Going into a new school can be daunting for a supply teacher, but there are a few things that you can do to help to make your first day a success.
On arrival you should be provided with some of the following information, however, on occasion due to staffing and time constraints, this may not always be possible. Your justteachers consultant will provide you with as much information as possible prior to your placement to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Some of the following points will not apply in all situations, in particular, the distinction between supply work in the primary and secondary sectors is recognised. Over time you will become familiar with the key pieces of information that you need to know, below is a selection of sample questions to aid your booking.
- What are the names of the heads of department, key stage and subject coordinators and / or senior management team (you will usually only need one or two names of the key personnel)?
- Are there any special instructions about gaining entry to the school premises?
- Do bells mark the end of lesson and school sessions?
- What are the arrangements for assembly and registration?
- Are you ‘expected’ to do extra duties, e.g. bus duty?
- What are the lunch and break arrangements?
- Is there any information about the layout of the school? Is there a plan or map, showing the location of rooms? If so, you should receive a copy.
- Where is the staffroom, cloakroom and lavatory?
- Is there somewhere safe where, if required, you can store your personal belongings?
- Where are the classrooms / teaching spaces?
- Does the school have a lesson routine? For example, are classrooms locked at the end of a school session?
- Do pupils line up outside the classroom before the lesson commences?
- Is there a seating plan for the classroom or are pupils able to choose their own seats?
- Should pupils have certain books, for example, a textbook and exercise book and writing tools with them?
- Do you call a register every lesson?
- Have you been provided with a list of the pupils in the class you are covering?
- Are you expected to teach pupils or are you supervising lessons only? If you are expected to teach a group of pupils, have you been provided with any sufficient information about, for example, teaching resources?
- Has work been set for the class or classes you are covering and if so, where can it be located? Are you expected to set work yourself?
- Do pupils record their work in exercise books, on paper, or in some other way?
- Is there any guidance about marking, recording and assessment (if this is appropriate to the supply assignment)?
- What are the arrangements for dealing with pupil indiscipline and disruption? It is particularly important to obtain clear guidance on the school’s policy on the physical restraint of pupils.
- Are there any ancillary or support staff to work in the classroom while you teach? Are they in the classroom to support a specific pupil or are they to be deployed as you deem appropriate?
- Do any of the pupils have any medical condition(s) you should be aware?
- What are the arrangements when a child is sick?
- What are the arrangements for wet weather during outside activities?
- What are the procedures if there is an emergency, e.g. a fire?
- Is there a school uniform?
- Is there a smoking policy in operation at the school?
- Have you been told whether there are any children in the class who have special educational needs?
- Are there any statemented SEND pupils? From whom do you get this information?
Remember, whether you are there for a day or two, or a full term, your new colleagues will be able to share a wealth of useful information with you about the school. It’s also a great opportunity for a conversational icebreaker.
If you have any questions or require any further information surrounding your booking, please do not hesitate to contact your consultant.
