Recruiting a Teacher for January: Safer Recruitment Timeline (KCSIE 2026)

A safer recruitment timeline for headteachers replacing a teacher who resigns at the 31 October deadline, written for KCSIE 2026. It sets out the steps from resignation to a January start, with space to plan your own dates.

What's inside

• Two things to check first, including the KCSIE 2026 change to volunteer checks
• An eight-week timeline covering the advert, shortlisting, self-declarations, online searches, references, interview and offer
• A pre-appointment checks log showing which checks KCSIE requires on the single central record
• What to ask of an agency if you need cover in the meantime

Format: editable Word document and a PDF. A planning aid, not legal or HR advice. Use it alongside KCSIE 2026 Part three and your own safer recruitment policy.

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