Supply Teaching: FAQs

Working on supply refers to temporary teaching or education roles where you fill in for absent or vacant positions within schools. It differs from a permanent position in several ways:

• Duration: Supply work is temporary and can vary in length, from a single day to several months, whereas a permanent position is a long-term commitment.

• Employment status: In a permanent position, you are a full-time, contracted employee of a specific school. In supply teaching, you are typically employed on a short-term basis by an agency. 

• Commitment: In a permanent role, you have a long-term commitment to a single school, while supply teaching allows you to choose shorter, flexible commitments that fit your needs and career goals. 

Working on supply offers several unique benefits for educators compared to permanent positions:

• Flexibility: Supply teaching allows you to have control over your schedule. You can choose when and where you work, providing an ideal work-life balance and the ability to accommodate personal commitments.

• Diverse experience: Supply work exposes you to a wide range of educational settings, age groups, and teaching methods. This diversity can enhance your professional development and adaptability as an educator. 

• Exploration of career options: Supply teaching can be an excellent way to explore different schools and grade levels before committing to a permanent role, helping you make more informed career decisions.

• Career development: Working on supply provides you with the chance to talk to different teachers, see how they teach, plan and assess, and open your eyes to other ways of doing things. This is a great opportunity to learn from others and to adapt your own teaching.

 We offer a wide variety of teaching roles across different subjects and educational settings. We have roles for subject-specific teachers, primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, special educational needs (SEN) teachers, further education teachers, cover supervisors, and positions specifically tailored for Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

Regardless of what teaching role you decide on, you will be able to choose between short-term/temporary roles and long-term/permanent roles. This diversity allows teachers to choose roles that align with their expertise, preferences, and career goals. 

The typical process of securing a job with CER is as follows:

• Initial registration: you will need to provide your personal information, education, qualifications, experience, and any relevant certifications. You can provide this information either by applying for a job on our website or by contacting us directly.

• Pre-screen call: if you have relevant skills, experience and/or qualifications for the role, one of our recruitment consultants will call you for an informal chat about your preferences and what sort of roles you’re looking for. 

• Documentation and compliance: You will be asked to provide essential documents, such as your teaching qualifications, DBS checks, and references. These documents are crucial for verification and matching you with suitable roles. 

• Zoom/face-to-face interview: this is an opportunity for you to learn about our roles in more detail and for you to share more about your experience and skill set. 

• You’re ready to work! Once all documentation has been submitted, our dedicated team will match your qualifications and preferences with available opportunities. When a suitable job becomes available, we will contact you with details about the role and you’re out to work! 

Throughout your time working with us, we will provide support and address any concerns you may have. We will continue to match you with suitable jobs based on your availability and preferences, creating an ongoing relationship for consistent work opportunities. 

Although this will depend on the type of role you are applying for, not all our positions require traditional teaching experience. We welcome candidates with a range of related experience such as childcare, youth work or social care.

We recognise that skills gained in these areas are valuable and can be highly transferable to the educational field. Our goal is to match candidates with the right opportunities, and we consider a broad spectrum of experiences when doing so.

Always be sure to check out the requirements for the specific role you’re applying for and ensure you have the right experience before applying.

If you have a passion for working with students and believe your background aligns with the educational sector, we encourage you to explore our opportunities! 

To qualify for supply teaching, candidates must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This is typically obtained through completing a recognised teacher training program, such as a Bachelor of Education (BEd), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or an undergraduate degree with QTS status.

Candidates will also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is mandatory for all individuals working with children and vulnerable adults in the UK. An enhanced DBS check includes checks against the Police National Computer and local police records, as well as barred list checks.

An understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Completing safeguarding training or possessing relevant certification may be required by some schools.

Candidates will also be requested to provide two references from previous employers or educational institutions to verify your suitability for teaching roles.

Finally, all candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK, which may include British citizenship, indefinite leave to remain, or a valid work visa.

QTS, or Qualified Teacher Status, signifies that a teacher has completed the required training to become a Teacher, such as BA QTS, BSc QTS, BEd, or PGCE, and has met the standards set by the Department for Skills and Education.

Upholding the professional code of the General Teaching Council of England is also a crucial component. For permanent employment in a school, QTS is a requirement. It grants access to pay in accordance with the teacher’s pay scheme, opportunities for continuing professional development, and eligibility for pension contributions.

For further information on QTS standards, please visit the Department for Education’s website.

How long it takes to become a teacher in the UK depends on the route you choose to go down. Typically, it takes 3-4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree in education, followed by a one-year PGCE or similar training programme. In total, it can take approximately 4-5 years to become a qualified school teacher.

We provide opportunities in a diverse range of educational sectors and settings including Special Educational Needs (SEN), Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Early Years and Nurseries.

We understand that each candidate has unique experiences and strengths. That’s why we encourage candidates to specify their preferences to their dedicated recruitment consultant. Whether you have a passion for working with specific age groups or in particular educational environments, we strive to match you with roles that align with your preferences and expertise.

We prioritise flexibility and aim to match candidates with roles that suit their strengths and preferences. This personalised approach allows you to contribute effectively to areas where you feel most confident and make a positive impact on the educational experience of students. 

While we specialise in supply teaching, we also provide opportunities for long-term and permanent roles. Our aim is to accommodate educators at various stages in their careers, from those seeking short-term flexibility to those interested in securing more stable, ongoing positions. Our diverse portfolio of jobs allows us to assist you in finding the right fit, whether it’s for a day, several months, or a permanent teaching position.

Click here to explore our latest jobs.

While we do rely on teachers and support staff to fill in for emergency absences, a significant portion of our schools also schedule bookings well in advance. Once you’ve established a rapport with schools, many will request your services up to a week ahead of time. Should you receive a booking in the morning, rest assured we’ll reach out to you as early as possible. Please ensure you’re prepared and available from 7 am onwards.

There are several benefits of registering with CER. Here’s just a few:

• Ongoing CPD support and training 
• Vacancies leading to permanent roles 
• Interview preparation and CV writing support 
• Induction and ongoing well-being support 
• Jobs in several sectors – Primary, Secondary and SEN 
• Access to our exclusive discounts and cashback offers 
• Competitive pay rates 
• Earn £250 when you refer a friend 
• Sign On bonus – £300*

We offer all candidates access to Affinity Academy, our dedicated hub for learning and development. It provides teachers with a wealth of resources, training materials, and information to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge. Teachers registered with us have the opportunity to participate in online training courses designed to support their professional development. These courses cover a wide range of topics relevant to teaching and education, ensuring that teachers can continue to grow in their roles. Why not take a look at our upcoming training sessions? 

As a registered candidate of CER, you also have access to The Skills Network, where you can explore over 30 level 3 online learning courses that will help you upskill, reskill, and personally develop.

Click here to learn more about our learning and development opportunities.

The average pay rates for Teachers vary based on factors such as location, experience and specific requirements of the job. On average, the pay rates for our teacher roles range between £150 – £230 per day.

To start your education journey with us, simply get in touch with your local branch. Alternatively, apply for one of our teaching roles and we will contact you directly!