Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

How to create a teacher supply pool this term

Date posted : 18 September 2023

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, maternity leave, or other unforeseen circumstances can disrupt the learning environment. 

Supply teachers are an essential resource for schools, especially in times of teacher shortages, staff absences, and unexpected vacancies. Finding and hiring good supply teachers can be challenging, expensive, and time-consuming.  

That’s why many schools look for ways to build a supply pool of trusted and reliable teachers who can step in when needed. A supply pool, or talent pool, is a group of supply teachers who have an ongoing relationship with a school or a group of schools. They are familiar with the school’s policies, procedures, and expectations. 

This group consists of vetted and reliable teachers who can help whenever needed and can provide continuity and consistency for the pupils. By working with the same pool of supply teachers regularly, schools can build trust and rapport with them. This helps create a sense of community within the school, which is beneficial for pupils and teachers. 

To mitigate teacher shortages, schools can benefit from building a supply pool. One effective way to achieve this is by collaborating with a recruitment agency such as Teaching Personnel.  

With a pool of available supply teachers, you can fill staffing gaps at short notice and reduce disruptions to teaching and timetables. There are different ways to build a supply pool for your school, and this depends on your needs and preferences. 

Understand Your Needs 

Before creating a supply pool, it's important to have an understanding of your students needs and those of the school. Identify the roles and subjects for which you may need supply teachers. Think about the potential scenarios that might need temporary staffing, such as illness, maternity leave, or unexpected vacancies. 

Creating your own supply pool 

Creating a pool of supply teachers by advertising to potential candidates and using your own networks or online platforms takes more time and resources from your school. It requires schools to manage the recruitment, vetting, and payroll processes. 

Collaborate with Teaching Personnel  

Establishing a partnership with Teaching Personnel is a valuable step in creating a supply pool. You will have access to a pool of qualified teachers and a team that can find your school suitable teachers when the need arises.  

With Teaching Personnel, you will be able to access extensive networks and databases of qualified teachers. Our team can quickly connect schools with suitable candidates, saving time and effort. All teaching and support staff have been screened and vetted too. So you can be assured that all supply teachers meet the necessary qualifications and background checks. 

Teaching Personnel has stringent vetting standards. We operate rigorous control in all areas of recruitment, vetting, and registration to ensure that all supply teachers exceed the exacting regulatory standards set by the DfE in their most up-to-date publication on keeping children safe in education

Teaching Personnel provides ongoing support, helping schools manage their supply pool and adapt to changing circumstances. By regularly working with your school, we will develop a good understanding of your school's values, culture, and specific requirements to ensure a good fit for your supply pool. 

Create a Database 

Maintaining an organised and up-to-date database of potential supply teachers is something that you may want to do. This database should include information about the teacher's qualifications, experience, availability, and references. Modern technology can be an asset, with many applicant tracking systems (ATS) and software solutions designed for schools.

Professional Development Opportunities 

Encourage supply teachers to engage in ongoing professional development. By offering access to training and resources, you can attract and retain high-quality teachers in your supply pool. This not only benefits your school but also ensures that the supply teachers have the latest teaching methods and standards. 

Benefits of a supply pool 

A strong supply pool helps create a positive and stable learning environment for students and enables teachers and schools to focus on providing a good education. Creating a resilient supply pool for your school needs careful planning, collaboration, and effort.  

However you choose to build your supply pool, building a supply pool for your school can bring many benefits, including: 

  • improved teaching  
  • reduced costs 
  • attracting talented teachers 
  • increased retention  
  • reduced stress and workload for existing staff 
  • decreased downtime due to staff shortages 

Quick access to supply cover in advance can help schools save money. When schools source supply teachers and support at the last minute, they may have to pay higher rates to secure their services.  

By understanding your school's needs, partnering with Teaching Personnel, maintaining a database, and providing professional development, you can build a teaching supply pool that supports your school's success for the autumn and beyond. 

Every academic year, we provide staff to over 5,000 schools, delivering a national service on a local scale from our 80 branches. If you would like us to help develop your pool of supply teachers, contact Teaching Personnel 

List #1

Related posts

The future of SEND support

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

The future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support in the UK is undergoing significant focus and reform. It’s a complicated landscape as the government considers tightening th

Teaser

With EHCP reform, funding investment, and workforce development on the horizon, the future of SEND support is changing fast. This blog breaks down what schools need to know, and how to prepare.

Read more
Overcoming SEND staffing challenges in schools

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser

Read more
Bridging the gap: Why SEND CPD matters for teachers

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

Are your staff prepared for the rising SEND needs in mainstream schools? Diagnoses are rising, but most teachers feel unprepared. Discover why high-quality SEND CPD is essential and how your school can upskill effectively without breaking the budget.

Read more
Pupils listening to teacher in classroom
Creating inclusive classrooms: strategies for success

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

With the number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rising, schools must take proactive steps to create inclusive learning environments. The National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted the challenges in making mainstream schools more accessible, emphasising the urgent need for change. But while systemic improvements are necessary, educators can implement practical strategies today to support SEND pupils effectively.

Read more
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

Struggling to make sense of SEND funding for 2025–26? Get clarity and strategy in our free SEND Funding Guide, packed with insights schools can use now.

Read more
SEND reform 2025: Delays, funding, and what schools need to know

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

New reforms mean new responsibilities. Find out how to support your team with training, compliance, and smart SEND planning in our free guide.

Read more
What do schools need to know this term?

Teaser

Education News

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

Teaser

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 reform, school leaders face a challenging time. Here’s what’s currently happening across the sector.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Invigilator seeing over exams
Understanding the value of outsourced invigilators through Teaching Personnel

Teaser

Tips & Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

Teaser

Examination periods bring immense pressure to maintain compliance and ensure fair assessments. Discover how Teaching Personnel’s highly trained, JCQ-accredited invigilators provide schools and colleges across England and Wales with seamless, professional invigilation services—ensuring integrity, safeguarding, and expert support when it matters most.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Easter Payroll Dates 2025

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

Teaser

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

The evolving landscape of SEND in the UK

Teaser

Special Educational Needs

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish 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

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

company logo
Search