Complete job satisfaction - What does it look like?

There have been many moments in my career that have given me complete job satisfaction, its probably why I have stayed in Education recruitment so long, however last week’s trip to Skilts school was one that will stick with me for a while.

Two weeks ago I was contacted by one of my candidates- Heath who I had recently placed at an alternative provision school for boys as Head teacher. He explained he had an idea to create a VIP Room which would be the pivotal and highest tier of motivation for the Primary aged boys. “The concept is to provide a highly stimulating, sensory area that can be accessed by boys who have been fully engaged in learning and have displayed exemplary behaviour throughout the school day”.

He wanted my help in finding donations for the room and gave me a ‘shopping list’ of the most expensive items I had ever seen! He said he had asked the boys to write a wish list of things they would like to see in there and they included; PlayStation, gaming chairs, huge Lego sets and a million other things on the expensive range. So I got onto it – calling a number of local businesses with some success and emailing around the Smile office to find out if anyone knew anyone who could help. I didn't expect much of a response as these were big ticket items, however I was blown away by the generosity of the Smile consultants who all teamed together to donate some fab things for the great cause. Together we donated: A pool table, a football table, some gaming chairs, some Xbox one game, a flat screen TV and a huge collection of DVDS! Because of the generosity of the consultants and other businesses Heath was able to start a second room which would be a Fun room; this would be the second tier of motivation after the VIP Room and Ollie in Year 4 suggested its name. This resource room is for those pupils who have made significant improvement and progress but just fall short of meeting the criteria for accessing the VIP Room.

The key focus areas for all boys in order to access this area are

* To be fully engaged in learning

*To never give up on a task, showing resilience

* To display safe behaviour and choices

* Show respect for their environment

 We were then invited in to take a look at the progress the boys were already making as a result of the two rooms. We were met by some boys who had been clearing out a disused part of the building in preparation for the new pool table and were really excited to be creating the Fun room themselves. As we walked around the school we were met with thanks and gratitude for the donations by both the boys and staff. We could see Heaths initiative already having a positive influence.

If you are able to help with donations for Skilts special school's VIP room, please contact Heath Mason - the headteacher at the school 01527 85385

All in all a great week for me in terms of job satisfaction; A Headteacher I placed was doing everything he had promised to do to make the lives of the children in his school better, the colleagues I work with selflessly came together for a cause that doesn’t directly influence their own business and I had that wonderful feeling that the job I am doing is making a difference!

A special shout out to Jaleesa, Olivia and Nicola who donated some pretty hefty items. You are wonderful people! Smile Education are always on the lookout for like – minded, hardworking Education consultants, so if you are interested in working for a team who really work as a team, please get in touch with Managing Director Katy Rees [email protected]