Starting a new role as a Supply Teacher can be tricky if you don't know what to ask. We have put together 5 top questions every Supply Teacher should ask when starting a new role to help you feel prepared.

At Caring Services we communicate early with schools to provide supply with ‘need to know’ policies and information prior to the start of a new role. It can be difficult to fully understand the context and culture of a school from text alone, which is why it’s important to ask questions to understand how your new school operates in practice.

Question 1 - How is your behaviour management policy implemented?

Make sure you have access to the behaviour management policy, and then aim to explore beyond that. Why ask: Behaviour management is one of the top challenges when working on supply and finding out how the schools behaviour policy is implemented can help. On paper, many schools operate similar systems, but each school culture promotes different strategies for behaviour management. If you aren’t aware of these strategies, pupils may feel unfairly treated and not respond to the behaviour policy.

Strategies might include:

• Restorative conversations prior to formal warnings/behaviour points
• Having another classroom to remove a pupil to
• Department detentions

Who to ask: A Teacher or a Teaching Assistant.

Question 2 - How can I contact the safeguarding lead?

Knowing the safeguarding leads name is not enough when it comes to reporting a concern.

Why ask: Safeguarding is an important part of supply teaching, and it’s vital to be prepared for reporting a safeguarding issue. A name for a safeguarding lead is a helpful starting point but it’s often not enough; find out where the safeguarding leads office is, their contact information and the best way to report a concern.

Who to ask: The Supply Lead at the school.

Question 3 - What are the key classroom routines I should be upholding?

Consistent classroom routines are imperative for promoting a positive learning environment. Why ask: Studies suggest that pupils respond well to routines, they promote positive behaviour, increase progression, and create a safe environment. As a Supply Teacher, keeping routines consistent will be beneficial for both you and the pupils. Find out how a class normally enters, what their seating plan is, which starter activities they use, and identify school specific language, such as ‘do it now’ activities, ‘green pen’ for feedback, or ‘silent starters.’

Who to ask: In a Secondary School, ask another member of the department; in Primary, a Teaching Assistant or neighbouring class teacher will be able to help!

Question 4 - Where are your facilities and how can I access them?

Every Supply Teacher should have easy access to clean water, a bathroom and a rest space at lunch

Why ask: Schools may provide you with a map, which is fantastic, but even if you can easily locate the facilities, some schools have a key or fob entry system, making it difficult to access them. Arrive early to ask how you can get into the toilets or staff room, and where you can make a cup of coffee and heat up your lunch if needed!

This information can help with your wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and make sure you feel your best throughout the day. If your school has their facilities behind locked doors and does not provide you with the means to access these areas, bring this up with your agency. Supply Teacher’s should not have to ask to be admitted to facilities, this is especially important for those who may suffer with chronic conditions or disabilities and need quick entry.

Who to ask: Supply lead at the school or reception staff.

Question 5 - Who can I contact if my logins/computer/smart board aren’t working?

Computer access should always be available for supply teachers; it is an essential tool in the classroom.

Why ask: Issues with logins, cover work access and smart boards are common, and these problems can completely derail your lesson. Finding out who to contact in case of a technology emergency can be imperative for the smooth running of your day.

Who to ask: The supply lead at the school. We hope you found this article on questions to ask before starting a new role helpful.

If you have any questions that you recommend asking, let us know! Looking for a new supply role? Head over to our vacancies page and explore our opportunities here.