Supply Work

[jessmarkat]

Hi, I left teaching in May this year as found working FT with 3 dd's too much. I went back into a role I did pre children but am hating my new job (long story but my boss is a complete cow and job is as boring as hell). I want to get back into teaching but also want to try and reduce the associated stress that comes with it, at least until dd's are older.
Would going down the Supply route be a good idea?
Please can any-one fill me in on the pro's and cons of it?
Thanks x

I started supply this year a we have been living abroad.

The disadvantages are the lack of security and for me, the lack of a sense of belonging anywhere. And the practical aspects of your own family can be harder to manage. After school care and so on. Also you do sometimes end up in some bizarre situations. Oh and, you do have this sense that getting work is all down to some distant figure in an office somewhere.

The advantages are the freedom. You really can walk out the door and never come back.

I'm in the East Midlands and there is absolutely loads of work. Every school asks you if you are looking for something more long term and my agency hassles me to work when I can't. Twice they have rung me after ten and I've gone to a school in my dog walking clothes.

Thanks for your reply Savoy! Do you know anything about the 'umbrella' options that some agencies offer?

I started supply this last summer term after mat leave (had quit my job for similar reasons to you).

I love it mostly.

PROS: gaining lots of existence in different settings (mainstream and SEN), no working on a weekend or evenings so lots more uninterrupted family time, don't have to return to schools I don't like, can decide to not work if I don't fancy it/ want to spend time with my kids

CONS: stress of not knowing where I'll be, if anywhere at all (although I've only not had a call one day in the whole term), sometimes schools are disorganised but it's only a day so not a massive con.

Pros definitely outweigh cons for me.

Experience! Not existence!

Thanks Pam, that's good to know!!

I'm leaving my job and going on supply after maternity leave, so that's really reassuring to know Pam!

Decide what you really want for the long term as well as the short term.

Daily supply in a range of schools gives you fantastic experience, especially if you are willing to step up and get involved in the teaching. However, you may go through weeks with no work, and then pressured to work every day even if that's not what you want. You can end up in really dire schools. On the plus side, you only work while you are in school.

If you want the flexibility of daily, the best thing is to get on the books of two or three schools and just work for them. You will get to know the schools and the children, and you may be able to secure a reference.

The other type of supply is where you do the full job (planning, teaching, marking) for 4 - 6 weeks (or longer) where you take over a particular teacher's timetable. This is really valuable experience as it will give you a reference and show future employers that you are the real deal. You are also part of a department/team.

As for umbrella companies, I think the rules are changing on these. They are very easy to use as all your pay is in one place, and you can claim back travel and food. Given the closing of any loopholes, ask the agency, and any long-term schools, to put you on PAYE. You will need to do a tax return to make sure you get your full personal allowance.

Thanks GinandJag, that's really useful