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1. Be Reliable and Professional
Reliability is one of the most important qualities schools look for in supply staff. Arriving on time, being well prepared, and showing a positive attitude can leave a lasting impression.
Schools remember teachers who are dependable, and many will specifically request supply teachers who have made a great first impression.
2. Adapt Quickly to Different Classrooms
Every school operates slightly differently, and supply teachers often need to step into unfamiliar environments.
Being adaptable means:
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Following the school’s behaviour policies
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Quickly understanding routines
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Being flexible if plans change
Teachers who can confidently manage different classrooms quickly become highly valued by schools.
3. Strong Behaviour Management
One of the biggest concerns schools have when booking supply teachers is classroom behaviour.
Clear expectations, consistency, and confidence can make a big difference. When pupils see that a supply teacher is calm, fair, and in control of the classroom, lessons tend to run far more smoothly.
4. Leave Detailed Handover Notes
Taking a few minutes to leave clear notes for the class teacher shows professionalism and respect.
Include:
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What work was completed
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Any pupils who worked particularly well
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Behaviour issues or concerns
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Anything that may need following up
Teachers appreciate knowing what happened during their absence, and thoughtful feedback can make you stand out.
5. Be Positive and Approachable
Schools value supply teachers who integrate well with staff and pupils. A friendly attitude, willingness to help, and professionalism in the staffroom can make a big difference.
Sometimes it’s the small things — being polite to office staff, helping during transitions, or offering support where needed — that leave the strongest impression.
6. Build a Good Relationship With Your Agency
Working closely with a trusted supply agency can help you access more opportunities and find placements that suit your experience and preferences.
At Education Supply Pool, we work closely with schools to match reliable, skilled teachers and support staff with placements where they can thrive. Teachers who consistently demonstrate professionalism and flexibility often become highly requested by schools.
Ready to start your supply journey?
Register with Education Supply Pool today and our team will help match you with flexible teaching opportunities across local schools.
???? Register here
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OUR REVIEWS
“ESP are such a lovely company, they work so efficiently to ensure that onboarding is such a smooth process. Everyone in the office are so lovely and welcoming. When signing up I often emailed David and Abbey who were so lovely...”
Eve Courtney
“I’ve been with ESP for the last 18 months and have found them really great. The team are always helpful, friendly and professional. The communication is great too and with that personal touch I feel as though I am part of a family..."
Dina Little
“Just an amazing agency. Even though I haven't been with them for very long I can already say they are brilliant. I've been teaching for 24 years, in the UK and Turkey and for other agencies and having just returned to the UK from Turkey...”
Ruth Buyukyildiri
“I have worked with ESP since I qualified and they have been really supportive and reliable when it has come to me taking on my first supply teaching roles. Gez has always been in touch regularly and adds a personal touch to every chat...”
Zoe Davies
“I have been with ESP for over a year and it has been amazing! I was able to gain so much experience from the schools they placed me in until they were able to find me work in my old primary school which is very local to where I live...”
Kali Power
“I’ve worked for ESP for 2 years this may. I really can’t speak highly enough about Gez and the team at ESP. They’re all so helpful and supportive, they offer fantastic career progression like training and are super friendly...”
Kylie Jenkins
“Education Supply Pool for me personally are the very very best Teaching supply agency in the field. They possess so many strengths: all the staff are so personable - always friendly & helpful & always return calls (without fail)...”
Paul Kelly
“Maesycwmmer Primary School have been using Education Supply Pool for the last few years and I cannot speak highly enough of them. We mainly deal with Sera who is 100% committed to give us the best service possible. Sera has the unique ability...”
Maesycwmmer Primary School
”Education Supply Pool is without a doubt the best Supply Agency I have ever worked with. They are extremely reliable, organised, friendly & always have the best interest of the school in mind when arranging candidates. Always fantastic Customer Service!...”
Milton Primary School
”The staff are a pleasure to work with, always friendly, professional and very supportive. They listen to our needs and expectations and work hard to find the best fitting candidate for each post, be it long term or day to day supply. They have taken the time to get to know our school, resulting in an efficient service that can always be relied upon. I wholeheartedly recommend Education Supply Pool and look forward to working with them for many years to come!”
Sofrydd Primary School
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