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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Any tips for supply?

7 replies

Appuskidu · 15/04/2018 13:16

I think I’m going to try supply and would like to know if anyone has any handy tips?

Do you mostly get advanced booking or on the day?
If you’re primary-can you be specific about key stages??
What time do you arrive?
Is the planning generally left for you?
What do you do about photocopier or laptop codes?
What time do you leave?
Do you mark following school policy or just tick and flick?
Do you take anything with you?

Anything else that I might need to know??

What about umbrella companies/PAYE?

Thank you!!

OP posts:
GreenTulips · 15/04/2018 13:22

Most should have planning ready prepared but most don't!

Take some worksheets or have some in your laptop for each year group
Check maths and literacy books for what they've been doing and follow
Have active games up your sleeve
Most schools run the same - register dinners information

The louder the kid the more likely they are pulling your leg!

Usually literacy maths phonics in the morning art science PE etc in the afternoon

You don't get to chose year groups because you are covering the absent teacher

Check playtime lunchtime and any duty rota

sashh · 15/04/2018 14:09

Sign up with as many agencies as possible.

Be honest with them about what you are willing to do, if you are not going to be waiting by the phone at 7am then do not accept same day bookings.

Be wary of 'half day' rates, in secondary there is a move to have most lessons before lunch, so a 'half day' can be 4 lessons out of 5.

I do secondary and FE so this might not apply.

If you get a long term post you are generally treated like a member of staff. Schools who use supply a lot will give you a pack with main rules and policies, time table and sometimes a printout from SIMS of each class you are teaching.

If you don't have access to an electronic register then you should have a paper one, if not get students to put their name on paper and ask one to take it to the office.

I have my own supply of bright pens with 'stolen from Ms Sash' to stop students borrowing pens and me not getting them back.

Put a mug and coffee / tea in your bag and pack a lunch - most schools you pay by finger or card and for a 1 day you will not have that.

Have something up your sleeve. I have a pack of cards with logic puzzles, it is useful when you get to a classroom and no work has been left.

Be prepared to 'teach' things you have no idea about.

My nemesis is music lessons, I have no musical knowledge and of course the work left will not involve the instruments.

Leave a note for the teacher you are covering with what you have done. About 3/4 of the way through a lesson I put the time and my initials at the side of where the student has got to- I write a note to the teacher saying that is what I have done. Useful when the work is, 'take notes and answer questions on p3'.

Expect work to dry up in May and not pick up again until October.

Unless you are on a long term contract when the final bell goes you hand over your ID, paperwork, get a signature and leave.

disappearingninepatch · 15/04/2018 19:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

disappearingninepatch · 15/04/2018 19:27

Do you mostly get advanced booking or on the day?
Initially, I got mostly day-to-day but once you get known by schools, they will request you so you get more advanced bookings.
If you’re primary-can you be specific about key stages??
Yes, I only do up to year 4.
What time do you arrive?
For pre-booked, about 8 or shortly after.

Is the planning generally left for you?
Yes, rarely there is no planning.
What do you do about photocopier or laptop codes?
Resources are usually prepared so no need to photocopy (or I ask the TA) There is usually a computer in the classroom.
What time do you leave?
When I've finished marking. Usually about 4 (yipee!)
Do you mark following school policy or just tick and flick?
Follow the school policy.
Do you take anything with you?
Picture books which I can use if there is no planning, memory stick with PowerPoint etc., stickers, pencil case with pens of different colours, glue sticks (!), lunch, mug.

I wouldn't agree to be paid through an umbrella company as there are too many deductions.

SpartacusTheCat · 16/04/2018 11:16

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Olivo · 16/04/2018 18:03

I am Interested to see that you mark work. None of our (secondary) supply teachers do. Is it just a primary thing?

SpartacusTheCat · 16/04/2018 19:57

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