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Questions to ask a potential agency

Look for a Quality Mark 'Supporting quality supply teaching' awarded by the Department for Education and Skills. However, do not be put off if an agency does not hold this award, it does cost to apply for one!

Rather than feel as though you're choosing an agency, it may feel like they are actually choosing you! You may have to go through an interview process, will certainly have to have a CRB Check done, your QTS/qualifications/List 99 and GTC Membership verified, filed a medical report, and had professional references followed up. This can often be quite daunting, but they are all quite straightforward, and confidential, processes.

Many agencies provide optional Pension and Holiday Savings schemes. Ask if you are interested!
Check how the agency pays. Some pay weekly, while others monthly, in arrears too.

Building a relationship

Many supply teachers find that the more they keep in touch with their agency, the more work is offered to them. It is not simply a case of your agency going through an alphabetical list of supply teachers in a morning, giving each a call until they find someone in the vicinity who is available to work. They need to maintain a good relationship with the schools, by offering quality, enthusiastic teachers... show that you are by calling. Call them to tell them you particularly enjoyed your time at Nitsville Juniors today, and, given positive feedback from the Head at Nitsville, they are more likely to match you up next time there's work available.

Working through an agency generally means that you are responsible for your timesheets, both getting them authorised by schools, and getting them to the agency at the end of the week in order to be paid.

Tax and National Insurance contributions are deducted from your wage by your agency. If you work with more than one agency, you may have to nominate one as your main source of income for tax purposes. It is a good idea to give HM Customs and Excise a call soon after the end of the tax year