14 Apr How to Register with a Supply Agency as a Primary School Teacher: A Complete Guide
As a primary school teacher, joining a supply agency can provide an excellent opportunity for flexibility, extra income, and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to gain more teaching experience or want to explore roles in different schools, working with a supply teaching agency can be a rewarding career path.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of registering with a reputable supply agency such as Moore Teachers, including the benefits, requirements, and tips for success. Keep reading to find out how to get started in this flexible and dynamic teaching career.
What is a Supply Agency for Teachers?
A supply agency for teachers connects schools with qualified teachers to cover vacancies. This can include covering for teachers on sick leave, maternity leave, or filling gaps due to sudden absences. Some of these vacancies can lead to permanent teaching roles. As a registered supply teacher, you’ll have the chance to work at different schools, providing coverage and support to children in various settings.
Some of the benefits of joining a supply teaching agency include:
- Flexible working hours and locations.
- Opportunities to work in diverse schools and classrooms.
- The ability to earn additional income.
- Networking opportunities in the education sector.
- Different types of placements with a range of schools.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register with a Supply Agency as a Primary School Teacher
1. Research Reputable Supply Agencies
Before registering, take the time to research supply agencies for primary school teachers. Look for agencies that specialise in primary education, have a solid reputation, and offer competitive pay rates. Online reviews and recommendations from fellow teachers can help guide your decision. Moore Teachers is a REC Audited Education agency, which means that we are held to the highest standards in recruitment. We are a HFL Education recommended primary specialist and are the ‘go-to’ for the vast majority of primary schools across Hertfordshire and West Essex.
When reviewing agencies, make sure you are provided with clear information about their services, such as:
- The types of positions available
- The areas or locations they serve
- Support and training they offer to teachers.
2. Prepare Your Documents for Registration
When registering with a supply agency, you’ll need to provide the necessary documents to ensure that you’re eligible to work in schools. These will include:
- Proof of teaching qualifications (e.g., a degree in education or teaching certification).
- DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service), confirming that you are cleared to work with children.
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
- Proof of address (e.g., recent utility bill).
- References from previous employers or colleagues within the education sector.
A CV will need to be provided before a registration meeting, so it is useful to ensure it is up-to-date, highlighting your qualifications and teaching experience.
3. Fill Out the Supply Agency Registration Form
Most supply agencies have a registration form that you will need to complete. The form will ask for details such as:
- Your contact information.
- Teaching qualifications and experience.
- Referee details
- Safeguarding declarations
4. Attend an Interview or Initial Meeting
Reputable agencies, like Moore Teachers, will require a brief meeting before you are officially registered. This may be done online or in-person. During the meeting, expect to discuss:
- Your teaching experience
- The types of roles you are seeking.
- Your availability and flexibility.
- Preferences for subject areas and age groups (e.g., Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2).
Be as specific as possible to ensure the agency can match you with roles that suit your availability and skills. But don’t worry if your preferences change further down the line: you can always update your requirements at any time!
At Moore Teachers, we pride ourselves on being open and transparent, and we’ll answer questions that you may have. As former primary teachers and school staff ourselves, we have had the privilege of working and experience in primary school classrooms and completely understand the environment and dynamics. We have real-life experience and expertise to help you find the teaching roles that you are looking for.
5. Complete Any Required Training and Further Documentation
It is likely that teaching agencies will require further documentation to ensure you’re fully prepared to begin working on supply. These can include:
- A current Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service
- Safeguarding children and child protection training
- Training to support children with SEND
Before going about obtaining the above before registration, it’s always a good idea to speak with the agency to ensure that you are completing the correct training or documents. Your agency will likely be able to point you in the right direction. For example, Moore Teachers can help you obtain the correct DBS and provide the required Safeguarding and Prevent training, as well as a wealth of CPD.
6. Start Accepting Assignments
Once you’ve completed the registration process and received the necessary approvals, you’ll be ready to begin working on supply. Your agency will contact you when a suitable assignment is available based on your preferences and it is up to you whether you accept the role that you are being offered. At Moore Teachers, we work hard to get to know you, so that we can match you up with roles that might be of interest to you. We have excellent relationships with our schools as well, which means that we can help you find the right school for you.
If you are looking for a long-term role in a school, you may be asked to deliver a lesson. Check out our top tips for ‘How to Succeed in your Lesson Observation Interview For a Primary Teaching Position‘.
Registering with a supply agency as a primary school teacher is a great way to gain diverse teaching experience, enjoy flexible working hours, and expand your professional network.
Whether you’re seeking extra income, looking for a change of pace, or exploring various schools, becoming a supply teacher through an agency offers countless opportunities for professional and personal growth.
ECT? Great! Finding the right school to kickstart your teaching career is so important, and we can absolutely help with that. Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog on how to work on supply as an ECT. Whether you want to dip your toes in and try out different schools before finding ‘the one’, or whether you want to go straight into a long-term role where you can work towards completing your induction terms, Moore Teachers can help you.
Start your journey today! Contact Moore Teachers via our online form or call us on 01992 611902 to have a chat about how working on supply could work for you.