If you have extensive experience working with children and are looking for some extra income, then cover supervisor work might be for you. But don’t take our word for it, take it from Louise, our very own dance teacher turned cover supervisor:

‘I started dancing when I was five and continued to do so until I completed all my grades. I then decided to take my teaching exams in all the core subjects such as ballet and tap which meant that I was able to teach and run my own dance classes. 

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As a dance teacher or even sports coach, you often work unsociable hours such as evenings and weekends meaning that you often have a lot of free time during the week. So, I was looking for some work that would work around my dance classes. I contacted Smile to see if they could help. We had an initial chat about my experience and interest in teaching before I was invited in to interview with one of the Smile consultants.

Once my background checks were completed - my DBS check clear and my references good - Smile invited me along to their cover supervisor training. The training was completely free of charge and I found it both useful and informative. It really helped to prepare me for life in the classroom and gave me some great behaviour management tools. 

I work on a standby basis which means that on the mornings when I am available for work (I usually update the team at Smile on a weekly basis), I am up ready to make my way to whichever school needs me that day. Smile can give me a phone call between 7:00 – 9:00 am and then off I go. They send me to local schools so I that I am never travelling too far. Once I know where I am going, I make my way as soon as possible, clock in and then wait to be given my lessons for the day. 

Fitting into the different schools was something I found quite easy to do. If there has ever been a time when I’ve been unsure about what to do, the school staff have always been more than helpful. Since working with Smile, I have worked as both a cover supervisor and teaching assistant in both mainstream and SEN schools in Staffordshire. While I have enjoyed both roles, they are different. As a teaching assistant, you work alongside the teacher and provide support to either small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Whereas a cover supervisor you manage the class and ensure that they complete the work set for them by the teacher. 

If you are looking for a supply teaching agency to join, then I would definitely recommend Smile. They are all very friendly, approachable and will do their best to suit your needs. 

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To find out more about cover supervisor training or the current cover supervisor roles we have, get in touch or submit your CV now.