Leaving Primary teaching for supply.

[OnlyToWin]

Hi, I am only part time (primary) but find that I do more than my hours dictate. Also the responsibility of meetings, parent consultations and results does not seem to be less. I am wondering if resigning my job and working for an agency would be better. Does anyone have any experience of this please? Can you pick and choose your days? Is the work regular? Can 2 days per week be guaranteed? Thanks very much - any advice welcome!

Agency pay isn't great though it depends where you are in the country. Going direct with schools would allow you to earn more money and pay into your pension.

You can say to the agency you only want to work 2 days but there's no guarantee of there being work. There will be periods where there is no work such as the beginning of September or at least will be very quiet.

You have to think about the pros and cons. Can you survive without your pay if there is no work? At least in a contracted position you have guaranteed money coming in.

Forgot to say: supply is great when there is work. You can go in, teach and then go home and forgot about everything. But behaviour isn't always great. Also you won't be paid for summer hols or anything like that.

I second going directly to schools and not through an agency. I doubt anyone would guarantee work; schools try not to use supply teachers if they can juggle staff around to cover.

Thanks for the advice. I am aware lots of schools (mainly academies) are using agencies more and more now, as they are cheaper than paying direct, so going to schools direct might be difficult.

It is a tough decision. I am going to think it over this term and see how I feel. To be honest my school is okay - some problems but nothing like other things you read on here. I suppose I could be replacing one set of stress for another! I have a dream of being able to walk in and walk out and not have the parent on the phone or at the door, but the reality might be very different.

Thanks again. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Hi, I have been supply teaching since 2013. Its both good and bad in my opinion. For me, the pros are more and that's why I won't get a permanent position in a sch. I love the free head space I get from it. Walking away at the end of the day and feeling free. Yes there are times in the year when you wont get any work. I spend those days running, reading and making cards! Pros and cons! Like anything! Hope helpful :)

P.S. Have a look at Airsupply...they are an app rather than an agency...better rates of pay.

Thanks 😊

Have a look at the Facebook supply teacher group and ask there