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!