How can supply teachers secure work and stay safe during the pandemic?
Supply teachers are vital to the education sector and this opinion was echoed by a Department for Education spokesperson who highlighted that there were "a number of options if schools are facing a shortage of teachers", including hiring short-term staff. Many schools are in fact facing a staff shortage because of the pandemic and there are many supply teachers poised and ready to fill these roles, so what is the missing link?
More teaching staff are turning to supply teaching agencies to connect them with vacancies that they’d otherwise find hard to locate. Once you’ve found your placement the next thing that comes to mind is how you can look after your health. Before taking a supply teaching job, run through NASUWT’s Covid-19 safety checklist for supply teachers.
Read on for more advice on securing supply teaching work and staying safe during the pandemic.
Enlist the help of a supply teaching agency
It was clear even from the early days of the pandemic that most sectors would be impacted by the virus. The education sector was no different and what ensued was an extended period of uncertainty for supply teachers and support staff. To stay informed on the latest regulation changes and how they’ll affect you, reach out to a teaching recruitment agency which specialises in supply cover.
Due to their established relationships with schools, supply teaching agencies have access to a larger volume of jobs than teachers would find independently. But it’s important to do your research and find an agency that suits you. Expertise and a high level of support are among the top things to look for in a supply teaching agency .
Be flexible
With supply teaching roles, some are on an emergency-cover basis and will be short-term, while others can span several months. The most important thing you can do to ensure you receive as much work as you need is be available. This means waking up early and being ready by the phone. Being flexible and saying yes to last-minute calls can mean that more jobs come your way in the future. Equally, stating that you’re flexible to teach all age ranges and travel further will help you secure work, give you a broader experience and therefore develop your supply teaching skills .
Be proactive between placements
- Familiarise yourself with behaviour management strategies
- Review your lesson plans
- Know your teacher safeguarding responsibilities
- Refresh and tailor your supply teaching CV
Know who is responsible for your health and safety as a supply teacher
Though you might not be directly employed by the placement school, they still have a responsibility to ensure your safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that every employer must identify and assess health and safety risks, both for employees and non-employees that are present in the workplace. This legislation applies to Covid-19 just as it would any other hazard. Whether you’re employed by an agency or an umbrella, whoever is considered your employer has joint responsibility with the school to ensure your safety at work.
Protect your health
Governments are working alongside scientists to ensure that they’re regularly revising the list of symptoms. Stay up to date with the latest symptoms and access the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s symptom checker . If you are presenting the symptoms but are unable to get a test through the NHS site, your employer can refer you for testing as an essential worker. All they need to do is register your details through the secure employer referral portal and you’ll receive a unique code which will allow you to book a test.
The pandemic brought many challenges, one of the more obvious being protecting your wellbeing. Around one in two people reported feeling anxious or worried as a result of Covid-19 so it’s vital to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Establishing a routine or engaging with a teaching community are two ways to manage your wellbeing as a supply teacher .
Find your next supply teaching job with Teaching Personnel
Supply teaching is a great career choice for anyone seeking flexibility in their job. It also offers a chance to gain teaching experience in a range of educational environments and develop a broad range of skills. If you’re a qualified supply teacher and are searching for your next role view our supply teaching jobs . Our specialist education consultants will take the time and care to find out what you’re looking for in your next role. Find out more about why teachers work with Teaching Personnel and hear how we’ll support you.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£153 - 235 per day
Location free text
Clitheroe
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
History
Location
Clitheroe
Description
Teacher of HistorySecondary school in Clitheroe, LancashireMonday 3rd June 2024 start dateDecember 2024 end dateFull-time, long-term positionAre you a Teacher of History seeking a long-term position f
Reference
2504HISBB7
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire SecondaryAuthor
Lancashire SecondarySalary
£75 - 85 per day
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Bournemouth
Description
Teaching Personnel has been approached by a specialist provision in Wimborne which caters for pupils aged 6-19 with complex social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, specialising in Autism. M
Reference
JDVBYGIB
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£12.90 - 14.00 per hour
Location free text
Hayle
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Cornwall
Description
We are currently recruiting for a 1:1 Teaching Assistants to work in the Hayle area.The ideal candidate will have experience with SEN and SEMH needs and have strong behaviour management skills. It is
Reference
KP 367
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cornwall PrimaryAuthor
Cornwall PrimarySalary
£400 - 500 per week
Location free text
Northumberland
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £500 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Northumberland
Description
We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and committed team. The successful candidate will work closely with teachers to support the learning and developme
Reference
SS0981T
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£12.90 - 14.00 per hour
Location free text
Chorley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Teaching Personnel are currently working in partnership with a fantastic primary school based in Chorley who have reached out to us to source an experienced one to one Learning Support Assistant to wo
Reference
***CGPR70400404
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimarySalary
£90 - 125 per day
Location free text
Rochdale
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Rochdale
Description
Cover Teacher for RochdaleAre you a passionate and confident individual looking to progress your education career? If so, then this is the role for you. A position is available for a Secondary school
Reference
789243568
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 14.00 per hour
Location free text
Penzance
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Penzance
Description
Teaching Personnel are currently looking for Teaching Assistants to work in the Penzance – Camborne area.We currently have schools in the Penzance to Camborne area who are looking for additional suppo
Reference
KP 265
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cornwall PrimaryAuthor
Cornwall PrimarySalary
£90 - 125 per day
Location free text
Oldham
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
Oldham
Description
Cover Teacher for OldhamAre you a passionate and confident individual looking to progress your education career? If so, then this is the role for you. A position is available for a Secondary school co
Reference
345897
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£12.90 - 13.50 per hour
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Blackpool
Description
Graduate Teaching Assistant Required, Blackpool, Lancashire (FY2) Graduate Teaching Assistant Required, KS1 Opportunity, Blackpool (FY2) Experience working in KS1 beneficial but not essential Full T
Reference
SJGRD92901
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£120 - 150 per day
Location free text
Exeter
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
English
Location
Devon
Description
Are you a versatile and dedicated English Teacher seeking flexible teaching opportunities in the bustling city of Exeter? Join Teaching Personnel's team as a Cover English Teacher and embrace the dive
Reference
EX/ENGTCH/FW/24
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Exeter Secondary & SENAuthor
Exeter Secondary & SENRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelin
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job