What Supply Teachers Should Do During PPA Time
PPA time, Planning, Preparation and Assessment, is a statutory entitlement for all teachers in maintained schools in England and Wales, including supply teachers. That means that if you are covering a class for a significant portion of the week, you are entitled to a minimum of ten percent of your timetabled teaching time as non-contact […]
Who to Ask for Help as a Supply Teacher in a New School
Walking into a new school as a supply teacher can feel daunting. You don’t know the building layout, the staff, the routines or the systems. When you need help quickly, whether it’s finding a classroom, managing a behaviour incident or accessing the WiFi, knowing exactly who to ask makes all the difference between a smooth […]
What to Do If Lesson Plans Are Missing or Unclear
Walking into a classroom only to discover that lesson plans are missing, incomplete or completely unclear is one of the most stressful situations any teacher can face. Whether you are a supply teacher covering at short notice, an early career teacher stepping in for a colleague, or a permanent member of staff dealing with an […]
How to Use School Systems Without Prior Training
Starting work in a school for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when you are expected to navigate unfamiliar systems, policies and procedures from day one. Whether you are a supply teacher, teaching assistant, volunteer or newly qualified teacher stepping into a North East classroom, understanding school systems quickly is essential for staying safe, […]
Understanding School Timetables, Bells, and Routines Quickly
Starting at a new school or managing your first supply placement can feel like stepping into a world with its own language, rhythm and unspoken rules. One of the biggest challenges is getting to grips with the school timetable, understanding when bells ring, and learning the daily routines that keep everything running smoothly. Whether you’re […]
What Supply Teachers Should Know About Safeguarding on Day One
Walking into a new school as a supply teacher can feel overwhelming, especially when you know that safeguarding responsibilities begin the moment you step through the door. Whether this is your first supply placement or you’ve worked across dozens of schools, understanding what you need to know about safeguarding on day one is essential for […]
How SEND Experience Can Improve Your Teaching Career
If you’ve spent time working with pupils who have special educational needs, whether in supply placements, permanent roles or as a teaching assistant, you’ve developed skills that many teachers never get the chance to build. SEND experience doesn’t just make you a better educator, it makes you more employable, more confident and better prepared for […]
How to Navigate School Behaviour Policies as a Supply Teacher
Walking into a new school as a supply teacher means adapting to unfamiliar routines, different expectations and behaviour policies you’ve never seen before. You might have five minutes to skim a document before pupils arrive, or you might be handed a class with no briefing at all. Either way, you’re expected to maintain order, keep […]