There is no single way to work in supply.
Some people want the flexibility of choosing when they work. Others prefer longer bookings, regular schools or a route back into a permanent role.
Understanding the different types of work can help you decide what suits you before you start speaking to agencies or accepting bookings.
Your career. Your availability. Your choice.
Day to day supply
Day to day supply is the most flexible type of supply work.
A booking might last for a single day or continue for several days depending on what the school needs. You may work in several different schools over the course of a week.
Schools commonly use day to day supply to cover things such as:
- staff sickness
- training and non-contact time
- planned absence
- short notice vacancies or gaps
It can suit people who value flexibility, want experience across different schools or do not want to commit to a longer placement.
The trade-off is that the amount of work available can vary from week to week.
Long term supply
Long term supply usually means taking responsibility for a class, timetable or role for an extended period rather than covering individual days.
These bookings can arise because of maternity leave, long term absence, an unfilled vacancy or a school needing additional support for a particular period.
Long term work can involve more of the responsibilities associated with a permanent member of staff, such as:
- planning lessons
- marking and assessment
- parents’ evenings
- meetings
- ongoing responsibility for pupils or classes
Exactly what is expected should be clear before you accept the booking, particularly where additional responsibilities may affect the appropriate rate of pay.
Permanent work
Supply does not have to be a permanent career choice.
Some people use supply while deciding what they want next, returning to education after time away or looking for a permanent position without rushing into the first opportunity available.
Working in different schools can also help you understand the type of environment, age group or role that suits you best.
If your goal is ultimately a permanent role, it is worth being clear about that when you speak to agencies and schools.
Can you mix different types of supply?
Yes. Your preferences can change over time.
You might start with day to day work, take a longer booking when the right opportunity appears and later decide whether permanent employment is right for you.
You can also have different preferences at different times of the year. What matters is being clear about what you are willing to accept before a booking is offered.
Think about what matters to you
Before deciding which type of work to focus on, it can help to think about:
- how many days each week you want to work
- how far you are prepared to travel
- whether you want planning and marking responsibilities
- how much certainty you want over your weekly income
- whether you prefer familiar schools or variety
- your preferred phase, subject or type of setting
- whether you are looking for something temporary or a longer term career move
What about pay?
The type of booking can affect what you are paid, particularly when a role involves additional responsibility.
Rates also vary according to factors such as location, role, experience, phase and employment arrangement.
Use the Pay Checker to put your current or offered rate into context using information anonymously shared by other people working in supply.
Choosing an agency
Different agencies may offer different types of work, schools and geographic coverage.
Before registering or accepting work, understand how you will be paid, what type of bookings the agency typically offers and whether that matches what you actually want from supply.
Explore supply teaching jobs & roles
Supply work is not limited to qualified classroom teachers. Schools also use cover supervisors, teaching assistants, SEND support staff and people working across a wide range of subjects and phases.