Frequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions we get asked most often — especially by people new to supply, visiting a school for the first time, or just wanting a bit of reassurance before the day begins.
If there’s ever anything you’re unsure about, just ask. We’d always rather you felt prepared.
Frequently asked questions
Preparation
If it’s your first time in a school, smart is usually the safest option until you get a feel for the setting.
That said, some roles are much more practical than others. If you’re heading into EYFS, PE, outdoor learning or certain SEND roles, comfort and practicality matter just as much as looking professional.
No one wants to spend the day regretting their footwear by 9:15am.
If you’re unsure, just ask — we’re always happy to advise.
For your first visit, it’s sensible to bring:
- photo ID
- your DBS certificate if requested
- a notebook and pen
- a fully charged phone (on silent and tucked away in your bag once you’re in school!)
- and a good dose of flexibility
If you’re teaching, schools will usually leave planning, but arriving with enough time to get your bearings makes a huge difference.
Passwords, photocopiers and whiteboard logins do have a habit of causing mild drama just when you least need it.
An excellent and entirely valid question.
Some schools have plenty of parking. Others have one hidden staff car park apparently known only to those who’ve worked there since 1998.
Where we know, we’ll always try to give you a heads-up before your first visit.
If you’re unsure, just ask. Removing unnecessary early morning stress is very much the goal.
Usually fairly quickly once your registration and safer recruitment checks are all complete.
That depends a little on your availability, flexibility and the time of year, but we’ll always be honest about likely opportunities.
Sometimes things move quickly. Sometimes schools go mysteriously quiet and then all ring at once.
Welcome to supply.
On the day
Life happens. Roadworks happen. Unexpected tractor encounters definitely happen.
If something delays you, please phone Fair Teachers as soon as possible so we can keep the school informed.
If you’re teaching, arriving with a bit of breathing space really helps — time to get signed in, locate the classroom, work out the login situation, glance at planning and generally avoid starting the day in mild panic.
Teaching assistants may not need quite as much lead-in time depending on the role, but punctuality always matters.
Usually yes — but it depends on the school, the role and the structure of the day.
Most full-day placements include a lunch break, though timings vary.
If nobody mentions it (which occasionally happens in the whirlwind of a busy morning), please just ask.
You are allowed to eat and have a wee.
A few simple things make all the difference:
- sign in at reception
- introduce yourself confidently
- ask questions if anything’s unclear
- follow the school’s routines
- be warm, professional and adaptable
- treat office staff, support staff and colleagues kindly (they are often the absolute heroes of the place)
- leave clear handover notes if appropriate
- follow safeguarding procedures at all times
The people schools remember most positively are rarely the flashiest — they’re the calm, capable, adaptable ones who make the day easier.
Bookings and Availability
The honest answer? It varies.
Supply work naturally ebbs and flows depending on the time of year, school demand and your own flexibility.
Some people work several days a week. Others prefer occasional work that fits around family, semi-retirement, other commitments or simply preserving their sanity.
We’ll always try to match opportunities sensibly around what works for you.
We usually check in midweek to see what your availability looks like for the following week — sometimes a little further ahead if things are particularly busy.
But if plans change, appointments pop up, holidays get booked, or you suddenly fancy more work (or less!), just drop us a message.
No complicated system. Just communication.
Absolutely.
One of the reasons many people choose supply is flexibility.
If something doesn’t work for you because of travel, timing, commitments or simply because it’s not the right fit, that’s completely okay.
Honest communication is always far more helpful than reluctant yeses.
Not necessarily.
Some people enjoy variety. Others naturally build lovely ongoing relationships with particular schools and become familiar faces there.
Where continuity works well for everyone, we’ll always try to support that.
Schools contact Fair Teachers with what they need, and we then carefully think about who might be the best fit.
That could include:
- experience
- travel distance
- confidence with certain roles
- SEND experience
- continuity with a school
- availability
It’s never just about filling a gap quickly and hoping for the best.
That’s usually a very good sign.
Schools often request familiar staff when placements have gone well, and where availability allows, we’ll always try to support that continuity.
It’s one of the nicest bits of supply — becoming a trusted familiar face somewhere.
If you’re unwell or something unexpected happens, please phone as early as possible — even if it feels ridiculously early.
Please don’t rely on email or text for urgent cancellations, as busy mornings can be chaotic and messages can be missed.
The more notice we have, the better chance we have of supporting the school and finding cover.
Safeguarding and support
Safeguarding always comes first.
If you have an immediate safeguarding concern in school, this would normally be reported to the school’s designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or senior staff in line with their procedures.
If you’re unsure, uncomfortable, or simply want to talk something through first, you can absolutely contact Fair Teachers.
You will never be criticised for raising a genuine concern.
Always trust your professional instincts.
