For many educators, supply teaching offers the best of both worlds—the flexibility to choose placements while gaining valuable experience in different schools. But beyond the immediate benefits, supply teaching can also be a powerful pathway to securing a permanent role.

At ESP, we see firsthand how supply teaching provides opportunities for educators to showcase their skills, build relationships with schools, and step into long-term employment. Many schools look to their trusted supply teachers when hiring, making it an excellent way to transition into a permanent position while maintaining flexibility along the way.

The bridge to permanent teaching roles

One of the biggest advantages of supply teaching is the exposure it provides to different schools, year groups, and teaching environments. This experience allows educators to develop a broad skill set, adapt to various teaching styles, and gain insight into the unique cultures of different schools. In many cases, schools use supply teaching as an informal trial period, giving both the teacher and the school time to assess whether a permanent placement is the right fit.

Showcasing skills and building relationships

Supply teaching offers educators the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in real-world classroom settings. By delivering engaging lessons, managing classrooms effectively, and building positive relationships with staff and students, supply teachers can leave a lasting impression. When vacancies arise, schools often prefer to hire individuals they are already familiar with—teachers who have already integrated into their school community and proven their capabilities.

Networking and word-of-mouth opportunities

Working as a supply teacher also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities. Many teaching roles are filled through word-of-mouth recommendations, and by consistently performing well, supply teachers increase their chances of being considered for permanent positions. Schools frequently reach out to trusted supply agencies like ESP when they have openings, and teachers who have made a strong impression may be at the top of their list.

Support from ESP

At ESP, we are committed to supporting our supply teachers on their journey—whether they prefer the flexibility of supply teaching long-term or are looking to transition into a permanent role. We work closely with schools across Devon to match educators with the right opportunities, offering professional development, interview preparation, and guidance throughout the process.

Is supply teaching the right path for you?

If you’re considering supply teaching as a career move, it doesn’t have to mean giving up on job security. In fact, it can be a powerful way to step into a permanent role while maintaining the freedom to explore different options. Whether you’re newly qualified, returning to teaching after a break, or looking for the right school environment to settle into, supply teaching can be the bridge to your next big opportunity.

Interested in learning more about supply teaching with ESP? Get in touch with us today and take the next step in your teaching journey.
 
📞 Call us: 01392 927171
📧 Email: [email protected]

At ESP, we’re committed to providing high-quality, flexible supply teaching solutions while keeping schools and educators at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some big news—we’re expanding our reach into North Devon! 
 
Why North Devon?
 
North Devon is home to vibrant communities and fantastic schools, all dedicated to providing the best education for their pupils. As we extend our services into the region, we’re excited to partner with local primary schools and support teachers looking for flexible opportunities.
 
Our expansion is driven by the same values that have made ESP a trusted name across Devon and Torbay:
 

• A not-for-profit approach – reinvesting surplus back into schools and teachers.
• A community-first ethos – always putting education first.
• A commitment to quality – providing schools with the best supply staff.

 
What This Means for Schools
 
If you’re a primary school in North Devon, this expansion means:
 

• Access to fully vetted, high-quality teachers and TAs when you need them.
• Flexible supply cover – whether planned or last-minute.
• A stress-free booking process with a team that understands your needs.
• Fair, transparent pricing – no extra recruitment fees.

 
What This Means for Teachers & TAs
 
If you’re a teacher or TA in North Devon, we’d love to welcome you to our supply team. Here’s what you’ll get:
 

• Work close to home in schools that suit your skills.
• Flexible teaching opportunities to fit your schedule.
• Free CPD & career support to help you develop your skills.
• A friendly, supportive team that values your work.

 
Join Us on This Exciting Journey!
 
We’re excited to bring our school-led supply service to North Devon and can’t wait to work with more fantastic schools and educators in the area.
Want to find out more? Get in touch today!
 
📞 Call us: 01392 927171
📧 Email: [email protected]

Background knowledge

It is extremely important to ensure that you prepare thoroughly for the job you are applying for and that you spend time looking at a wide variety of schools. You may have in your mind the type of school you would like to work in i.e.  this may be a large school or a small rural school, but try not to narrow your search and be open minded about the schools you visit.

Make sure that you have a good look around the school website which will tell you about the curriculum the school follows, the policies school has and will give you an initial sense of what the school is like.

If you get the chance it is also really helpful to go and visit the school and take the opportunity to meet the headteacher, the senior leadership team, teachers and pupils. Take time to look around the classrooms, look at the displays on the walls and look in the pupil’s books. Ask questions of the senior leadership team which will help when the school receive your application form and remind them of the great conversation and discussion they had with you.

Working on supply is a great way to ‘try before you buy’ and allows you to spend time working in a variety of schools to find out what works best for you. Link here to find out more about working on supply in primary schools -
https://www.exetersupplypartnership.com/

Background
Katy recently relocated to Devon and previously worked as a class teacher and SENDCO at a primary school in Lincoln. Katy has also held the position of SENDCO in two primary schools prior to this and is extremely proud of her inclusive ethos which has impacted on both pupil outcomes and on staff development.
 
Why did you choose to become a supply teacher?
I wanted to experience teaching in different schools in the area because I was new to Devon and wanted to find out where would be a good fit for me and where I would be able to best utilise my skills.
 
Why did you choose Exeter Supply Partnership?
I found ESP from an initial Google search where it came up at the top of the list. I also chose ESP because it is a non-profit organisation which was appealing to me and because of the high percentage of schools in the area that use ESP. I was also very pleased with the service I received and the contact I had when I initially signed up.

Taking the step to begin supply teaching can be daunting, whether you are stepping away from the security of a familiar teaching position or starting out as an ECT straight from your training.

But it can also be exciting and it is important to be prepared for this new journey.
 
Finding the right supply agency for you
It is key to find an agency that is the right fit for you, as there are a variety of agencies out there providing services for schools. Things to consider would be:

• Ethos and values – find an organisation that aligns with your approach.
• Location – look for an agency with schools in your local area.
• Feedback from other teachers and schools – contact your local schools to see who they recommend and use for their supply cover, speak to teachers about their experiences.
• Size of the organisation – do you want to work with a big agency or a smaller one with a more personal feel?
• Processes – what process does the agency use for recruitment e.g. will this be an online meeting or in person, how do they manage teacher availability and bookings.
• Contract arrangements – will there be any barriers to finding permanent work in the future due to the agency charging schools a finder’s fee, are you required to work a certain number of days, are you paid via an umbrella company.
• Additional benefits – access to professional development, career progression, a variety of opportunities, flexible travel, year group and contact time preferences, support from the office team.

 
Preparing for your bookings
When working on supply being prepared is key. Where you have bookings confirmed in advance you will have time to prepare, to ensure you are ready to work and do your best for the pupils and school that day.

Working as a supply teacher means that you are walking into a new situation every day and don’t know what your day is going to look like or what you will be teaching.
In most cases planning will be provided by the school, however it is always useful to have some back up ideas ready in case a lesson needs adapting, the planning isn’t detailed enough, an extension activity or time filler if needed.

Useful websites
There are lots of websites available for teachers with lesson ideas and resources, here are a few that our teachers recommend.

BBC – Teach
Twinkl
Planbee
Hamilton Trust
Premier League Primary Stars
Oxford Owl
The World of David Walliams
National Numeracy
White Rose Maths
NRICH Maths
STEM Learning Maths resources
Natural History Museum
Code Club
National Geographic
The PE Umbrella
BBC Super Movers

And there are lots more!

If you’re looking to return to teaching you may be wondering where to start. No matter what stage you’re at, supply teaching can be a great way to regain confidence in the classroom.
 
Perhaps you’re a qualified teacher who took a few years out to go travelling, or maybe you took a longer hiatus to pursue other career avenues before realising teaching is where your passion lies.
 
Whatever your reason for leaving teaching, one thing’s for sure: the industry will welcome you back with open arms.
 
Schools are crying out for more teachers, especially teachers with experience already behind them so, if that’s you and you’re wondering where to turn next, we’ve got some top tips to help you return to teaching.
 
How to return to teaching
 
Every year thousands of trained teachers leave the profession, be that to retire or change career.
 
Whatever a teacher’s reason for leaving a school, if you’ve got a burning desire to get back into teaching, there are a few things that will help you.

There is no doubt about it – nursery practitioners have one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs going.
 
Responsible for supporting and guiding children through their preschool years, it is a career that requires dedication, passion and sensitivity.
 
It goes without saying that you will need to enjoy being around young babies and children if you want to become a nursery practitioner; however, there’s much more to it than that.
 
Here we explore just what it takes to become a great nursery practitioner.
 
Nursery practitioner qualifications
 
More often than not nursery practitioners begin their career working as an assistant within a nursery setting. As an assistant you may be working under supervision and therefore no formal qualifications are required, or you may be working towards a qualification for example completing an apprenticeship.