What is Supply Teaching
It is estimated that 1 in 25 teachers are now working as supply teachers in UK schools.
The demand is increasing continuously and the need for supply teachers to provide pupils with safe, quality and continuity of education, has never been greater.
The nature of supply means you decide when and where to work, while expanding your range of hands-on experience, and confidently developing your long-term career. In addition, supply teaching offers you the opportunity to experience a variety of schools before deciding on a permanent post.
How Supply Works
The majority of supply teachers in the UK work through a supply agency like us. Your agency’s role is to actively find you work in schools in your local area which is relevant to both your subject specialism and experience. You may also be asked to do ‘General Cover’ where you are required to act as a general supply teacher covering a range of subjects which may or may not
include your specialisms. You will not be expected to teach these subjects but follow work set by the class teacher or in some cases provide some educational based activities if work is not set.
Work opportunities can range from day to day supply, short term bookings (4-5 days), long term bookings (up to 12 weeks) and permanent work where you are employed on contract by the school.
Your consultant will call you on a regular basis with work. Sometimes this happens the night before hand but in other cases you may have one/two weeks notice. When being offered a booking, your consultant should give you the school address, telephone number, contact name, subject that you will be covering, age range you will be covering, if you are required to
bring work and any other details that may be relevant.
