The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework helps schools achieve this by providing access to approved recruitment suppliers that have already been assessed against rigorous compliance, safeguarding and quality standards.

As an approved supplier on both the previous Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework and the current GCA framework, Mana Education helps schools source high-quality teachers and support staff whilst maintaining the highest standards of compliance.

Watch the video above to learn how the framework can support your school's safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.

Why Compliance Matters

Ofsted inspections place significant emphasis on safeguarding arrangements within schools.

Inspectors expect schools to demonstrate that appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures have been followed for all staff working with children, including temporary and agency workers.

Using a trusted, compliant recruitment partner can help schools ensure that staffing arrangements meet current requirements and reduce the risk of compliance concerns during inspections.

The GCA framework provides additional reassurance because suppliers have already undergone extensive assessment before being approved.

What Checks Should Supply Teachers And Agency Staff Have?

Schools should expect agency staff to undergo a range of safeguarding and compliance checks before being placed into educational settings.

These typically include:

Enhanced DBS Checks

All staff working in schools should hold an appropriate Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Where applicable, candidates may also be subscribed to the DBS Update Service to allow ongoing monitoring.

Barred List Checks

Candidates must be checked against the Children's Barred List to ensure they are legally permitted to work with children.

Identity Verification

Robust identity checks help confirm that candidates are who they claim to be and that supporting documentation is genuine.

Right To Work Checks

Schools must be satisfied that all workers have the legal right to work in the UK.

Qualification Verification

Teaching qualifications, QTS status and relevant professional certifications should be verified before placement.

Professional References

References should be obtained and reviewed to assess a candidate's suitability for working with children.

Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) Checks

Teachers should be checked against the Teacher Regulation Agency database to identify any restrictions, prohibitions or sanctions.

Overseas Police Checks

Where candidates have lived or worked overseas, additional checks may be required in accordance with current safeguarding guidance.

Keeping Children Safe In Education (KCSIE)

The Department for Education's Keeping Children Safe In Education (KCSIE) guidance sets out the safeguarding responsibilities of schools and education providers.

Schools are expected to ensure that all staff, including agency workers, have been recruited in accordance with these requirements.

Mana Education's compliance procedures are designed to align with KCSIE expectations, helping schools maintain robust safeguarding standards.

By working with a trusted framework supplier, schools can have greater confidence that temporary staff have undergone appropriate pre-employment screening and vetting.

Supporting Your Single Central Record (SCR)

The Single Central Record is one of the most important safeguarding documents maintained by schools.

Schools must keep accurate records demonstrating that appropriate checks have been completed on all staff working within the organisation.

When supplying staff, Mana Education provides the information schools need to support their Single Central Record requirements, helping administrative teams maintain accurate safeguarding records.

This can save valuable time while ensuring documentation is readily available when required.

Safer Recruitment Standards

Effective safeguarding begins with safer recruitment.

Every candidate supplied by Mana Education undergoes a structured compliance process designed to identify suitability for working within educational settings.

This includes:

✔ Identity checks

✔ DBS verification

✔ Reference checks

✔ Employment history review

✔ Qualification verification

✔ Right to Work checks

✔ Safeguarding screening

✔ TRA checks where applicable

✔ Overseas checks where required

These procedures help schools reduce risk and ensure pupils are supported by appropriately vetted professionals.

Agency Worker Regulations (AWR)

The Agency Worker Regulations provide important protections for temporary workers.

Schools using agency staff should ensure their recruitment partner understands and complies with AWR requirements.

Mana Education actively manages AWR compliance, helping schools avoid potential legal and financial risks associated with temporary staffing arrangements.

How The GCA Framework Helps Schools

The Government Commercial Agency framework provides schools with confidence that approved suppliers have already demonstrated:

• Robust safeguarding procedures
• Strong compliance systems
• Appropriate recruitment processes
• Financial stability
• Service quality standards
• Transparent pricing structures

This reduces procurement risk and provides reassurance when selecting a recruitment partner.

For school leaders, business managers and trust procurement teams, using a framework-approved supplier offers an additional layer of confidence.

Why Schools Choose Mana Education

Schools across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire trust Mana Education because of our commitment to compliance and safeguarding.

We provide:

• Primary Teachers
• Secondary Teachers
• SEN Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SEN Teaching Assistants
• Cover Supervisors
• Learning Support Assistants
• Behaviour Mentors
• School Support Staff
• Permanent Recruitment Solutions

Every placement is supported by a dedicated compliance process designed to protect schools, staff and pupils.