When working in a school, there are various roles you can take on, but one that many may not be familiar with is the role of a “cover supervisor.” You may not recognise the term, but if you’ve ever been in a secondary school, you’ve likely encountered a cover supervisor. Their job is, quite simply, to cover lessons when teachers are absent.
What is a cover supervisor?
A cover supervisor’s primary responsibility is to teach lessons when regular teachers are unavailable. This is a flexible role that can involve covering a wide range of subjects and year groups, depending on the school’s needs. The cover supervisor follows the lesson plans provided by the absent teacher to ensure that students complete their work and stay on track.
Who can be a cover supervisor?
This role is usually filled by individuals who are not qualified teachers, though a minimum requirement is an undergraduate degree. Cover supervisors do not need to be subject specialists, as they can be assigned to teach any subject. They report to the cover manager, who will provide them with a timetable which assigns them their classes and year groups.
A day in the life of a cover supervisor
Typically, the cover supervisor role is a supply-based position, so work may not be guaranteed every day. However, some schools hire full-time cover supervisors to manage staff absences. If you’re working on a supply basis through an agency, you’ll likely receive a call in the morning asking if you’re available to work that day, and the school could be anywhere in your local area.
Upon arriving at the school, you’ll meet with the cover manager who will provide you with a timetable outlining the subjects, year groups, and lesson locations for the day. At the end of your shift, you’ll report back to the cover manager to confirm how everything went. If you show enthusiasm and effectiveness in your role, the cover manager may request you back in the future!
What are the responsibilities of a cover supervisor?
Manage Behaviour – As a new staff member, students may try to push boundaries. It’s important to remain confident, follow the school’s behaviour policy, and build positive relationships with students. This helps maintain good behaviour and ensures that students stay on task and complete their work to the best of their ability.
Teach Material – Cover supervisors can be assigned to teach any subject or class, so you might encounter material that is unfamiliar to you. Don’t worry—lesson plans will be provided, giving you everything you need to teach the lesson effectively.
Marking – While not always required, you may be asked to mark students’ work. If this is part of your duties, be sure to familiarise yourself with the school’s marking policy.
Safeguarding – Safeguarding is a priority in schools, and even if you’re a supply staff member, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of students. If a student shares something concerning with you, or if you notice anything unusual, you must report it to the safeguarding team or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). All school staff must read and understand Keeping Children Safe in Education to ensure they’re following safeguarding protocols.
If this role sounds like a good fit for you, get in touch with us to learn more!
