The following material has been adapted from the TES (Times Educational Supplement) First time forum user guide

Before you can start a new topic or reply to messages in our forums, you’ll need to either login or register. Please remember that your username will appear alongside your messages in the forum, so if you want to keep your identity a secret choose an anonymous username when you register.

If you find a conversation that you’re interested in and want to join in the debate hit the Reply link on the message

When you start a new discussion make sure you type in a subject for your message. The subject line will appear at the top of your message (aka post in forum speak). Then type in your message.

Once you’re happy with the message, click on the Preview tab to see how your message will look live on the site. If it all looks OK, click on the Submit button. It is a good idea to get into the habit of previewing your post because you cannot edit it afterwards.

The public forums are moderated so there will be some delay before your message becomes live.

We post-moderate the members forums which means all messages appear on the site first and we rely on you, the users, to let us know if you find a message offensive in any way; this is known as reactive moderation.

Click on the username next to any post made on the forums and this opens up that users; public profile. What information you see depends on how much information the user has made public.

If you’re worried about the content of any messages you see on the forum please report them to the moderator. Next to each message you’ll find a "Report to Moderator" link. Simply click on it and our team will investigate your complaint and aim to do so within 48 hours.

Any problems post a query to the forum or contact the webmaster@aveton-gifford.co.uk