To feel so vulnerable working as a supply teacher?

[Lettuceandmayo]

I hate it. I hate not knowing policies, who is trying it on with requests to go 5 minutes early, no registers, no way of contacting anybody!

I feel so helpless.

Primary or secondary?
Don't go back if a school treats you like that. I did primary supply for 5 years when DS1 was born and there's a real range of schools out there. Build up relationships with the ones you like and don't go back to the ones you don't. During the last year I only worked at 2 schools and had plenty of work. I got my permanent post because of my last supply cover.
Try to focus on the positives and why you're doing it. For me I liked being able to pick and choose my days, having no work to take home, I liked seeing how different schools were run and it really makes me appreciate what I have now.

Secondary. It's mostly just cover work, barely worth the money really.

I used to work as a cover supervisor in a secondary school which was at times very challenging. Know exactly what you mean!!

I love the freedom to say 'Not going back there again'
How much teaching experience do you have? Because that makes a big difference, I've found. More years, more confidence. Schools should provide you with a supply file with all the stuff you need, and a login so you can access policies and planning on the intranet.

Lowly supplies never get access to the internet!

Really? I've never supplied in a school that doesn't have a supply login that gives you limited access to the essential stuff, so you can be as effective as possible. Office is the usual place to find out, rather than teachers.

Intranet is the school server, where planning and resources are stored. Or go solo with a memory stick!

How when you can't log onto a computer?

Use your laptop?

I know primary is different but I used to have a bank of English and Maths lessons and if for any reason I couldn't access the work left or if no work had been left I would do a one off lesson from there and leave a note as to why.
Could you have something like that for your subject?

I always travel with a range of lessons and activities that don't need anything but me, but will keep a class engaged. As I said, the more teaching experience you have, the easier it is. I predate laptops by several years.

I teach at secondary school so I know the scene, and yes, working as a supply is vulnerable and hard. You never fit in anywhere. I´m very glad that those days are far behind me. Is it hard to get a more permanent position where you live?

You are In a rubbish school, Mayo.

You need a copy of the discipline pathways, pupils that are excepted from the rules (e.g. those who are allowed to go to the toilet in lessons), and how to get help from SMT.

IF the school is not willing to give you this upfront info, don't go back, and report them to your agency.

Ha! Been all this term in a school without a login, no key to access the bathroom and no sight of the behaviour policy, despite having asked for it several times. School is an utter joke. I stay because they are paying well and the timing of the day means I get to,pick up my own children. But jeez, someone needs to get a grip on it!