If you were a primary teacher signed off for 4 weeks...

[drownininplaymobil]

...what would you want from the teacher covering your class?

I'm in this position - I'm covering for someone and want to be the most helpful I can. Lessons are all going to be planned and resourced for me. Aside from making sure all work is marked and the classroom is kept in order, what else would be essential/appreciated?

I write 'supply teacher' on all the work. You can buy stamps!

Be kind and consistent with the children. Keep high standards.

Presumably you’re a qualified teacher? What would you want your classroom to be like? They’re yours for the next month.

Why would I write 'Supply Teacher' on the work?
I am usually a PPA teacher within the school so am familiar with all the routines, policies etc. of the school. It's just been such a long time since I had my own class, I'm sure I have forgotten what is lily to be lost along the way.

I would also appreciate you writing Supply on work. It just shows who planned and delivered the lesson when someone looks at books. I always initial pages when I occasionally cover work in a colleague's class.

Ok! I'll initial it then so they'll know which bits were me.
Anything else?

Restrain yourself from reorganising the furniture / drawers/ resources etc. Just leave the room as tidy as you found it. And I concur with writing your initials on the work you've supervised

If I came back to tidy books and a tidy room I’d be very grateful to the supply. That’s all I’d need really-so I could jump back in without stress.

So that if/when there is a book scrutiny or OFSTED the teacher can say she didn't deliver that lesson. Some of the schools I go to give you a stamp when you sign in and some have marking policies that ask supply teachers to mark in a specific colour.

I did long term supply before taking on a permanent role. I made notes on each child, kept a log of who won awards or got a postcard home and documented contact with parents. Do you know their usual routines and rules? If yes, I'd try to stick to those so the teacher comes back to the class still responding to their usual signals, etc.

A Notebook that you write any significant news or information in - from a child's bereavement to anything crucial mentioned in a staff meeting.

It's amazing how often things come up later, from a time when you are off / away from school for a while. I think that would be really useful. Not pages - just bullet points of anything that might impact when she is back.

Classroom as tidy or tidier than it was!

I think a calm class. Maintain routines as much as possible, speak to other staff to check.