Any secondary supply teachers out there with advice?

[noeyedear]

Hi,
I currently work in the FE sector, but am almost certain to be made redundant. At present, my PGCE only allows me to teach 16-19 year olds, but I was thinking of getting QTS. I don't have a demand subject, so probably wouldn't be able to get on the GTP until September 2011. I was thinking of doing secondary cover for schools experience and a bit of money. However, I have a 2 year old DS, who would need to go into childcare. How does the cover thing work? Do you have regular hours or do you have to be available at all times? At present, I have a childminder 3 days a week. Would I be able to say I will only do those 3 days and be able to have regular work to justify the childcare costs?
Also, we are planning to have a second child (may be a stupid idea, but frankly, it's now or never, due to my age). Do you think cover would be too stressful to do during pregnancy? I know I won't get maternity pay or anything. Not too worried about that, as I should get a fairly good redundancy package.

Hi. Currently I teach in a secondary school but have some experience of supply work as I did this after I had completed my PGCE. Once you sign up with an agency you can specify the days you are available to work but you can also turn down the work if it isn't what you want. I was usually called about 7am and did Primary and Secondary cover. I think in general there is much less supply work available but I would suggest that you contact your local agencies to gain a clearer picture. This is mostly due to schools employing cover supervisors, on a much lower wage, which deal with the majority of planned absence and sickness cover. It would give you some experience in the secondary environment but it probably won't be a very true picture and you could come away feeling quite negative about it all. Depending on your attitude towards the role, supply teaching can be good money and not too stressful but a lot of this also depends upon the kind of person that you are. Supply lessons often have poor work quality work left and children can see a supply lesson as a free for all. You may be able to get a temporary supply contract for 3 days a week covering maternity or long term sick for a term or two but you would be expected to plan your lessons. If it is a case of having no job, then you haven't got anything to lose, your wage should more than cover your childcare costs if you can get regular work. Have you thought about approaching any of your local schools to see if they would call you first rather than an agency? It roughly halves their costs. Good luck, hope some of this may be a help!x

Hi thanks for your help. Yes. it's very useful. I would probably end up being oe of those less well paid cover supervisors as I don't have QTS, unless I get work in the sixth form. Approaching local schools sounds like a great idea. Didn't think that was possible. Thanks for the food for thought!