When to Say No to a Supply Teaching Role
The phone rings at 7:15 am and your instinct is to jump. For many educators, the drive to be helpful and the need for a steady income create a permanent “yes” reflex. You want to be the reliable professional the school remembers, the person who saves the day when a flu bug hits the department. […]
First Class Supply Gender Pay Gap Report Published 16th March 2026
First Class Supply remains committed to promoting fairness and equal treatment for every member of our team, regardless of gender. Pay decisions are based solely on objective factors such as an individual’s experience, qualifications, and the specific requirements of the role. Our gender pay gap continues to be shaped by the structure of our workforce. […]
Work Life Balance Tips for Supply Teachers
Supply teaching can be one of the most rewarding ways to work in education. The variety, the flexibility, the chance to make a difference in schools right across your region — it is genuinely fulfilling work. But it comes with its own pressures too. Unpredictable schedules, last minute bookings, unfamiliar classrooms and the constant need […]
Training Options for Supply Teachers Interested in SEN
If you’re a supply teacher looking to develop your skills in supporting pupils with special educational needs, you’re probably wondering where to start. Should you invest in a formal qualification, pick up short awareness courses, or focus on practical strategies you can use straight away? And how do you fit training around the unpredictable schedule […]
Is SEND Supply Teaching Right for You?
Choosing to specialise in SEND supply teaching is a significant career decision. You’ll be working with some of the most vulnerable pupils in our schools, often stepping into classrooms at short notice, and adapting to a wide range of needs and behaviours. It’s rewarding, challenging and not for everyone. If you’re considering this path, you’ll […]
How Do You Prepare for SEN Supply Teaching?
SEN supply teaching can be one of the most rewarding roles in education — but it also requires the right preparation, mindset and practical tools. Whether you’re stepping into a specialist provision, covering in a mainstream classroom with identified needs or supporting on a one-to-one basis, you’ll be expected to adapt quickly, follow safeguarding procedures […]
Can Supply Teaching Help You Discover Your Ideal School Environment?
If you’re a teacher still figuring out where you thrive best, supply teaching might just be the most valuable step in your journey. Whether you’re an Early Career Teacher (ECT) looking to gain confidence or an experienced educator seeking a better fit, supply teaching offers a unique route to discover your ideal school environment, without […]
What Are the Next Steps After a Year in Supply Teaching?
Supply teaching is a fantastic opportunity to learn and build on the necessary skills to become an amazing teacher. Your next steps after a year in supply teaching are yours to make, and you can choose to continue working as you are, move onto permanent roles, specialise, or move into a different career. Reflecting on […]
How Supply Teaching Can Build Your Teaching Experience
Many current permanent teachers will have got supply teaching experience to improve their skills and excel at their jobs before committing to a specific school. However, how exactly can supply teaching help to build experience, what skills can you gain from being a supply teacher, and is supply teaching beneficial for all new teachers? While […]
First Class Supply Gender Pay Gap Report Published 20th March 2025
First Class Supply is dedicated to ensuring equal treatment of all employees, regardless of gender. When it comes to determining pay, we base our decisions solely on factors such as employee experience, qualifications, and the job’s specific requirements. The average pay for females compared to males is influenced by the relatively small number of male […]