Can you do ‘freelance’ supply?

[EchoLimaYankee]

I’m currently working full time with two young children. I don’t think it’s for me. I like my job, but I don’t love it. I have no intention of being promoted. However, it’s an independent which makes life that little easier - 18 per class, full time TA etc.

What I’m wondering is if it’s possible to build up a collection of schools (nice ones!) that I could supply at and bypass the supply agencies. Surely it would work out better for me and them.

Has anyone done anything similar? Are there any pitfalls? Associated costs?

My dad this this on retirement.

Ended up with a nice earner at a fantastic school who used him for full teaching cover & as cover supervisor. He was their go to cover person without employing someone. Suited him well.

Approach schools you'd be ok with in!! Saves them money if they pay you.

You'll need to set up as SE and sort accountant for tax return potentially.

I did this, but was paid through them. I wasn't on their supply list, and basically just approached the schools I was happy to work at, and already had contacts. I ended up with 2 regular days a week and then odd additional days or weeks, which was perfect for me.

Thanks! Super news.

Yes you can.
I do this. Better value for schools and you get paid more

Interested in this also. Before maternity leave I was deputy HoD in a core subject, however my first child has special needs and ongoing health problems, in addition to which I've had another child so all in all returning to a permanent post doesn't seem possible at the moment (due to frequent hospital admissions etc). However when my kids are well I do have childcare and therefore could be called upon at short notice.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what a reasonable day rate for supply would be - given that a school wouldn't have to pay agency fees on top?

Esker

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what a reasonable day rate for supply would be - given that a school wouldn't have to pay agency fees on top?

Divide your annual salary by 39 (for weekly rate) then by 5 (for daily rate). That will give you a starting point although you're unlikely to command that much nowadays. Probably more like £120.

Good luck!

Thank you @SuperMoonIsKeepingMeUpToo !

I'll have to work up the courage to contact some schools now

I did this for a while in two schools (one through a personal connection with the school, the other in response to an advert for cover teachers in a school that does not use agencies). It was ok, but I'd much much rather teach my actual subject in a nice independent school with classes of 18 tbh!

Oh and in my experience, schools have their own rate that they pay you.

Our school now has a ceiling on supply wages - no more than MPS6.

As others have said - yes you certainly can!

I would definitely go for more than £120 though. That's a pretty standard supply wage for a MPS teacher (as in what you receive) BUT the agencies charge schools much more than that for the pleasure!

You can suggest more and you'd still be saving them.

You may be asked to prove you are set up for tax-returns etc.