Prepare for your first school placement

Your first school placement will be your chance to understand what teaching in a school is really like.

Your provider will work closely with your placement school to get you set up and ready.

Prepare for your first day

Your school should let you know:

• how to access the school building and if there’s a signing in and out process
• what the timings of the school day are and when you’re expected to arrive (this will likely be before the official start of the school day)
• what the dress code is

You should check the distance to your placement school and if there’s parking available, if you’re travelling by car. You can talk to your provider about whether there’s any financial support available for travel.

If your circumstances change, for example, if you move, you should make sure to update your provider as soon as possible.

Professional conduct

Part of the teachers’ standards. This is an external link you’ll be assessed against include your professional conduct.

This will be an important part of being in the classroom and joining the school environment as a member of staff. Think about:

• the dress code
• how you might conduct yourself both in the classroom and out, like in the staffroom
• being on time and avoiding any absences

Access to technology

Your provider will work closely with your placement school to get you set up appropriately for your placement.

You’ll need to know what you’ll have to provide yourself and what your school may be able to help you with.

You’ll likely need access to school systems on your placement, for example, to access planning materials, pupil information or to record homework. You may also need a school email account setting up.

Absence procedures

If you’re ill during your training, it’s important to know how you should communicate this with both your placement school and training provider.

It’s important to let the right people know as soon as possible so any cover can be arranged. You might want to check the school’s website for any key contacts.

Safeguarding and health and safety

Each school will have their own safeguarding policies and health and safety procedures. If you know which placement school you’re going to, you may want to check their website to familiarise yourself with their policies.

You’ll receive safeguarding training from your provider or your school.

You’ll also need to bring ID with you on your first day – this might include your DBS.

You may also want to familiarise yourself with Department for Education’s keeping children safe in education guidance. This is an external link.

Reasonable adjustments

If you need support during your training, you should talk to your school and provider about any reasonable adjustments you may need in place ahead of time.

This includes support for neurodiversity, long-term physical or mental health conditions or other accessibility needs.

Adjustments could include:

• providing copies of presentation materials before training sessions
• printing or photocopying materials on coloured paper
• providing contact details for support staff
• making sure training and teaching areas are wheelchair accessible

You may be eligible for financial support to help cover the costs of any specialist equipment or study-related costs due to a health condition or disability.

Find out more about financial support if you’re disabled. This is an external link.

Behaviour management policies

Each school will have different policies and these could be different from the methods your training provider teaches.

You should talk to your placement school about their specific behaviour policies.

You can also find other behaviour management resources you can take inspiration from.

Lesson planning

You’ll not have to worry about planning any lessons straight away but it’s useful to know what you’ll have access to as your teaching responsibilities grow.

Your placement school might use specific lesson planning resources that you’ll be able to access.

You can also find alternative lesson planning resources and tips.