Many teachers find themselves in the position of working as a supply teacher either because they are between jobs or because it fits in better with their family life.

There are advantages to the flexible working patterns that come hand in hand with supply teaching. Should you have young children of your own at school you will be free to attend their school events without having to negotiate time off work. It also enables you to fit work around other family commitments such as caring for an elderly relative.

Some schools will employ supply teachers to cover planned absence of teaching staff. In this case you may know in advance the year group you will be teaching and the subjects you will be required to teach. This is usually easier than having an early morning call to cover absence due to teacher illness. If unplanned cover is not suitable for you this can be made clear when you visit schools to promote yourself.

It is always a good idea to have a range of age appropriate resources to hand that you can call on if necessary. Although most teachers will leave planning and resources it is always good to be well prepared.