-min.jpg?v=d534b9ab65be224560294e67d70b744f)
A Survival Guide for Daily Secondary Supply Teachers
Supply teaching can be intimidating when you are just starting out. Walking into a new school where you're unfamiliar with the staff, children and systems can feel overwhelming.
The good news? This is completely normal. As a full-time class teacher who transitioned into supply teaching, the night before the first day of my new role was rarely restful.
But, due to thorough preparation and research, I looked back at the end of my first day with a sense of achievement. In fact, despite the nerves, it was an extremely enjoyable experience.
From day one, things will only get easier. You will pick up tips and tricks as you go. Different schools will provide insight on various techniques. The process will simply become more instinctive.
In teaching, the most valuable lessons you learn will come with practical experience. Supply teaching jobs are perhaps the most effective for honing this experience.
Here are some top tips for delivering your best as a secondary supply teacher.
Arrive early and prepared
This is a simple one, but the simplest steps carry the most weight. If possible, prepare as much as you can the day before, get an early night’s rest, then be up and ready to arrive early.
If you turn up five minutes before the students arrive, it only takes one unexpected interruption to set you behind for the rest of the day. As a new supply teacher, avoid any unnecessary stressors.
Some class teachers may not leave adequate notes or resources for the upcoming day. If you arrive early, you’ll have the chance to ask other teachers for advice or devise your own plan.
Double-check your travel route the night before and make sure you've packed all your necessities. Before the students arrive, your mind will be calm, prepared, and focused on the learning content.
Bring some backup resources
Any supply teacher will tell you to come armed with backup resources. This might be in the form of extra activities to account for potential lulls in the day. You could even turn up with fully-fledged lesson plans.
Most of the time, class teachers will leave you an outline of the day, including plans and resources. However, it’s advisable to prepare for the event of this not happening. Arriving with appropriate plans for teaching a variety of ages and abilities always made me feel more confident. I knew a safety net would be there, regardless of the situation.
Touch base with the class teacher(s) before the day
If possible, touch base with the class teacher(s) before you arrive. This will quell a lot of anxieties about the unknown.
Some prior knowledge about normal routines will put you in a much better position when teaching children who don't know you. Children like consistency. If you roughly follow their typical day, you'll keep them engaged and on track.
Try to find about any potential behaviour issues, learning levels, and preferred learning styles for the class. All this information could prove invaluable. The faster you can build rapport with the children, the better.
Ask questions
When you are in school, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you can, try and get a quick rundown of the fundamental procedures from the head or deputy. It's important to make sure you're armed with anything and everything you need to know.
Other teachers - as long as they're not rushing around with a stack of papers or glaring at a computer with a furrowed brow - will be happy to spare you some time.
Any educator knows that the office staff are fountains of knowledge - stop by and ask for advice if needed. This is also a great way to become familiar with the layout of the school and to break the ice with staff members. Remember, you may be called upon for future supply work teaching at the school, so try not to be too shy!
Build relationships
It may be tempting to walk into the classroom with a steely gaze and iron fist. Entering uncharted territory is intimidating. But remember, you're not entering a battlefield.
Pupils will respond well to friendly yet assertive teachers who quickly set expectations.
Building relationships in a short space of time is a big challenge for supply teachers. You don't have the same amount of time as a full-time class teacher to cultivate a meaningful rapport.
However, this does not mean that it’s impossible. Don’t be afraid to express your sense of humour. Be warm and friendly yet assertive when your expectations are challenged. Remain consistent, fair, and follow the school’s systems.
If the school asks you to return, students will be far more receptive if they have experienced symbiotic respect with you in the past.
You can brush up on some behaviour management tips for supply teachers in our recent article here.
Leave a detailed note for the teacher
Once the day is over, ensure you leave a detailed note or email for the class teacher. Outline the day's significant events, report on behaviour and outline any further steps that need to be taken with the work.
This conscientiousness establishes trust and demonstrates high standards. All these traits will help you find more supply teaching jobs. Remember, schools do speak to each other. If you leave a good impression, you may well find yourself with more supply work teaching going forward.
It’s okay to be anxious
Naturally, nerves will run high for any new supply teacher. Walking into an unfamiliar school, with unfamiliar staff, children, and systems is no easy task. However, if you seek out advice, ask questions, and prepare to the best of your ability, you’ll find the days will be easier and more enjoyable.
Looking for a supply teaching role? Join Teaching Personnel
As the UK’s leading education recruitment agency, we’ve always got our eye out for talent. We connect teachers to fulfilling supply teaching roles so that develop their careers.
We provide staff to over 5,000 schools every year, delivering a national service on a local scale from our 80 branches.
For all the work you could need, register with us for free or browse our current supply teaching jobs.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£89.44 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Runcorn
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Cheshire
Description
Nursery Assistants Required!Location: Runcorn (WA7) Pay Rate: £89.44 - £100 dependant on experience Contract Type: Temporary/Flexible Part-time and Full-time shifts availableAre you enthusiastic, cari
Reference
FLX NURS AS 3006
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wigan and Warrington BranchAuthor
Wigan and Warrington BranchSalary
£89.44 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Atherton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Job Title: Qualified Nursery PractitionerStart Date: ImmediateLocation: Atherton, Greater ManchesterPay Rate: £89.44 - £100 / day dependant on experienceContract Type: Temporary, Full-Time & Part-Time
Reference
LVL 3 NURS PRCT 3006
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wigan and Warrington BranchAuthor
Wigan and Warrington BranchSalary
£26,270 per year
Location free text
Horsham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Horsham
Description
Are you a creative, technically minded individual with a passion for supporting young people in a specialist education environment? Do you have experience in computing, digital graphics or IT—and the
Reference
S&DLSA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
EYFS HLTA – Sheffield S10 Area Do you love helping little learners grow and shine? We’re looking for an experienced EYFS HLTA to support fantastic nursery and reception settings across S10 and nearby!
Reference
EYFSTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£26,270 - 28,000 per year
Location free text
Horsham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEMH
Location
Horsham
Description
Are you a creative, technically minded individual with a passion for supporting young people in a specialist education environment? Do you have experience in computing, digital graphics or IT—and the
Reference
C&GLSA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£90 - 120 per day
Location free text
Sutton Coldfield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Cover Supervisor
Location
West Midlands
Description
Teaching Personnel is working with a partner school based in Sutton Coldfield, who are looking for Cover Supervisors to join their team in September. They are looking for people who are looking for f
Reference
Cover Sup Fairfax
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
KS2 Teacher – Year 5/6 Focus (Sheffield S10 & Surrounding Areas) Full-time / Part-time | Competitive daily rates | Immediate or September start Teaching Personnel – Sheffield South Primary TeamTeachin
Reference
JWKS2Y5/6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Sheffield
Description
KS2 Teacher (Year 5/6) – Sheffield S10 AreaAre you a confident, enthusiastic KS2 teacher looking for your next opportunity in Sheffield?We’re currently working with lovely primary schools in the S10 a
Reference
JWKS2Y5/6v2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
EYFS Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Location: Sheffield S10 & Surrounding Areas Start: Immediate or September | Full-time or part-time | Competitive daily rate Teaching Personnel – Sheffield S
Reference
EYFSHLTA30/6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£90 - 110 per day
Location free text
Runcorn
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Cheshire
Description
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs? Do you thrive in a nurturing, structured environment where every child is supported to reach
Reference
8375972389
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondaryRelated posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
Teaching assistants support teachers and students in the classroom. The role is invaluable and continues to grow in importance as school environments become larger and more diverse. In fact, teach
by
West Yorkshire Primary
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job