Supply can give an early career teacher experience, but not every booking counts towards statutory induction. Check the national rules and the arrangements for the specific post before relying on it.
IN PLAIN ENGLISH
In England, short-term supply and a suitable registered induction post are different. Get the school and appropriate body to confirm the induction arrangements before the work starts.
Identify the rules that apply
This guide’s induction explanation is for England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different induction and registration arrangements. Ask the relevant national body about work there rather than applying England’s rules across the UK.
Begin with how supply teaching works if you are unsure who employs you or what an agency booking involves. The contractual route does not by itself establish whether a post is suitable for induction.
Short bookings and induction are different
Under England’s current guidance, short-term supply of less than one term does not count towards induction. There is a five-year limit from the award of QTS on this short-term work in relevant schools before induction is completed, with specific exceptions explained in the guidance. That is not a general deadline to complete induction.
The DfE’s current induction guidance explains the limits, eligible institutions and exceptions. If your QTS date or earlier work creates uncertainty, ask the appropriate body to confirm your position in writing before accepting further work.
A longer booking still needs checking
A placement of a term or more is not automatically an induction placement. It needs to meet the suitability requirements and be registered with an appropriate body. The induction start cannot simply be backdated because an initially short booking later becomes longer.
Ask who will coordinate registration, provide mentoring and assess progress. Confirm the timetable and support arrangements before starting. These questions are practical safeguards, not a promise that a particular agency can provide an eligible post.
Questions to send before accepting
- Is this post suitable for my statutory induction, and has the appropriate body confirmed that?
- What start date will be recorded, and who completes the registration?
- Who is my mentor and induction tutor, and when will we meet?
- How will the school provide the required timetable arrangements, training and assessment?
- What happens to my induction record if the booking ends early?
What this means for you
Keep your QTS and induction records together with written confirmation of the post. Do not rely on a verbal promise that “all supply counts”. Compare day to day and long-term placements by their support and duties as well as pay.
For classroom preparation, use the first-day checklist. Being new to the profession is a reason to clarify who can help, not to hide a missing induction arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Can daily supply still be useful experience?
It may help you learn different routines and settings, but useful experience and time counted towards induction are separate matters. Keep that distinction clear when planning your next step.
Can this guide confirm my remaining entitlement to short-term work?
No. Your QTS date, previous induction and type of school need checking against the current guidance. Seek confirmation from the appropriate body; this is general information, not an individual eligibility decision.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 20 September 2026. Official guidance and individual arrangements can change.