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📖 DfE Supply Staff Mandate Guidance

🔐 Sign In Or Register For The GCA Marketplace (RM6376)

Frequently Asked Questions About The GCA Supply Teachers Framework (RM6376)

What is the GCA Supply Teachers Framework?

The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376) is the Department for Education's approved procurement route for schools and academy trusts to source supply teachers, teaching assistants, SEN staff and other education professionals from pre-approved recruitment suppliers.

The framework provides transparent pricing, capped supplier fees and pre-vetted suppliers, helping schools procure staff compliantly and efficiently.

Who can use the GCA Framework?

The framework is available to:

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools
• Special Schools
• Alternative Provisions
• Local Authority Maintained Schools
• Academy Schools
• Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
• Sixth Form Colleges
• Further Education Colleges

Independent fee-paying schools are generally not eligible to use the framework.

Do academy trusts have to use the GCA Framework?

The Department for Education expects academy trusts to use the GCA framework when procuring supply staff.

Trusts choosing to use agencies outside the framework may need to demonstrate that they have achieved equal or better value for money and have followed a compliant procurement process.

Using the framework provides a straightforward route to meeting these expectations.

What does RM6376 mean?

RM6376 is the official framework reference number for the Government Commercial Agency's Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework.

It replaced the previous Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Supply Teachers Framework.

Is Mana Education an approved supplier on the GCA Framework?

Yes.

Mana Education is an approved supplier on the GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376) and was also an approved supplier under the previous CCS framework agreement.

This demonstrates our long-standing commitment to quality, safeguarding and compliance.

What types of staff can be sourced through the framework?

Schools can source:

• Supply Teachers
• SEN Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SEN Teaching Assistants
• Cover Supervisors
• HLTAs
• Learning Support Assistants
• Behaviour Mentors
• School Administrators
• Site and Facilities Staff
• Senior Leadership Staff
• Permanent Teaching Staff

Both temporary and permanent recruitment services are available.

Are the prices shown on the framework fixed?

No.

The rates displayed on the framework represent the maximum supplier fee caps permitted under the agreement.

Schools, academy trusts and high-volume users may often negotiate lower rates depending on their requirements.

At Mana Education, we regularly discuss bespoke pricing arrangements with trusts and larger school groups.

Can academy trusts negotiate better rates?

Yes.

The framework allows suppliers to charge below the published maximum fee caps.

Trust-wide agreements, long-term placements and higher-volume requirements can often result in improved commercial terms.

Is using a framework supplier more expensive?

Not necessarily.

Many schools mistakenly assume framework suppliers cost more.

In reality, the framework introduces fee caps that help protect schools from excessive agency charges while still allowing suppliers to offer lower negotiated rates where appropriate.

Many schools find they achieve better value and lower procurement costs through framework suppliers.

What compliance checks should supply teachers have?

A compliant recruitment supplier should typically carry out:

• Enhanced DBS Checks
• Identity Verification
• Right to Work Checks
• Professional Reference Checks
• Employment History Verification
• Qualification Verification
• Teacher Regulation Agency Checks
• Barred List Checks
• Overseas Checks where applicable

Mana Education completes these checks before candidates are placed into schools.

How does the framework support safeguarding?

All approved framework suppliers must meet strict compliance and safeguarding standards.

This helps schools access staff who have been recruited through robust vetting procedures aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) requirements.

Does using the framework help with Ofsted inspections?

Whilst Ofsted does not require schools to use a particular recruitment supplier, using a compliant framework supplier can provide reassurance that appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks have been completed.

This can help support schools' wider safeguarding arrangements.

What is the difference between a Direct Award and a Further Competition?

Direct Award

Allows schools to appoint an approved framework supplier directly where appropriate.

This is often the fastest option and can be ideal for urgent staffing requirements.

Further Competition

Allows schools or academy trusts to invite multiple framework suppliers to submit proposals.

This is often used for larger contracts, trust-wide arrangements or high-volume staffing requirements.

Can schools appoint a preferred supplier through the framework?

Yes.

Many schools and academy trusts use the framework to establish preferred supplier arrangements, helping to improve consistency, reduce procurement administration and secure agreed commercial terms.

Can temporary staff become permanent employees?

Yes.

The framework contains provisions that allow schools to appoint temporary workers permanently after qualifying periods have been met, often without paying transfer fees.

Specific terms and conditions apply.

How long does it take to start using the framework?

Most schools can begin the process immediately.

Once registered on the GCA Marketplace and the appropriate procurement route has been selected, schools can often begin working with framework suppliers very quickly.

How do I access the GCA Framework?

Schools can access the framework through the GCA Marketplace.

You can sign in using an existing Department for Education account or register for a new account if required.

Get started here:

https://marketplace.service.gca.gov.uk/supply-teachers/RM6376/

Why do schools choose Mana Education?

Schools and academy trusts choose Mana Education because we offer:

✔️ Approved GCA Supplier Status

✔️ Approved CCS Supplier Heritage

✔️ REC Education Audited Standards

✔️ Outstanding Compliance Procedures

✔️ High-Quality Teachers and Support Staff

✔️ Competitive Framework Pricing

✔️ Flexible Commercial Agreements

✔️ Local Knowledge and Dedicated Consultants

✔️ Support Across the East Midlands and Eastern England

Can Mana Education help us understand the framework?

Absolutely.

Whether you're making your first booking through the framework, reviewing your current staffing arrangements or considering a trust-wide supply strategy, our team can explain the process and help you identify the most cost-effective and compliant solution.

Bonus FAQ (Excellent for SEO)

What happens if an academy trust does not use the GCA Framework?

Academy trusts choosing not to use the framework may need to demonstrate that they have followed a compliant procurement route and achieved equal or better value for money than the framework provides.

This can create additional administration and evidential requirements compared to using an approved framework supplier.

Page 1

Title

How To Use The GCA Supply Teachers Framework

Script

"Looking to hire supply teachers, teaching assistants or SEN staff through the Government Commercial Agency framework?

In this short guide, we'll walk you through exactly how schools and academy trusts can use the GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework, known as RM6376."

Bullets

• Step-by-Step Guide
• RM6376 Framework
• Schools & Academy Trusts
• Supply Teachers & Support Staff

Page 2

Title

What Is RM6376?

Script

"RM6376 is the Government Commercial Agency's approved education recruitment framework.

It provides schools and trusts with access to pre-approved recruitment suppliers for temporary, fixed-term and permanent education staffing."

Bullets

• Government Approved Framework
• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SEN Staff
• Permanent Recruitment

Page 3

Title

Why Use The Framework?

Script

"The framework was created to provide a compliant and transparent route for schools to procure supply staff.

Approved suppliers have already been assessed for safeguarding, compliance, service quality and financial stability."

Bullets

• Compliant Procurement
• Approved Suppliers
• Transparent Pricing
• Safeguarding Standards

Page 4

Title

Who Should Use It?

Script

"Academy trusts are expected to use the framework from September 2026 unless they can demonstrate a compliant alternative route that provides equal or better value for money.

Local authority schools can also use the framework voluntarily."

Bullets

• Multi-Academy Trusts
• Single Academy Trusts
• Local Authority Schools
• Colleges

Page 5

Title

Step 1 – Sign In To The Marketplace

Script

"The first step is to access the Government Commercial Agency marketplace.

If you're an academy trust, you'll typically sign in using your Department for Education account. If you don't already have one, you can register online."

Bullets

• Access GCA Marketplace
• Sign In With DfE Account
• Register If Required

Get Started Today

https://marketplace.service.gca.gov.uk/supply-teachers/RM6376

Page 6

Title

Step 2 – Find Approved Suppliers

Script

"Once logged in, you'll be able to view approved framework suppliers.

You can filter suppliers based on your requirements, including location, staffing type and recruitment specialism."

Bullets

• View Approved Suppliers
• Filter By Location
• Compare Services
• Review Framework Information

Page 7

Title

Step 3 – Choose Your Procurement Route

Script

"There are two common routes available.

Most schools use Direct Award, which allows them to appoint an approved supplier directly.

Larger trusts may choose a Further Competition if they wish to compare multiple suppliers before making a decision."

Bullets

• Direct Award
• Further Competition
• Flexible Procurement
• Suitable For Schools & MATs

Page 8

Title

Step 4 – Review Pricing

Script

"One of the key benefits of the framework is pricing transparency.

The framework caps supplier fees, helping schools achieve value for money and avoid excessive agency charges.

It's also important to remember that the published framework margins are maximum fee caps and not necessarily the rates schools will ultimately pay."

Bullets

• Transparent Pricing
• Supplier Fee Caps
• Value For Money
• Negotiated Rates Available

Page 9

Title

Step 5 – Complete The Call-Off Order Form

Script

"Once you've selected your supplier, you'll complete a simple framework call-off order form.

This activates the framework agreement between your organisation and the supplier and allows staffing bookings to begin."

Bullets

• Simple Order Form
• Quick Setup
• Framework Benefits Activated
• Start Booking Staff

Page 10

Title

Step 6 – Start Booking Staff

Script

"Once your framework agreement is in place, you can begin booking staff immediately.

This includes day-to-day supply teachers, long-term placements, SEN specialists, teaching assistants and permanent recruitment services."

Bullets

• Supply Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SEN Staff
• Cover Supervisors
• Permanent Recruitment

Page 11

Title

Additional Benefits Of RM6376

Script

"The framework also includes several valuable features.

These include capped supplier fees, transparent cost breakdowns and, in many cases, the ability to transfer temporary staff to permanent employment without additional transfer fees after qualifying periods."

Bullets

• Fee Caps
• Transparent Costs
• Temp-To-Perm Options
• Reduced Procurement Risk

Page 12

Title

Why Schools Choose Mana Education

Script

"Mana Education has been an approved supplier throughout the framework's evolution, from the original Crown Commercial Service agreement through to today's GCA RM6376 framework.

We provide schools and academy trusts with high-quality educators, outstanding compliance standards and flexible commercial arrangements."

Bullets

• GCA Approved Supplier
• Previously CCS Approved
• Teachers & Support Staff
• Outstanding Compliance

Page 13

Title

Ready To Get Started?

Script

"If you'd like help using the framework or would like to discuss your staffing requirements, we'd be delighted to help.

Contact Mana Education today or visit our GCA Framework Resource Centre for further guidance."

Bullets

📞 0800 0 255 144

📧 info@manaeducation.co.uk

🌐 www.manaeducation.co.uk

✓ Free Framework Guidance

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