Understand how bookings work, choose an agency carefully and prepare for your first day. Start with the basics before worrying about having every classroom answer.
IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Before accepting work, know the role, school, hours, pay arrangement and person to contact if something changes.
Before your first booking
Read how supply teaching works for the main routes into work. Then use the guides below to compare agencies, manage more than one contact and plan your first morning at school.
Bring questions as well as documents. An unclear pay quote, missing arrival instructions or a different role on the day are things to clarify, not details you have to guess.
When the questions become more specific
The supply-pay guide helps you understand a quote. Preparation for school should include safeguarding, the timetable and where to get support, alongside the practical details of your journey and timesheet.
This section is for teachers and support staff. The responsibilities and checks will depend on the actual role and the UK nation, so use the booking details rather than assumptions based on the word supply.
Explore the guides
Can I use more than one agency?
Working with more than one agency can give you more ways to hear about bookings. The practical challenge is keeping availability, payroll and assignment records clear.
Choosing a supply agency
An agency is worth assessing by the clarity of its bookings and support, not just the rate in its advert. Ask the same questions of each organisation so you can…
First day of supply teaching
Your first supply day is easier when you know where to go, who can help and what the school expects. Use this as a practical checklist for teaching or support…
Five benefits of becoming a supply teacher
Supply teaching can offer more flexibility, variety and control over your working week while keeping you connected to the classroom. It can suit experienced teachers, people returning after a break,…
How does supply teaching work?
Supply teaching means stepping into a school when it needs cover. You might work in different classrooms from day to day, or stay with one class for a longer booking.…
Last reviewed: 20 September 2026. Official guidance and individual arrangements can change.