Essential Tips for Supply Teaching Days

You're a superhero

When you arrive at a school for the very first time, you often don't know what you're getting into. You can hazard a guess by looking at the area and the Ofsted rating, but even then, you can still find yourself in a very unexpected setting. Schools come in all different shapes and sizes, and their policies, routines and expectations can all vary massively.

As a supply teacher, it's great when a deputy head meets you on arrival and gives you a super briefing. However, that's not always the case. Often, you're escorted to a classroom by a receptionist and left to feel around for a handover note. It's impossible to get to know everything about a school before the pupils arrive, but you just have to try your very best and give it a really good go.

Supply teachers are often seen as superheroes, covering teachers at short notice and allowing staff to get on with their day jobs. Schools are usually thrilled when supplies show up, and I was even hugged on arrival at one prep school. As a supply teacher, you won't know the specific intricacies of a school. Just do your best, keep the pupils safe and stay positive. Always ask another teacher for help if you need it.

Tips for Supply Teachers

- Make sure your phone is on each morning if you're available to work. You could receive a booking or a cancellation.

- When you get a booking, ask about the journey time. The nearest tube station was always a key detail for me. Always jump online and check the best way to get to your school.

- If you have to cancel a booking, make sure you cancel as soon as possible.

- Always pack your bag the night before and ensure that you have your DBS, ID, notebook, pen and a cup with a lid. Most receptionists take copies of your documents, and schools don't allow staff to carry hot drinks around in mugs.

- Although many primary schools allow staff to wear trainers, always bring a pair of shoes with you, just in case there's a no-trainers rule.

- Bring some food with you. Some schools are in the middle of nowhere, without any local amenities.

- Arrive at school at 8am. That gives you plenty of time to sign in, settle in and prepare before the pupils arrive.

- It's always good to know what year group or class you're covering. This really helps the receptionist to direct you to the right classroom or member of staff.

-Schools usually tell you who their DSL is, but do ask if you're not told. Ensure that you report any safeguarding issues. 

- Be friendly and polite. You're going to need support throughout the day, so be a nice supply teacher. A smile goes a long way :).

- Chat with staff and build up a good rapport and reputation. Sometimes schools request specific supply teachers if they feel that they're a good fit.

- Try to remember names and use them. Staff are blown away when you remember their names and the names of pupils. I always remembered the names of the receptionists too.

- Be proactive. If a teacher hasn't left you a handover note, seek out another teacher and let them know who you're covering. Sometimes the other teacher in the year isn't aware of their colleague's sickness, and they then discover a handover email from them. Other times there isn't a handover, and another teacher will talk you through the day. Always have a notebook and pen with you when you're on the hunt to find out what's in store for you.

- Sometimes handover notes contain login details for the computer, which is really useful. On some occasions, you might have to ask another teacher for assistance.

- Check how the marking is done and what colour pen(s) you need to use. Do they 'think pink' or self-mark certain work?

- If the class has a teaching assistant, they will be a great support. They often know the class really well and will guide you throughout the day.

- Ensure you know about any pupils with additional needs and ensure they have the support they need.

- Always write down or highlight the timings of things. The start and finish times of lessons, break times, lunch and dismissal are all key details. Knowing if you're on playground duty or serving lunch is also important.

- Dismissal can raise safeguarding issues. When teaching younger pupils, I always ensured that I was with someone who knew the parents or adults. At the start of the day, I was proactive in ensuring that someone would assist me.

- At the end of the day, leave a note for the teacher you covered. The note should update them on the work that was done and how the class got on. Other issues, such as illnesses or safeguarding issues, should also be flagged.

- If you don't like a specific school or class, let your agency know. They will add a note to your profile and won't send you there again.

- You'll make a great impression in schools if you do simple things well.