Supply teaching - good or not so good?

[WS12]

So I am thinking about returning to work in September time. I realise this is the wrong time of year in the U.K. to be looking for a job, so I am looking at supply teaching.

I am a primary school teacher and would aim for 3 days a week- more if needed, but not less than 2 days if possible. Hopefully by the spring of the academic year 2017-2018 I could look for something more premanent, so I can become settled in a school.

My question is, what is supply like?? I have only ever been employed by schools so always had my own classroom and knew colleagues, had a base and 'home' etc. I have heard supply can be a lonely life. There are positives also like being free of planning and assessments and being more flexible. What are people's experiences? Positive and negatives, to get a good idea of what I might face. I have come across supply teachers before and have always been nice and friendly, but I know this isn't always the case. I discussed my ideas with a supply teacher a while back and she loved supply, as it really suited her life style and this made me feel good. And others I have met have done it temporarily as a fill in and say they couldn't do it forever.

[Jumpolining]

Interested! Although now is the time the jobs are advertised. Staff have til end of May 1/2 term to hand notice in so there're lots of jobs about.

[rollonthesummer]

Join the supply teacher group on Facebook-that will give you excellent information.

Sadly, it seems that the agencies can be very corrupt-paying very low rates and even trying to get teachers to accept cover supervisor rates or working 'free' for a day or two in schools so that the head can observe you and see what they think!

Beware working as umbrella rates rather than PAYE as you'll lose out as well.

There are LOTS of teacher on supply so the agencies do have quite a choice and may try to exploit you.

Unless you are a maths teacher-then you'll be fine

[JenniferSmalley]

I have been doing supply for the past 5 years, mainly through agencies and I tend to agree with rollonthesummer - they are very corrupt. The agencies have always taken such a huge cut ofmy pay, then there have been the umbrella companies to deal with as well, with more money taken from me.... so it has been hard to survive on such low wages from agencies. They have always got me work though I guess.

I have recently joined TeacherIn though and they are amazing! They are new to the UK and claim they are an app, not an agency. Schools have been booking me directly through the app by texting me. Its so simple and I no longer have to deal with painful agencies. The schools also pay me directly and to scale!!! I can also opt into the Teachers Pension Scheme which is unheard of with agencies and I have completed a few of their free online CPD courses too. I highly recommend TeacherIn - I have found them so good! Their website is //www.teacherin.co.uk if you want to check it out.