Your first school assignment in a supply teaching role

Please arrive at school for your first school assignment at least 30 minutes before classes are assembled for registration. We recommend that you arrive no later than 8.15am. This will ensure that you have enough time to familiarise yourself with the school and timetables before the start of lesson. This allows you extra time should you be running behind schedule.

Remember, you must always arrive at school with your correct DBS certificate and photographic ID. Schools will ask you to present these on arrival. So to be prepared always have these with you as schools may send you away if you do not have these important safeguarding documents.

Always make sure you always sign in at reception on arrival and sign out when leaving. If you leave the school premises for any reason, you must always report your absence to a senior member of staff at school and to your consultant.

To avoid getting lost or being late for your first school assignment, we strongly recommend that you prepare your route in advance, allowing yourself plenty of time for the journey. If you are going to be late, please ensure you ring your consultant as soon as possible. Please do not contact school as we will do this for you.

Top 10 tips for your first day as a supply teacher

A good day starts with you. The right attitude is a key factor in making your day a success but here are some tips:

1. Be early for your class. Never arrive after your pupils.
2. Obtain the class profile. Speak with the head of department to find out if there are any special needs, disabilities or gifted students.
3. Be prepared. You are the one with knowledge.
4. Learn as many names as possible so you can build a rapport and try to develop positive relationships.
5. Always have a backup strategy. Students may complete the work early, or there may even be no work set. What is your plan B?
6. Make an impact. Engage your pupils early and capture their attention.
7. Demonstrate that you are familiar with the rewards and sanctions policy.
8. Bring a competitive element. Students enjoy praise, competition and rewards e.g. stickers, prizes or simply verbal recognition.
9. Be adventurous and interesting, with a sense of fun.
10. Enjoy! A smile can lift the mood for you and the students.

You can register with us here is if you have not already done so.