supply teaching

[vannah]

I've tried running a MN search on supply teaching but came up with some very old threads. Wondering if it's still true that agency work (London -NW) is still a bit scarce with schools using their own cover staff?

I read several recommendations for approaching a school rather than going via an agency. Can the schools actually pay you as an individual?
I've taught Primary for years -should I just walk in to a few local schools and hand in my CV to ...? The Head? Wondering also whether to include my son's school- it's down the road.

Realise I'm asking far too many questions...

thanks for any advice

anyone...?

I think you may be better posting on TES connect where there are lots of supply teachers. Sorry not to be more help. Visiting schools in person certainly can't loose you anything.

thanks mnistooaddictive, love yr screen name

I work as a supply teacher (primary) in North London and have been working full weeks since Sept. You could ask some local schools which agencies they use and then join those as different agencies seem to focus on different areas. Some schools will employ you direct via the local council, but in terms of being paid quickly agencies are better! HTH

I am a Cover Manager and have a team of cover supervisors. (Boo hiss! )

However, it's a big school and at this time of year, we still need supply teachers and if I'm not quick on the phone in the morning, I often get whoever is left without work, as apposed to a decent subject specific teacher.

So, as far as I can see, there is no shortage of work in South London!

I am at a secondary school, so it may be different, but I know I wouldn't accept anyone at the door. When I need a supply, I need one now and haven't got time to check documents etc, so I rely on the agencies.

many thanks to you both!

I moved to a new area and wrote to 2 local schools to ask for supply. One invited me for a look round. I ended up supplying for them for 3 years and earnt enough to qualify for maternity pay and I started a permananent job at the school in Sept- part time, even though they don't usually employ part timers!

The school paid me through the council and I got a regular monthly wage, the samew as if I was in a permanant job, and they paid £50 per day more than the agency was offering.

I was warned against joining the agencies the local schools used, in case the agency could try and say they introduced you to the school and charge the school a finders fee.

HTH

brilliant sleepysox, I shall go ahead and write to my local schools then. And good to know that it's through the council that I will be paid.

thanks

Try the Supply Teaching forum on TES (www.tes.co.uk/forums.aspx). Full of useful info.

My understanding for primary schools is that supply teachers are generally used to cover PPA time, so they will have continuity with classes. They are employed by the school/LEA. Daily absences are often covered by the head teacher and HLTAs.

For secondary, good schools have their own pool of supply teachers. It is much cheaper for the school to employ you directly as they do not have to pay commission. As a supply teacher, you get paid the going rate according to your experience or an average, including an element of holiday pay.

Agency work tends to offer less desirable schools.

An agency can be a good way to kick off the process if you need a CRB check or are lacking references fro past teaching jobs.

Speculative applications to good schools are fine. Make your Cv and cover letter as strong as you would for a full-time job, and take your supply teaching career seriously.

My DH is supply teaching at the moment. When he teaches directly for the school he is paid as a proportion of his normal teacher salary (ie. on a spine point) with pro rata pension contributions etc. When he's doing supply it's a lower rate plus no pension etc. so much, much better doing it through the school where we live.

you may find the same thing in London ... good luck. Cover supervisors have definitely made a difference to the availability of supply teaching but there's still some out there, particuarly more long term for illness etc.

wow, thankyou amerryscott and who knew. This thread has turned out to be so useful for me..