Having been threatened in a Mainstream school on £75 a day I refused to do any more Cover Supervisor work. The agency promptly offered teachers pay but I refused for a while.
I worked out minimum pay for my area on M1 plus SEN allowance where applicable. I had done a few days at a school without checking rate beforehand. I was appalled at how low it was. I then refused work for a few more weeks. Eventually they paid me to scale M6 straightaway at a school I'd been refusing. M1 seemed to be going rate for most day to day.
I think it worked because they were really short of teachers and I was willing to keep my free time rather than be underpaid.
I suspect schools will try it on in September.
I appreciate if you need to work it's high risk. I object to being paid less than NQTs on their first day.
When the pay scales are published divide M1 by 195 days. Have that as your absolute non- negotiable.
You could ask for a bit higher so they have space to beat you down by to.
Be prepared to say No. I be found it worked much better than I expected.
I used to be really soft-hearted and agree to do favours for agency/ for sale of children,..etc. No more.
I didn't think there would be work last year but I was wrong. I'm not holding my breath for this year but who knows?
Good luck. Always check rate first. Say No.
Train for another job if you're young enough.