Would you approach the Head...

[CeliaFate]

of your dc's school and offer your services as a supply teacher?

I don't want to put her on the spot and make myself look stupid, so would it be better to email her or pop into her office and let her know that I'm available for supply at short notice?

personally i wouldn't just go and ask. I would get a cv sorted out and write a covering letter explaining that you could work short notice etc.

I would drop her a note with a brief resume of what/where you have taught before and saying that you would be available at short notice if she needs you. This avoids putting her on the spot, and gives her the information she needs on your background etc., and she may well then call you in for a chat. If she doesn't need you, she may be able to suggest other local schools you could try.

Depends how well you know her!

I did, and it was fine, but then I have 3 children in the school, have been on the PTFA since the eldest started 6 years ago, been a parent governor for 4 years and have helped out in school whenever they have needed! She was pleased I approached her, as she had considered asking me, but didn't want to put me on the spot!

If you don't know her that well, then an up to date cv would probably be a good thing to have available.

She's emailed me in the past and asked me to look over a policy related to a health condition, but she's not friendly if that makes sense?

Probably best to do a cv and letter and hand it to the secretary.

I handed my CV into the office with a covering note.

It tends to be the secretary who books supply cover at my dd's school, so you might find it's the same at yours.