 years’ experience in the education sector. Having been headteacher at specialist independent school EdStart for 9 years, James now owns and runs EdStart, whilst also sitting at the helm of Grolife, a group of organisations all designed to support the education sector.

With EdStart schools spanning five sites across Greater Manchester recruiting quality teams was proving harder and harder.  Frustration and disillusionment with both the process and the quality of candidates finally prompted James to launch Moxi, bringing his hard-earned expertise to shake up education recruitment.

Moxi matches schools with candidates who are well trained and primed to hit the ground running in a range of education settings, so they are ready to serve the varying needs of pupils.  Like James, the whole Moxi team has worked at the coalface of education, meaning they understand the sector’s unique challenges.

James said: ‘’Over the years in my various management roles in schools, I’ve faced the situation of either having no support when short staffed or accepting support that is very much below par. This isn’t fair on the pupils, whose education suffers, or the existing staff who are already working incredibly hard to ensure every child receives the education and pastoral care they deserve. I’m passionate about helping schools to source the teams they need so they that they can continue to do the great job they do despite the challenges they face.”

For schools struggling to recruit, the latest Department for Education (DfE) figures will come as no surprise: there has been an 8 per cent fall in the number of people entering initial teacher training.  What’s more, only 82 per cent of secondary teachers needed for England in the 2021 -2022 academic year have been recruited.**

Moxi’s answer is to harness, and – importantly – train, talent from both inside and outside of the sector. As part of its recruitment service, Moxi offers a unique training provision which benefits schools seeking high-quality candidates as well as people looking for a role in the education sector who are keen to build their employability skills and boost their confidence. 

James said: ‘’We called the business Moxi, taking inspiration from the word ‘moxie’ which means confidence and determination. From my years at the frontline in schools, I know that skills can be taught, but natural energy and attitude are everything. That’s why we’re excited to help unlock the potential of people from outside the sector, or those just starting out in their career, who can bring invaluable transferable skills to a rewarding profession.

‘’From recent graduates who hadn’t considered teaching as a career option, to people returning to work after a career break, and even former professional sports people, there’s a wealth of talent just waiting to be accessed. We’re seeing lots of students, who are about to graduate in subjects like geography, sports science or sociology.  They’re not sure what to do with their degrees, and you can see that lightbulb moment when they realise teaching could be for them.  Our training course opens this door, it’s free to candidates and sets them up to feel confident and ready for an exciting new challenge.’’  UNIQUE TRAINING FOR CLASSROOM-READY CANDIDATES

Thanks to its close partnership with EdStart specialist schools, Moxi offers the unique opportunity for candidates to be trained at its own education facilities.  With a range of training available, its free, entry level course is already proving popular. Knowing that job seekers need flexibility to fit around their current work, study or job-hunting commitments, the course quickly readies them for success.  Totalling two weeks’ training, this very flexible course includes three days’ face-to-face learning in the ‘live’ EdStart educational setting, guided by a learning mentor. This is followed by online training, with modules that can be completed to fit around the candidate’s own timetable. From managing behaviours to working with additional needs, the training offers candidates a real competitive edge.

Further courses available through Moxi include teacher training with affiliated universities, the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ and to access part and fully funded training.

GAME-CHANGING CAREER SWITCH FROM PROFESSIONAL SPORT TO A CAREER IN EDUCATION

Stuart Howarth, 31 years old, enjoyed a successful career in rugby, playing in the Super League over 100 times, including for his hometown team Wigan Warriors. Ready for a change in direction, he has now built a rewarding career as a teacher at EdStart. He said: 

“Moving into EdStart gave me all the training and support I could have wished for in pivoting my career. It meant the world to me that the team recognised the value in my transferable skills as a sportsman.  Through the launch of Moxi, the team behind EdStart is now able to open doors for many more people, supporting them through the next steps in their career.  This will make a huge difference to lots of people’s professional woes. I, for one, am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for science and make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable students.’’

HOW TO SPOT A MOXI CANDIDATE

James added: ‘’You can spot a Moxi candidate a mile off.  They’re calm, confident and classroom ready. They’re professional, well presented and fully prepared. It’s a win-win formula: schools can feel confident they’ll get the resource they need with Moxi supporting their recruitment, pupils are given the education and care they deserve, and candidates have a positive experience in education, helping attract and retain much-needed talent in the sector.’’