Home › Teacher recruitment for the spring term: what schools usually ask for
Sincere Education no longer trades, so this page is an archived reference rather than a recruitment service. Its subject is teaching staff, and the period from late autumn into the new year is a common time for schools to look for cover, supply and longer-term staff. Whether you are a teacher, a teaching assistant or someone considering supply work for the first time, the preparation you do now can make the spring term much easier to start.
Why the spring term is a busy time
Schools plan staffing around known absences, planned leave and the timetable for the year ahead. Some absences are only confirmed in the weeks before a term begins, which is why requests for cover often come in around the end of one term and the start of the next. Mid-year vacancies can also arise when a member of staff changes role or leaves.
A new term is a sensible time to update your records, check your availability and be clear about what kind of work you want. Schools often ask for the same information in the same order, so having it ready saves time for everyone.
The paperwork schools usually ask for
Every school sets its own process, but most ask for a similar set of documents before a teacher or support worker can start. Gather them early so that a short-notice request does not hold you back.
- Proof of identity and right to work in the UK, usually a passport or other approved document.
- Qualifications, with certificates or a clear record of where they are held. For teachers, this may include qualified teacher status where it applies.
- Enhanced DBS check information. Many schools ask for a current certificate, or for permission to check it through the online service. Find out whether your employer or agency needs an update, and keep the reference number to hand.
- References, usually from recent employers. Ask your referees in advance and make sure their contact details are current.
- Safeguarding training records, including any certificates for courses you have completed.
Schools also check that your employment history is complete and that there are no unexplained gaps. A short, accurate summary is easier to explain than a long, vague one.
Preparing a clear profile
A profile should tell a school what you can do and when you can do it. Keep it short, specific and up to date. List the age ranges and subjects you have taught or supported, and mention any specialist skills, such as behaviour management, reading support, practical lessons or computing.
State your availability plainly. If you can only work on certain days or in certain areas, say so at the start. Schools would rather know your limits early than discover them after an offer has been made. If you are open to different types of work, such as long-term cover or one-day supply, say that as well.
Think about how you will be contacted. Make sure your phone number and email address are correct, that voicemail is set up and that you check messages regularly during term time. A missed call from a school can mean a missed booking.
Checking bookings and staying organised
Before accepting any booking, get the key details in writing. Confirm the school’s name and address, the start date and time, the expected finish time, the subject or class and the name of the contact person. Ask what the pay arrangements are, how and when you will be paid and whether travel costs are included.
Ask about the induction too. A school should tell you where to report on arrival, who will show you around, how to access the registers and what the procedure is for an emergency. If the school cannot answer these questions, it is worth asking for them in writing before you travel.
If you are working through an agency, check its terms and the rules that apply to agency workers. Read any contract before you sign it, and keep copies of everything you agree.
Once the term is underway, a few habits keep things running smoothly. Keep a simple diary of your bookings, with the school, the date and the contact details. Write down any issues the day they happen, while the details are fresh. If something goes wrong on a placement, tell the school office or your agency straight away, rather than waiting until the end of the week.
Look after your own wellbeing as well. Supply work can be demanding, because each day may bring a new room, a new class and a new routine. Plan your travel, pack what you need the night before, and take time off when you can.
What to do if you are new to supply
If you are new to supply or cover work, start with a few bookings you feel comfortable with, rather than accepting everything offered. Ask for a short briefing before each lesson, and use the class teacher’s plan wherever one is available. Keep a list of the routines that work for you, such as how to take the register or how to deal with a common behaviour issue.
Experienced colleagues are a good source of advice. Ask a senior member of staff what the school expects from cover staff, and what the usual routines are. Most schools are glad to help someone who asks sensible questions.
Key points
- Schools usually look for cover and staff around the end of one term and the start of the next, so keep your records current now.
- Gather identity, qualification, DBS, reference and safeguarding information before you are asked for it.
- Keep a short profile that states your subjects, age ranges, availability and contact details clearly.
- Before you accept a booking, confirm the school, dates, times, pay arrangements, induction and contact in writing.
- Keep a diary of bookings and report problems straight away.
- If you are new to supply, start with bookings you feel ready for and ask for a clear briefing each time.
For general guidance on where to turn for help, see where to find help. For the rules that apply to agency workers, see agency workers regulations.