Supply teaching from September: What can we expect?
Despite several months of uncertainty, the education system is poised to return to a new normal where supply teachers and teaching assistants are being welcomed back to the classroom. The government is determined to see all students back for the start of the academic year and get them on track with the curriculum, which will be welcome news for the many support staff who have missed doing the job that they love.
Here’s what supply teachers can expect from the return to teaching in September and how a supply teaching agency can help.
How supply teaching has changed
Supply teaching means providing help to the schools where it’s most needed and that hasn’t changed in light of coronavirus. In fact, the education system may become increasingly dependent on these support workers and teaching assistants as schools head towards a new way of teaching. With schools planning to open their doors to all pupils in September, the teaching community can now begin to prepare for their return by starting with what has changed.
The Department for Education (DfE) has emphasised that the time away from the classroom will have severely impacted some students’ ‘cognitive and academic’ development so you’ll be helping students with learning loss. Since this will be a very confusing and unsettling time, supply teachers may also need to help pupils with stress and anxiety or encourage them to speak to someone about their challenges.
What going back to school means
In their guidance for opening schools, the DfE has announced that supply teachers and other temporary teaching staff can move between schools as long as these educational workers observe a minimum distance between staff and pupils. This decision has not been made lightly since one of the main focuses has always been to limit the risk of transmission, but the choice is one of the many steps intended to help the education system establish a new normal and help supply teachers to return to work.
The Test and Trace method will become a key factor in monitoring the transmission within schools and to ensure that the learning environment remains safe. Where the virus can be traced to a student or teacher this will lead to year groups being sent home, and schools are required to have contingency plans in place should they need to partially close and return to online teaching.
Other measures are being brought in to reduce the movement of pupils around classrooms, and some schools will look to teach pupils in ‘bubbles’ so that there are lower risks of transmission.
Additionally, school administrators and teaching staff have received hygiene guidelines that will help to prevent an outbreak. These include enforcing regular hand washing at designated sanitation stations, more frequent cleaning of shared areas, decontamination protocols and waste management procedures.
How to prepare for the return
If you’ve had some time away from the classroom it’s understandable to feel nervous about returning, particularly if you’re concerned about your health or financial support. Education Support is a UK charity focused on improving the health and wellbeing of teachers and they’ve collated this information pack for supply teachers to help support educational staff through the pandemic.
While your role is to support others it’s essential to know how to manage your wellbeing as a supply teacher, which includes finding the time to do things that you enjoy. Supply teaching remains a great way to teach in the classroom whilst also leaving you time to spend pursuing other hobbies or commitments.
Working with an agency
82% of supply teachers find work through a supply teaching agency and in the coming months these agencies will prove to be an essential contact for teachers, but what should you look for and how do you choose the right supply teacher agency for you?
While supply teachers value having time off between jobs, those who want more consistent work really benefit from an agency’s ability to find short notice contracts. What’s more, agencies can be a helpful source of information regarding legislation and accreditation changes. Job seeking can be a time-consuming task but a good supply teaching agency will take on this role and leave you with more time to focus on teaching. They’ll take the time to understand your career goals and find jobs that align with these whilst providing you with all the tools and resources you need to progress.
Register for supply teaching jobs with Teaching Personnel
Register today and we’ll help you every step of the way, right from getting your safeguarding clearance to your first day back in the classroom. Our consultants are committed to understanding your needs and finding the supply teaching job that is right for you. Still looking for more information? Find out why teachers work with Teaching Personnel.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£120 - 164 per day
Location free text
Withington
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 1
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
At Teaching Personnel, we are collaborating closely with a school in Withington, who are actively looking for enthusiastic applicants who can join the school as a Year 1 teacher. The successful educat
Reference
M20 Y1 T
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South PrimaryAuthor
Manchester South PrimarySalary
£125 - 165 per day
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
£30,000 - £39,999
Sector
Teacher
Location
Peterborough
Description
Supply Teacher | PeterboroughAre you a newly or fully qualified Primary Teacher looking for flexible, part-time or full time supply work in the Peterborough, Cambridgeshire area?If so, then read on, a
Reference
JCINDPETRB2025A
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cambridge PrimaryAuthor
Cambridge PrimarySalary
£140 - 180 per day
Location free text
Nelson
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Nelson
Description
Are you a passionate and dedicated Early Careers Teacher looking to make an impact in primary education? We have an exciting opportunity for you to work on a supply basis in an excellent primary schoo
Reference
ECT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire East PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire East PrimarySalary
£84 - 100 per day
Location free text
Rochdale
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Rochdale
Description
Are you passionate, approachable, and dedicated to providing exceptional care and educational support for students with additional needs?Do you pride yourself on your strong communication skills, pati
Reference
0987678
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£153.00 - 238.18 per day
Location free text
Cambridge
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Cambridge
Description
Primary Teacher – full timeAre you are Fully Qualified Primary educator looking for a more flexible, fresh role? Then look no further than a role with Teaching Personnel! We are the UK’s leading educa
Reference
Teacher FT 12
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cambridge PrimaryAuthor
Cambridge PrimarySalary
£12.90 - 13.50 per day
Location free text
Fleetwood
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Job Title: EYFS Practitioner Location: North West England, Lancashire, FleetwoodJob Type: Temporary, Full-Time hoursPrimary Industry: Education and TrainingSalary: £12.90 - £13.50 per dayJob Duti
Reference
SJEYFS3020
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£419.25 - 500.00 per week
Location free text
Wilmslow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cheshire
Description
Teaching Assistant – Full-Time Role in WilmslowTeaching Personnel is delighted to offer an opportunity for a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join an Ofsted-rated "Good" secondary scho
Reference
i7656898765
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£419.25 - 500.00 per week
Location free text
Wilmslow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cheshire
Description
English Specialist Teaching Assistant – Full-Time Role in WilmslowTeaching Personnel is seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable English Specialist Teaching Assistant to join an Ofsted-rated "Good" s
Reference
7654567890098765435
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£419.25 - 500.00 per week
Location free text
Wilmslow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cheshire
Description
Maths Specialist Teaching Assistant – Full-Time Role in WilmslowTeaching Personnel is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Maths Specialist Teaching Assistant to join an Ofsted-rated "Good" secondar
Reference
765434567898765
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondarySalary
£419.25 - 500.00 per week
Location free text
Wilmslow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cheshire
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant – Full-Time Role in WilmslowTeaching Personnel is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join an Ofsted-rated "Good" secondary school in Wilmslow. This
Reference
8765678765
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South SecondaryAuthor
Manchester South SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retire
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainst
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
The festive season and the end of term are quickly approaching! To help you prepare, our Payroll team has shared all the essential dates you need to ensure you get paid before Christmas. Check out t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
NurseryContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
The government has announced new nursery funding and the introduction of free before-school breakfast clubs. These initiatives will bring change to early education. Yet staffing them will be a c
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
On the 5th of November, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining a
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future. Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job