Your Guide To Supply Teaching This September

As the school year begins, supply teaching in September presents a golden opportunity for educators seeking flexible roles in schools across the UK.

Whether you’re a qualified teacher, a recent graduate, or someone looking for classroom experience as a cover supervisor, the start of the academic year is a prime time to secure work.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about becoming an occasional teacher or cover supervisor in September, and how to find the right supply teaching jobs to fit your lifestyle.

Why September is a great time to start Supply Teaching

September marks a fresh start for schools, but also comes with plenty of last-minute changes, teachers on leave, unexpected absences, or timetable adjustments. This creates a surge in demand for supply teachers, especially in the first few weeks.

Here’s why supply teaching in September is ideal:

• High demand: Many schools are still finalising staffing needs.
• Opportunities to build long-term roles: Temporary cover can lead to permanent positions.
• Perfect for new graduates: Gain immediate classroom experience right after university or teacher training.

What is an Occasional Teacher?

An occasional teacher is a qualified educator who works on a day-to-day or short-term basis to cover for absent teachers. In the UK, they’re often called supply teachers, but the term “occasional teacher” is widely used in other countries such as Canada.

Key benefits of occasional teaching:

• Flexible schedule
• Variety of classroom settings
• Opportunities to gain diverse teaching experience

Whether you’re returning to teaching or just starting out, being an occasional teacher in September can help you ease into the school year without committing to a full-time contract.

What Does a Cover Supervisor Do?

A cover supervisor is typically responsible for managing a classroom when the regular teacher is absent. While you don’t deliver full lessons, you supervise students, maintain order, and ensure work set by the teacher is completed.

Cover supervision is ideal for:

• Graduates considering a career in teaching – get a taste for what life working in a school is like!
• Teaching assistants looking to step up
• Professionals with classroom experience

In many supply teaching jobs, cover supervisors are in high demand especially at secondary schools. It’s a great stepping stone if you’re not yet a qualified teacher but want to gain school-based experience.

How to Find Supply Teaching Jobs in September

Looking for Supply Teaching jobs in September? Here are some quick tips:

1. Register with Prospero Teaching

Prospero work with thousands of incredible schools across the UK. By registering with us, you’ll have access to a wide range of jobs. Our recruiters will carefully review your CV and experience to match you with the roles that suit you best! We’ll be here to offer our support and guidance along the way, whilst getting you booked as regularly as possible.

2. Tailor Your CV

Highlight any experience in classroom management, curriculum knowledge, or working with children. If you’re aiming for occasional teacher roles, include your QTS or teaching credentials. For cover supervisor roles, focus on transferable skills like communication and behaviour management.

3. Get Your DBS Check Ready

An up-to-date DBS certificate is essential for any school role in the UK. If yours isn’t on the Update Service, get a new one started early.

4. Be Available and Reliable

The more flexible and punctual you are in September, the more likely you are to get repeat bookings. Schools love reliable staff they can count on.

Whether you’re stepping into a school for the first time or returning after a break, supply teaching in September offers a world of opportunity. As an occasional teacher or cover supervisor, you can choose your schedule, gain new experience, and potentially land longer-term roles.

Start the school year strong by exploring supply teaching jobs now and be ready to hit the ground running when the bell rings!