How to Choose the Right Supply Teacher Agency

As schools across the UK reopen and teachers return to the classroom, supply teachers are gearing up for a fresh start. After a challenging period of uncertainty during lockdown – from navigating furlough schemes to adjusting to online teaching – many supply teachers are eager to get back to work.

If you're preparing to step back into supply teaching, now might be a great time to evaluate your supply teacher agency or consider joining one if you haven't already. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right agency.

Why Work with a Supply Teacher Agency?

There are numerous reasons why professionals choose supply teaching. Many seek reduced workloads, greater flexibility, or the opportunity to transition into a permanent teaching role. While it’s not mandatory to join a supply teacher agency, doing so can significantly increase your chances of finding regular work and reducing the stress of job hunting.

In 2019, 82% of supply teachers reported working primarily through agencies. Agencies act as a bridge between schools and teachers, handling the job search, coordinating offers, and smoothing communication between both parties. With established relationships in schools, agencies often have access to a wider range of vacancies than teachers can find independently.

How to Choose the Right Supply Teacher Agency

Specialisation and Expertise

When searching for the right agency, it’s essential to choose one that focuses on education recruitment and supply teaching. A well-established agency like Mana Education will have a deep understanding of the UK education sector and stay updated with changes in legislation or qualifications. Consider the agency’s years of experience, the number of schools they collaborate with, and the volume of teachers they place – these are indicators of expertise.

Range of Opportunities

The best agencies offer variety. Look for an agency that can connect you with a broad range of roles across different schools, key stages, and special educational needs (SEN) settings. Whether you want primary or secondary school placements, having access to a diverse pool of job opportunities will increase your chances of securing the perfect position. It’s also vital to consider location – by working with an agency like Mana Education, you’ll be connected to roles within your local area, making commuting much easier.

Word of Mouth & Reviews

Personal recommendations and reviews can be valuable when selecting a supply teacher agency. Speak to fellow supply teachers, read online reviews, and check for testimonials from other educators. This will give you insight into the agency’s reputation and quality of service. It’s also important to speak directly with your recruiter (either in person or virtually) to gauge how well they understand your career goals and preferences.

Support and Professional Development

A good supply teaching agency does more than just match you with jobs – it should also support your career development. This includes offering guidance on important processes like renewing your DBS check, adhering to curriculum changes, and access to professional development courses. Agencies with a focus on candidate support can help you enhance your skills and navigate your career path. In these unprecedented times, also consider how the agency has supported its candidates through challenges like lockdown and remote teaching.

Why Choose Mana Education as Your Supply Teacher Agency?

At Mana Education, we are committed to helping teachers find flexible supply roles that suit their lifestyle and career aspirations. We offer placements in schools across the country, from short-term supply roles to long-term contracts. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve built strong relationships with schools and teachers alike, ensuring that our candidates find fulfilling positions. Here's what our teachers and schools are saying about us:

Key Reasons to Choose Mana Education:

• Deep sector expertise: We specialise in education recruitment and understand the needs of both schools and supply teachers.
• Broad range of roles: From primary to secondary and SEN teaching, we offer a wide variety of opportunities.
• Personalised service: Our team takes the time to understand your career goals and will match you with the right roles.
• Ongoing support: We provide resources and guidance throughout your career journey, helping you stay informed and continue developing professionally.
• Strong candidate care: During challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve supported our supply teachers, ensuring they have access to work and essential resources.

Ready to Find Your Next Supply Teaching Role?

If you're looking for a supply teacher agency that prioritises your career and provides a wealth of opportunities, join Mana Education today. Register for supply work and start your journey with us!