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Your First Day in a New School or Education Setting: What You Need to Know

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:42:39 +0100

Starting work in a new school or education setting can feel daunting, whether this is your first role in education or simply your first day somewhere unfamiliar.

You are not expected to know every learner, routine or system when you arrive. Your priorities are to understand your role, follow the setting’s safeguarding procedures, learn how the day works and ask whenever you are unsure.

This practical first-day guide is for teachers, teaching assistants, HLTAs, cover supervisors, learning support assistants and other education support staff working across SEND and mainstream education.

Your first-day checklist

Before starting, try to confirm:

The full address and correct site
Where you need to go and who you should report to
Your expected arrival and finishing times
The appropriate dress code
Which year group, class or provision you will be supporting
Whether there is anything specific you need to bring
How to report an absence or unexpected delay
Any accessibility arrangements you require

Once you arrive, make sure you know:

Who the designated safeguarding lead is
How to report a safeguarding concern
The fire, emergency and evacuation procedures
How to sign in and out
Your timetable, duties and break arrangements
Which members of staff you will be working with
Where the staff facilities and toilets are
Where to find the information needed to perform your role safely

What should you confirm before your first day?

Your school, education setting or teaching agency should provide the essential details you need before you arrive.

Confirm the full address rather than relying on the school’s name. Some schools operate across several sites, while SEND provisions may be based within or alongside another setting.

Check your start time and plan your journey in advance. Aim to arrive early enough to sign in, complete any required checks and receive an introduction without feeling rushed.

It is also helpful to know who you should report to. This might be someone in reception, a cover manager, the class teacher, a member of the senior leadership team or the setting’s designated contact for temporary staff.

If you have not received these details, ask. Clarifying something before your first day is always better than trying to guess.

What should you wear to work in a school?

Dress codes vary between schools, roles and provisions, so check the setting’s expectations before you arrive.

In most cases, clothing should be professional, comfortable and appropriate for the work you will be doing. Consider whether your day could involve outdoor learning, practical activities, sitting on the floor or moving regularly between classrooms.

Some settings have specific requirements for footwear, jewellery, lanyards or clothing for safety, sensory or practical reasons. Always follow the individual setting’s policy and ask if anything is unclear.

What should you take on your first day?

Unless you have been asked to bring something specific, it is useful to have:

Photo identification
Any compliance documents you have been asked to provide
A notebook and pen
Your lunch or information about nearby options
A refillable water bottle
Suitable clothing for outdoor duties, if relevant
Any medication, accessibility aid or personal equipment you require

Do not assume that you need to carry your original DBS certificate every day. The school or your teaching agency should tell you if this or any other document is required.

Be careful when making notes. Do not record confidential information about learners in a personal notebook unless the setting has confirmed that this is permitted. Always follow its procedures for recording, storing and protecting information.

What should happen when you arrive?

Every setting operates differently, but you should be shown how to sign in and out and given the essential information needed to work safely.

Your initial briefing should help you understand:

Your role and responsibilities
The structure of the day
The class or learners you will be supporting
Relevant communication and support approaches
Expectations for responding to behaviour
Safeguarding and reporting procedures
Fire, emergency and evacuation arrangements
Who to approach when you need help

You may not receive every piece of information at once. However, if something affects safety, safeguarding or your ability to carry out your role, ask about it before the school day becomes busy.

What safeguarding information do you need?

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

On your first day, you should know:

Who the designated safeguarding lead, or DSL, is
Who to contact if the DSL is unavailable
How the setting records and reports concerns
What to do if a child or young person shares something concerning
How to report a concern about the conduct of an adult
Which safeguarding and staff behaviour policies apply to you

If a child or young person tells you something concerning, listen carefully and take them seriously. Do not investigate the matter yourself, ask leading questions or promise to keep it secret. Explain that you may need to share the information with someone who can help, then follow the setting’s reporting procedure promptly.

Schools and colleges in England must have regard to the Department for Education’s current Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance . Requirements and guidance differ across the UK, so staff should follow the legislation, national guidance and local procedures applying to their setting.

If you have not received a safeguarding briefing or do not understand the reporting process, raise this with your designated contact immediately.

What information might you need about the learners you support?

The information you need will depend on your role and the learners you are supporting.

Relevant information could include:

Preferred names and forms of address
Communication preferences or systems
Sensory preferences and potential barriers
Medical, mobility or accessibility requirements
Established approaches that help the learner feel regulated and secure
Relevant risk assessments
Personal care arrangements
Information from an Education, Health and Care Plan, support plan or individual healthcare plan
Strategies that help the learner participate in activities and learning
Known changes or circumstances that may affect the learner that day

You may not need access to every detail held about a learner. Information should be shared according to your responsibilities and the setting’s confidentiality and data-protection procedures.

If you believe you need more information to support someone safely, speak to the teacher, SENCO, line manager or another appropriate member of staff.

How should you approach learners on your first day?

Begin by observing, listening and following the approaches already established by the setting.

Every learner is an individual. An approach that helps one person may be unhelpful or uncomfortable for another, even when two learners have the same diagnosis or identified need.

Introduce yourself clearly, but do not pressure a learner to speak, make eye contact, shake hands or engage with you immediately. Respect their communication preferences, sensory needs, personal space and individual boundaries.

Building trust can take time. A calm, consistent and respectful presence is often more helpful than trying to establish an instant connection.

Useful questions to ask colleagues include:

How does this learner prefer to communicate?
How do they indicate that they need help or a break?
Are there any sensory considerations I should know about?
What approaches are working well?
Is there anything I should avoid doing?
What should I do if the learner becomes overwhelmed or distressed?
Who should I ask if I need further guidance?

Try not to make assumptions based on diagnostic labels. Listen to the learner where possible and use the knowledge of the people who already work closely with them.

You can find further practical advice in our guide to supporting learners experiencing attachment difficulties .

What if you are asked to do something you have not been trained to do?

Do not undertake a task if you have not received the necessary information, training or authorisation.

This is particularly important when a task involves:

Administering medication
Personal or intimate care
Physical intervention
Moving and handling
Using hoists or specialist equipment
Supporting a specific medical procedure

Explain clearly that you need guidance and confirmation before continuing. This is not being unhelpful. It is part of protecting the learner, yourself and the setting.

If you are unsure whether a task falls within your responsibilities, ask the appropriate member of staff or contact your teaching agency. For medical support, follow the learner’s agreed plan and the setting’s procedures. The Department for Education also provides statutory guidance for England on supporting pupils with medical conditions at school .

What if you do not know what to do?

Ask.

A new member of staff cannot be expected to know every routine, policy or learner from the moment they arrive. Asking a clear question is safer and more professional than guessing.

Depending on the situation, you could speak to:

The class teacher
A teaching assistant or support colleague
The SENCO
Your line manager
The cover manager
The designated safeguarding lead
A member of the senior leadership team
Your teaching agency consultant

If the matter concerns immediate safety or safeguarding, follow the setting’s reporting procedure without delay.

What should you do at the end of your first day?

Before leaving, check whether you need to:

Complete any records or notes
Report an incident, injury or safeguarding concern
Give a handover to the teacher or another staff member
Return keys, equipment or temporary passes
Confirm arrangements for the following day
Sign out

If you are returning, make a note of practical information that will help you the next day while continuing to follow confidentiality and data-protection procedures.

It can also help to reflect on three questions:

What did I learn today?
What do I still need to clarify?
What will help me support the class or learners next time?

You do not have to know everything on day one

A successful first day is not about arriving with every answer. It is about being prepared, staying observant and knowing when to ask for help.

Learn the setting. Listen to the people around you. Respect each learner as an individual. Follow the approaches already in place and seek guidance whenever you are unsure.

Confidence in a new education setting does not mean pretending to know everything. It means being willing to ask, observe, listen and learn.

Frequently asked questions

Am I expected to know all the school’s routines immediately?

No. You should be given the essential information needed to work safely, but learning a setting’s routines takes time. Observe how established staff work and ask whenever something is unclear.

Should I read every learner’s EHCP or support plan?

Not necessarily. You should receive the information relevant to your responsibilities. If you believe important information is missing, ask an appropriate member of staff rather than accessing confidential records without permission.

What should I do if a learner communicates differently from me?

Ask how the learner prefers to communicate and follow the systems already in place. Communication may involve speech, signing, symbols, objects of reference, gestures, assistive technology or a combination of approaches.

What should I do if a learner becomes distressed?

Stay calm and follow the learner’s agreed support plan and the setting’s procedures. Seek help from a member of staff who knows the learner. Avoid introducing an unfamiliar strategy or making physical contact unless this forms part of an agreed approach and you are appropriately trained or instructed.

What should I do if I make a mistake?

Acknowledge it, seek advice and follow the setting’s reporting procedure if necessary. What matters is responding honestly, taking any action needed to keep people safe and learning from the experience.

Should I contact my teaching agency if there is a problem?

Yes. Contact your teaching agency consultant if the role differs substantially from what was agreed, you have concerns about your responsibilities, you have not received essential information or you need additional support.

What is the most important thing to remember on your first day?

You do not have to know everything immediately. Ask questions, observe how the setting works, listen to colleagues and learners, follow established procedures and seek help rather than guessing.

More advice for your education career

Preparing for a new role often begins before your first day. These Axcis guides can help you take the next step:

Looking for your next education role?

Axcis Education is a specialist SEND teaching agency supporting teachers, teaching assistants, HLTAs, cover supervisors, learning support assistants and other education support staff across England and South Wales. We also offer a growing range of opportunities in mainstream schools and education settings.

Whether you already have SEND experience, would like to develop your knowledge or are looking for your next mainstream education role, our consultants can help you explore opportunities suited to your skills, experience and goals.

Search our latest jobs Register with Axcis

This article provides general information. Always follow the policies, procedures and instructions of the school or education setting in which you are working.

The Axcis App: A Practical Guide for Candidates

Wed, 11 May 2022 12:00:00 +0100

The Axcis App gives registered candidates a convenient way to manage important parts of their education work from a mobile phone or tablet.

Whether you are searching for SEND or mainstream education opportunities, preparing for your next placement or already completing bookings through Axcis, the app can help you keep your information current and stay connected with your consultant.

This practical guide explains who can use the Axcis App, what you can do in it, where to download it and when you should contact your consultant directly.

Quick answer: The Axcis App is for registered Axcis candidates. It can be used to manage availability, view bookings, upload requested documents, search for education jobs and communicate with Axcis. Registered candidates can also use it to manage important placement administration, including timesheets.

What is the Axcis App?

The Axcis App is a mobile resource for candidates who are already registered with Axcis Education.

It brings several useful candidate services together in one place, helping you manage routine information and administration without having to return to the main Axcis website each time.

Axcis is primarily a specialist SEND teaching agency while also supporting a growing range of mainstream education roles across England and South Wales. The app is designed to support registered teachers, teaching assistants, higher higher-level teaching assistants, cover supervisors, learning support assistants and other education professionals working with Axcis.

Not registered with Axcis yet?

You cannot register with Axcis through the app. Complete our candidate enquiry form first, and the Axcis team will contact you about the next steps.

What can registered candidates do in the Axcis App?

The features available to you may depend on your registration status, compliance progress and whether you are currently completing placements through Axcis.

Review and update your details

Registered candidates can use the app to review and update important contact information attached to their Axcis candidate profile.

Keeping your details current helps your consultant contact you and understand which opportunities may be suitable.

Remember to update Axcis if you change your:

telephone number
email address
home address
availability
preferred roles or education settings
realistic travel distance

If an important change cannot be made through the app, contact your consultant directly.

Upload requested documents

You can upload certain documents requested by Axcis through the app. Depending on the document required, you may be able to photograph it using your device or upload an existing file.

Make sure every document is complete, clear and readable before submitting it. Uploading a document does not automatically mean that it has been accepted or that your compliance checks are complete. The Axcis compliance team may still need to review it or request further information.

Important: Never upload confidential information belonging to a pupil, school or education setting. The document-upload feature should only be used for information requested as part of your Axcis candidate record or compliance process.

Update your availability

Keeping your availability current helps your consultant understand when you are free to work.

Update your availability whenever:

your available working days change
you become available for additional work
you accept work outside Axcis
you have an appointment, holiday or other commitment
a long-term placement ends
your circumstances change

Your availability is only one part of finding a suitable placement. It is also important to tell your consultant about changes to your preferred roles, age groups, education settings or realistic travel distance.

If you become available at short notice or need to discuss a confirmed booking, contact your consultant directly rather than relying only on an app update.

View upcoming bookings

The app allows registered candidates to view upcoming booking information. Checking these details in advance can help you prepare for your placement and confirm where you need to go.

Before travelling, check the information you have been given, including:

the name and address of the school or education setting
the date of the booking
your expected arrival time
the role or support you have been booked to provide
any instructions supplied by your consultant

If any information is missing or does not match what you discussed, contact your consultant before the placement begins.

Manage your timesheets

Registered candidates can use the app to manage and submit timesheet information for completed work.

Enter your days or hours accurately and submit them according to the timesheet process and deadlines provided by Axcis. The school or setting may need to approve your submission before payment can be processed.

Check your entry carefully before submitting it, particularly if you:

worked a half day
completed additional agreed hours
worked across more than one booking
did not work all the hours originally scheduled

If you are unsure how to complete a timesheet or believe that information is missing, contact your consultant or the appropriate Axcis team before the submission deadline.

Search and apply for education jobs

Registered candidates can search the Axcis vacancy database and express an interest in suitable opportunities through the app.

When considering a role, look carefully at:

the location
the age group or education phase
whether the role is SEND, mainstream or a combination of both
the experience or training requested
the expected working pattern
whether the opportunity is short-term, long-term or permanent

If a role interests you but you are unsure whether your experience is suitable, speak to your Axcis consultant. They can help you understand the setting and decide whether the opportunity may be appropriate.

Receive vacancy and booking notifications

The app can send notifications about new vacancies, shifts and other relevant updates.

Allowing notifications can help you see opportunities promptly, but a notification does not automatically mean that a booking has been confirmed. Always check the details and wait for confirmation from Axcis before travelling to a school or setting.

Communicate with Axcis

The app provides another way to receive messages and communicate with Axcis. You can also locate Axcis contact information when you need it.

App messages are useful for routine communication, but urgent matters should be handled by speaking directly to your consultant or local Axcis team.

Where can you download the Axcis App?

The Axcis App is free to download for compatible Apple and Android devices.

Use the official links below or search for Axcis Education in your device’s app store.

Download the Axcis App

Download for Apple Download for Android

Only download the app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play listing. Check that the app is called Axcis Education before installing it.

How do registered candidates get started?

Download the Axcis Education App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and select the login option.
Log in using the details associated with your registered Axcis candidate account.
Review your contact information and tell your consultant if anything needs to be changed.
Enable notifications if you would like to receive relevant app alerts.
Check your availability and update it if necessary.
Explore your bookings, documents, vacancies and messages.

If you have forgotten your password, use the password-reset option provided. Check your junk or spam folder if the reset email does not appear in your inbox.

If you still cannot log in, contact your consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk.

If you have not yet registered with Axcis, complete our candidate enquiry form. The Axcis team will then contact you about your experience, preferred work and the next steps in the registration process.

When should you contact your consultant directly?

The app makes routine administration easier, but it does not replace direct communication with your consultant.

Contact your consultant or local Axcis team directly if:

you are unwell or unable to attend a confirmed booking
you are delayed on the way to a school or education setting
your booking details appear to be incorrect
the role differs significantly from what was agreed
you need immediate support during a placement
you have an urgent question about a timesheet or payment deadline
your availability has changed at short notice

Do not rely on an app message, email or availability update to report that you cannot attend a confirmed booking. Call your consultant as soon as possible so that Axcis can inform the setting and provide support.

Safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately through the school or setting’s safeguarding procedures. You should also contact Axcis where appropriate, but the app should not be used as the only method of reporting an urgent safeguarding concern.

Why should you keep the app updated?

Installing available updates can give you access to the latest version of the app and may resolve technical problems.

It is also helpful to:

use a secure password that you do not share with anyone else
keep your device’s operating system updated
review your notification permissions
log out if you access your account on a shared device
contact Axcis if information on your profile appears to be incorrect

Because the app contains personal and work-related information, protect your login details and keep your device secure.

Frequently asked questions about the Axcis App

Is the Axcis App free?

Yes. The Axcis Education App is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Can I register with Axcis through the app?

No. The app is for candidates who are already registered with Axcis. If you would like to work with Axcis, complete our candidate enquiry form. A member of the Axcis team will contact you about the next steps.

Can I update my availability in the app?

Yes. Registered candidates can update their availability through the Axcis App. Keep your calendar accurate and contact your consultant directly if your availability changes at short notice.

Can I submit my timesheet through the app?

Registered candidates can use the app to manage timesheet information. Submit your days or hours accurately and follow the timesheet instructions and deadlines provided by Axcis.

Will the app show my confirmed bookings?

The app allows registered candidates to view upcoming bookings. If booking information is missing or appears incorrect, check with your consultant before travelling.

Does expressing an interest in a job guarantee an interview or placement?

No. Expressing an interest through the app lets Axcis know that you would like to be considered. Your experience, compliance status, availability and suitability for the school or setting will still need to be considered.

What should I do if the app is not working?

First, check that you are using the latest version of the app and that your device has an internet connection. You can also close and reopen the app or restart your device.

If the problem continues, contact your Axcis consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk. Include a brief explanation of the problem, but never send your password by email.

What if I have registered but do not have app login details?

Contact your Axcis consultant and ask for help accessing your candidate account. Do not create a second registration through the website or candidate form unless an Axcis team member asks you to do so.

Keep your Axcis information current

The Axcis App gives registered candidates a simple way to manage routine information, check upcoming work and stay connected with Axcis.

Keeping your availability, contact information and requested documents current helps your consultant understand your circumstances and identify opportunities that are more likely to suit you.

Download the Axcis App

Already registered with Axcis? Download the app to manage your details, availability, bookings, documents and education opportunities.

Apple App Store Google Play

Interested in working with Axcis?

If you are not yet registered, complete our candidate enquiry form. Tell us about your experience, availability and the education roles you are looking for, and a member of the Axcis team will contact you.