Teacher's case study

The life of a supply teacher is much different to that of a staff teacher.  Supply teachers know the meaning of the expression 'a rolling stone gathers no moss', but there are pros and cons to every situation. It's up to the individual to decide which role suits them best.

A supply teacher will often work in a different place every day of the week. But their days are shorter than most staff teachers.  Their day is usually done by 3.15 when they walk out of school, unlike staffer who spend several hours longer at their desks working on marking, lesson preparation and other paperwork.  That's why supply teaching is often the right choice for teachers who are parents themselves.

The temping agency will usually ring up a supply teacher in the late afternoon with tomorrow's assignment. But there are always the short-notice jobs when the call doesn't come until 8.25 a.m. on the day.  So it takes some flexibility in attitude and arrangements for supply teachers who want to keep busy.  Having access to reliable transport and a town map or sat-nav will help make life simpler.

Upon arrival at a job, the supply teacher will be greeted a member of the schools administrative staff with a timetable for the day and a map of the school. Sometimes the staff teacher will have left some worksheets or other assignments for students and it's up to the supply teacher just to supervise.  But other times, there are real lessons to be carried out and the supply teach must rise to the challenge.

Of course, as we all remember from our own school days, discipline can be a problem when there is a guest teacher in the classroom.  Children will be children and will often try to push their boundries; but an experienced supply teacher knows how to get the crowd under control. Often a staff teacher will pop in too, just to remind the students that they are expected to behave well.

Lunchtime can often be a bit lonely for supply teachers and they find themselves sitting in the staff room on their own.  Regular teachers have their own routines and are often too wrapped up in their own days to remember to include a visitor.  But often, the supply teacher will be placed many times at a school giving the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other a bit better.

At the day's end, often the head teacher or head of the department will drop by to thank a supply teacher for filling in.  But sometimes too, the supply teacher just slips away unnoticed after the pupils are gone, especially if it's a hectic day at the school.

Despite the economic downturn, there is still plenty of work available for supply teachers, and ambitious ones can work every day if they want to. The average pay is lower than that of staff teachers, but then again the days are much shorter and the job stress is much reduced.There are other considerations too.  Being self employed means supply- teachers are not likely to work during school holidays, have no works pensions and no holiday pay.

That's why it's important for supply teachers to make the most of each pound they earn. Partnering with the FPS umbrella company is the an excellent way to ensure the maximum take-home pay and eliminate the administrative headaches of being self-employed, such as invoicing and making tax payments.

Supply teachers can claim work expenses such as travel and subsistance along with some professional subscriptions, but sorting which claims can be made can be confusing.

FPS group ensures that the correct tax and national insurance contributions are all made on time. We pay you through PAYE and make all the necessary deductions in full compliance with the HMRC.

We let you focus on what you do best: helping to provide our younger generation with a first-class education.

Paul is a teacher and he says....

In all the years I've worked as a contractor I've never known such efficiency and helpfulness as I've had from the FPS umbrella company. They do an excellent job.