What Is Supply Teaching?
Supply teaching, also known as substitute teaching, involves educators stepping in temporarily to fill the roles of regular teachers who are absent due to various reasons. Such as illness, training, or personal commitments. This flexible form of teaching allows supply teachers to work in different schools and with various age groups. Providing a dynamic and varied experience compared to a traditional full-time teaching role. Supply teachers are responsible for delivering pre-planned lessons, maintaining classroom discipline, and ensuring that students continue their learning in the absence of their regular teacher.
Supply teaching can range from day-to-day assignments, where educators might be called in on short notice, to long-term placements that can last several weeks or even a full academic year. This flexibility makes supply teaching an appealing option for many educators. Especially those who may prefer part-time work or who are looking to gain experience in different educational settings. Additionally, supply teaching can serve as a pathway for Early Career Teachers to build their skills and establish professional networks while exploring various school environments.
Overall, supply teaching plays a crucial role in supporting the education system. Ensuring that students receive consistent instruction and care, regardless of their teacher’s availability.
Supply teaching jobsRegistering with an agency
Registering with an education recruitment company offers a wealth of opportunities for educators seeking their next career move. These specialised agencies understand the unique challenges faced by teachers and support staff in the education sector. Providing tailored support and resources to help navigate the job market. By registering, you gain access to a diverse range of job vacancies across various educational institutions, from primary schools to colleges. Additionally, recruitment consultants can offer valuable insights into your professional development, helping you enhance your skills and improve your employability. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your career, partnering with an education recruitment company can simplify your job search and connect you with the right opportunities to thrive in your profession.
When you register with 4myschools, we will have an initial conversation to discuss your experience, qualifications, and what sort of role you are looking for now. We offer a user-friendly app that enables you to manage your availability easily. Allowing you to choose when and where you want to work. With support for professional development and a wide range of job opportunities across Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire. Registering with 4myschools can simplify your job search and provide valuable guidance as you navigate your supply teaching career.
What you Get Paid
Supply teachers play a vital role in maintaining educational continuity. Stepping in when regular teachers are unavailable due to illness, training, or personal reasons. Generally, supply teachers are paid on a daily rate. This ranges from approximately £120 to £220 in the UK. Depending on the region, how long you are working there for and how much responsibility is involved. In addition to location, experience also plays a crucial role in determining pay. Newly qualified teachers may start at the lower end of the scale, while those with extensive experience or specialised skills can command higher rates.
4myschools ensures that teachers are paid to scale for long-term roles. Allowing teachers to earn a salary that more closely aligns with their experience and qualifications.
Can Supply Teachers Get a Blue Light Card
Yes, supply teachers working through agencies like 4myschools are eligible to apply for a Blue Light Card. Which provides discounts on various goods and services for those in public service roles, including education. The Blue Light Card is primarily aimed at individuals working in the emergency services, NHS, social care, and other frontline roles. Recently it has been extended to include the education sector. This card can be a valuable asset for teachers, allowing them to save money on everyday purchases. From groceries to clothing, as well as on activities and experiences like travel and entertainment.
Supply teachers associated with 4myschools have been able to apply for the Blue Light Card using their pay slips as proof of employment. This simplifies the application process, making it easier for educators to access the benefits. By obtaining this card, supply teachers not only enjoy financial savings but also gain recognition for their crucial contributions to the education system. It serves as a small yet meaningful way to acknowledge their role. Especially during challenging times when schools rely heavily on supply teachers to maintain continuity and support students’ learning.
Teachers’ Pension When Working Through an Agency
Full-time teachers in the UK are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS). It is a defined benefit pension plan, providing a guaranteed income upon retirement based on salary and length of service. This scheme offers long-term financial security and valuable benefits, such as ill-health retirement and death-in-service payouts.
However, supply teachers do not have the same automatic access to the TPS. Particularly if they work through agencies or on a casual, day-to-day basis. Many supply teachers find themselves outside of the TPS and need to explore alternative pension options. For example, workplace schemes offered by agencies. These schemes may not offer the same level of benefits as the TPS, but they still provide a valuable opportunity to build up pension savings.
Pension for supply staff working through 4myschools
4myschools offers supply teachers a pension scheme through The People’s Pension. Giving supply teachers the opportunity to contribute towards their financial future. All teachers and support staff registered with us will be automatically enrolled after 12 weeks. Provided they are over 22 years old and earn more than £192 per week or £833 per month. There is the option to opt out by contacting The People’s Pension directly. When you are cleared to work through us, you will receive an email with all the details about the pension scheme.
How does being a supply teacher work
Supply teaching in the UK involves stepping in for a regular teacher who is absent due to illness, leave, or other commitments. Sometimes called at short notice, supply teachers ensure that lessons go ahead and students’ learning continues without disruption. They may work in a variety of schools, covering different year groups and subjects, often needing to adapt quickly to new environments. Typically, supply teachers follow lesson plans left by the regular teacher, but if none are available, they may need to create their own.
At 4myschools, we offer pre-booked supply work. Allowing you to know your assignments in advance and plan accordingly. When you register with us, you’ll have the option to choose whether you’d like to accept same-day bookings as well. These on-the-day assignments involve receiving an early morning call. Typically from 7am, for last-minute teaching needs. This flexible approach lets you decide how you’d prefer to manage your schedule, giving you more control over your work-life balance while still providing plenty of opportunities to step in and support schools as needed.
Register for supply workIs supply teaching worth it
Supply teaching is a rewarding and flexible career option. Especially with the added benefits offered by 4myschools. Through our dedicated app, you can easily update your availability. This allows you to choose the days you want to work. This flexibility means you can schedule work around childcare, enjoy holidays during term time, or even take a well-deserved duvet day when needed! Supply teaching also offers the chance to experience different schools and year groups without being tied to a permanent role. Giving you a unique opportunity to network and build relationships within the education community. This “try before you buy” approach allows you to assess whether a particular school or environment is a good fit for you before committing to a permanent position. While it may come with some unpredictability, the control over your schedule and diverse teaching experiences can make it a fulfilling and worthwhile career choice.
When Working at a School for the First Time on Supply
When visiting a school for the first time as a supply teacher, preparation is key to making a positive impression and ensuring a smooth day. Arrive early to give yourself time to familiarise yourself with the school layout, locate key areas like the staffroom, toilets, and your classroom, and review any lesson plans left by the regular teacher. Introduce yourself to office staff and the headteacher if possible, as well as nearby colleagues who can assist with the school’s routines and expectations. Make sure you understand the school’s behaviour policies and any safeguarding procedures. Being adaptable and proactive will help you settle into the school environment and create a positive experience for both you and the students.
We recommend taking theses 9 essentials with you!
- Photographic ID
- Your 4myschools ID badge
- DBS certificate
- Emergency lesson plans
- Stickers as rewards!
- Some lunch & a drink
- Pens
- A watch
- Notepad or post-it notes
Supply teaching offers a flexible and rewarding career path that can often lead to long-term positions or permanent roles. With agencies like 4myschools, the process of finding work is made easier through personalised support and a user-friendly app that allows you to manage your schedule effectively. By embracing the variety of experiences and networking opportunities that come with supply teaching, you can enhance your teaching skills and explore different school environments.
