Your Day as a Supply Teacher in London

The types of School you will be working in

The Department for Education (DfE) is the central government office that is responsible for education in England. The Local Education Authorities (LEA's) are responsible for distributing the funding given to education from the DfE in specific boroughs. There are 4 main types of schools in the UK.

Independent Schools

Schools that do not receive state government funding and are instead financed from parents and school investments.

State Funded Schools

Schools Maintained by the Local and Central government, they are overseen by the Local Education Authorities. 

City Learning Centres

Schools that are state funded and cater for commerce and industry.

Grant Maintained Schools

Schools funded by the state, Grant Maintained Schools are not controlled by the Local Education Authorities, they are paid directly by the DfE

The students you will be teaching 

The cultural diversity in the UK is varied and prevalent in most schools that you will be placed in. It isn't strange for a class to have as many as 20 different languages spoken amongst pupils - it is fair to say rich cultural diversity is guaranteed. Most students will have a good understanding of English but you may get a student who doesn't speak any English at all. These students usually work with classroom assistants in a quiet area of the room so that they don't distract the rest of the pupils.  The demand for multicultural education makes for a culturally diverse classroom with the opportunity for all students to learn about other cultures and to value the differences between individuals. Discussions will make for some of the most interesting conversations you will hear as a teacher and will give you the opportunity to learn about the cultures of the students you teach.

The UK Curriculum you will be teaching

The Education system in the UK, although not dissimilar to other developed English speaking countries, runs its own unique curriculum called the UK National Curriculum. Below are the Key Learning Stages you will find across the UK age and ability range:-

Classroom Management required in the UK

As an emergency teacher in the UK you are going to be required to develop effective classroom management strategies to help you deal with new students on a day to day basis. For Supply Teachers your behaviour management skills will be put to the test primarily as you have not had the time to develop relationships and expectations with your students to the level of the regular teacher you will be replacing. There are some key focus areas we think will benefit your success at a teacher in the UK:-

1. Follow the work program as close as you can
2. Prepare a portfolio of work just in case you have to take a class where there has been no work set
3. Be attentive to the students' personal needs and always leave feedback on how the lesson/day went.
4. Maintain your classroom standards and expectations at all time.
5. Continuity is a key to your success.

How to make an impression in schools

As a teacher you are continually required to maintain your professional standards at an exemplary level. There is no harm in taking an "Outstanding Customer Service" mentality with you into every school you visit. Always greet the office staff, your contact for the day, school leaders and students in a nice way. Use your manners; always say please and thank-you.Smile. Even if you meet people who you perceive to be rude there is no reason for you to be. Be assertive but by really nice. It will get you a long way. Always make the effort to say good bye to your contact and thank them for the work. You might find yourself heading back there very soon after. 

UK School Lunch and Break times

All schools will have a social staffroom where you can relax between lessons and grab a bite to eat and drink. Some schools provide tea and coffee for free; others will charge a small fee. The school lunches canteen is still a favourite place among students in the UK. You will be able to choose from a wide selection of sit down hot dinners, sandwiches, snacks and crisps to satisfy you're well earned hunger. Be sure to get in quick because that hot food won't last very long, neither does school recess!

Teacher and Staff Conduct

Exemplorary teacher conduct and staff conduct in general is, as you would expect, a requirement of your employment. It should be mentioned though that addressing any issues as and when they occur is best practice - contact us immediately and we will speak to the Head Teacher with you to resolve the matter. Please do not make physical contact with any students unless you are employed in a position where you have received the appropriate training to do this. Any incident that occurs at school needs to be recorded on an incident sheet. These will be available to you from either the Office or from the Head of Year (HoY) teacher.

If you work in an EBD or a Special Needs School on permanent contract where the nature of your position may require you to make contact with a student, it is strongly advised that you join a union before you begin any work.

These are basic guidelines on teaching staff conduct and each school has individual expectations - if in doubt, we'll assist you in recognising your teacher conduct obligations.