About Us

We are a small agency that puts the schools' needs at the heart of all we do

With a sincere understanding of the many alternative needs, we appreciate that all learners are individuals and that not every learner with a specific need is the same as another. The importance of recruiting candidates who also share this understanding means we are able to place flexible, experienced and passionate staff into your placements, ensuring that your expectations are met.

Our aim is to work closely with client schools, allowing us to offer a flexible and tailored approach to recruitment. Our goal is to take away the pressured sales approach and to offer personal deals that work for your current situation, whether that is through our flexible pricing structure, free trial days or hassle free marketing approach.

Dedicated Team of recruitment professionals

Nicola Stewart-Smith
Managing Director

Hi, I’m Nicola. I have worked within Education recruitment for over 10 years. My specialism is recruiting for Special Educational needs provisions, and we have since built up a strong and busy desk supplying the Special Needs schools in the Wigan LEA. I have spent my career working for larger companies, which has its bonus’ but one thing I thought we could do without, was how cut throat and pressured the role of recruitment consultant was. Since the start of Hazel Tree Education at the beginning of 2022, we have proven that a gentle and compassionate approach, towards both new and existing customers, and candidates can be equally as successful and even more rewarding.

“Nicola has an amazing reputation in Education and recruiting. Everyone who I have met who knows her can only praise her as a person and a true Professional. She is always at the end of the phone if needed. Her personal touch goes beyond measure.

I can’t thank her enough for changing my world and giving me this fantastic opportunity and enabling me to believe in myself”

Liz Monks
Head of Operations and Safeguarding

Hi, I’m Liz. Prior to joining the Hazel Tree team, I worked in education as a Secondary English Teacher and Pastoral Manager. Working on both sides of the recruitment desk grants me a unique perspective; I have first-hand experience of day-to-day school life so I’m able to offer our candidates ongoing guidance and training, ensuring that our teachers and teaching staff always feel supported and have a positive experience.

“Liz is so friendly and helpful and made me feel very at ease during the interview. She is always speedy to reply to texts, phone calls and emails.”

Maggie McNeice
Compliance Manager

Hi I’m Maggie, I deal with the vetting and compliance for Hazel Tree. I have 11 years’ experience of customer relations, and a distinction in customer services. Prior to joining Hazel Tree I worked in managed services, supporting banks around the UK. I now manage a busy flow of new candidates for Hazel Tree, ensuring that each candidate is treated as an individual and building relationships which will allow us to match them to their dream role.

“Maggie is so helpful and kind! Very welcoming and great to work for!”

Natalie Smith
Senior Wigan Consultant- SEND

With a total of 10 years experience in the education sector, a change in career led me to working in education recruitment. Prior to this I worked in a Private Day Nursery as Deputy Manager, this role involved high quality communication and personal skills, as well as building strong relationships. Being involved in recruiting and supporting staff has enabled me to identify essential attributes and skills required to support children.

I enjoy putting these skills into practice to recruit passionate teachers and support staff to make a difference, ensuring children have the best care and education possible.

Bradley Isherwood
Warrington Consultant

Hi, I’m Brad. After 4 years of working within education and the care sector, I am delighted to join the Hazel tree team as a junior recruitment consultant. As someone who has previously worked on supply, I am able to use this practical experience alongside the candidates, to help support them with any needs they have. I’m excited to start enhancing my skills and knowledge in this role, in the hope to build successful relationships; enhancing positive experiences for both candidates and clients.

Kayleigh Choi
Compliance Manager

Hi, I’m Kayleigh. I manage Hazel Tree’s candidates and settings across Runcorn, Widnes, St Helens and Liverpool. After a career switch from 8 years of Retail Management I decided to join the agency for a new challenge to broaden my knowledge in the world of sales and recruitment. I enjoy meeting new people and learning all about them, the best part of my job is matching our schools and nurseries with quality candidates that make a difference.

The way Hazel Tree Education operates is like no work place I’ve experienced before, you are trusted to find your own success with no micro-management. If a member of the team wants to progress and develop, the routes are clear of what they need to achieve to reach their goals, the success stories of progression throughout the company are there to see.

What I think makes Hazel Tree Education stand out from the rest is our gentle, compassionate and human approach to candidates and clients, we want to nourish the lives of everyone involved in each transaction and we really care.

Yasmin Wallace
Junior Consultant- Wigan

Hi, my name is Yasmin. I have recently joined the team at Hazel Tree Education as a Junior Recruitment Consultant. Over the past 2 years I have had experience working within recruitment specifically within the Education sector. I have a passion to deliver exceptional customer service and to help our candidates find a long term career in Education. I enjoy interacting with others whilst ensuring to maintain strong relationships, so I will always be happy to help whether you are a client or candidate!

Hazel Tree would love to help you find your next job position or fill a job vacancy in your team.

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Kayleigh Choi
Merseyside Consultant