Question for teachers about doing supply in your children's school

[saadia]

I have just signed up with a supply agency to teach primary - FS to KS1 - and it just occurred to me that they might ask me to work at my children's school. Both dss are now in juniors so I wouldn't be teaching them. I quite like the idea of working at their school but not sure if this would be an issue for the school, so should I mention this to the agency?

I can't see why it would be an issue. What problems did you have in mind?

You might find out some confidential info about certain students, but as a professional, you should know how to handle this.

I have worked at my daughters' school and now do supply there. There has been no problems at all and I've often taught them (and their friends). It's good as often I'm asked when in the playground in the morning/afternoon (I work direct for the school so no agency involved) and also I know how the school works so I dont feel that I have to ask lots of questions each time I go in.
The only issue the school may have which will happen wherever you go is that you will learn things that other parents won't know (this also applies as a parent helper) so there'll be the usual element of confidentiality etc.
I find that teaching at the local school is great as no childcare issues - they come in with me in the morning and wait at night. Check that your sons' school is happy for them to come in early with you - they can help get the classroom set up etc.
I wouldn't mention it to the agency, apart from saying that you would like any opportunity to go there. It may be worth telling the school - they can request specific supply teachers.

Both schools where my children go have permanent members of staff as well as supply whose children attend the school. They are scrupulous about keeping their professional duties separate and nobody sees it as an issue.

Thank you both - I was thinking that I might end up teaching friends' children or that they might not be keen on having parents as teachers but as you say there are codes of behaviour to cover that.

Sorry x-posted themumsnot, glad to hear that it shouldn't be an issue

I know that my DD's HT doesn't like it, so you could perhaps flag it up with the agency or the school, just in case.

That's interesting nearlylegless will mention it. Am glad to hear that it can work out so well sometimes though.

Mother-in-law did it on occasion at her kids' school (although secondary). Neither child has forgiven her for arriving on a day when they'd both forgotten to do their homework and got soundly busted!

Think it depends on the head - some have different views on teachers teaching their own children. My old head used to avoid it except in specific cases - one colleague did teach her own child for a year - the child in question had quite a list of special needs and various reasons meant that it was felt to be the best arrangement for that particular year group; but in other cases it was a no-no and the teacher got the opposite class in the year group (we had a lot of staff children - which I tend to think is a sign the school's basically decent - if the teachers are prepared to send their own kids there).

I've always just declared any possible interest to schools - I've got schools I supply in that I have tutoring children in (not via the supply route - just by coincidence), and schools where friends have children - it's never been a problem and I've just covered my own backside by bringing it up.