September brings fresh opportunities for supply teachers. Schools are settling into new routines, pupils are getting to know their teachers and demand for reliable classroom support begins to grow.
Whether you are an experienced supply teacher or preparing for your first placement, a little organisation can make the start of term much easier. Use this supply teacher checklist to ensure you are ready for every opportunity that comes your way.
1. Make Sure Your Registration Is Up to Date
Before the new term begins, check that your teaching agency has all the information it needs. Missing or expired documents could delay your first booking.
Confirm that the following are current:
- Your enhanced DBS check
- Photo identification
- Proof of address
- Right-to-work documentation
- Teaching qualifications and certificates
- Overseas police checks, where applicable
- References and employment history
- Safeguarding or relevant training certificates
Let your consultant know if your address, telephone number, travel preferences or availability have changed. Keeping your details accurate will help them match you with suitable September teaching jobs.
2. Confirm Your Availability and Preferences
Think carefully about the type of supply work you would like to accept. Are you looking for day-to-day flexibility, a regular part-time schedule or a longer-term placement?
Tell your agency:
- Which days you can work
- How far you are prepared to travel
- Which London boroughs you prefer
- The year groups or subjects you are confident teaching
- Whether you are interested in mainstream or SEN settings
- If you would consider teaching assistant or support roles
- Whether you are available for short- and long-term positions
Being flexible can create more opportunities, but it is equally important to be realistic. A placement is more likely to be successful when it matches your experience, confidence and travel requirements.
3. Get Ready for Early-Morning Bookings
Some supply work is arranged in advance, while other bookings become available first thing in the morning. Prepare the night before so you can respond quickly without feeling rushed.
Charge your phone, turn up the volume and keep it close by. Pack your bag, plan what you will wear and have breakfast or a drink ready to take with you.
If you receive a booking, make a note of:
- The school’s name and address
- Your expected arrival time
- Your contact at the school
- The class, subject or role you will be covering
- The nearest station or bus route
- Any special instructions from your consultant
Aim to arrive early enough to sign in, find the classroom and read the teacher’s plans before the pupils arrive.
4. Pack a Reliable Supply-Teaching Bag
A well-stocked bag can be invaluable, particularly when lesson information is limited or plans need to change unexpectedly.
Useful items include:
- Pens, pencils and whiteboard markers
- A notebook
- A reusable water bottle
- A portable phone charger
- A watch or classroom timer
- Sticky notes
- A whistle for playground or PE duties
- A few age-appropriate backup activities
- Your lunch or a snack
- Any identification or documentation requested by your agency
Avoid carrying an entire classroom with you. A few adaptable activities—such as creative writing prompts, mental-maths challenges, reading tasks or educational games—will usually be more helpful than a large collection of worksheets.
5. Plan Your Journey Before You Leave
London transport can be unpredictable, particularly during the busy morning commute. Check the route as soon as you receive the booking and allow extra time for delays.
Look at more than one option where possible. Knowing an alternative station or bus route could prevent a minor disruption from making you late.
If you think you may be delayed, contact your agency immediately. Clear, early communication gives the school time to adjust and demonstrates professionalism.
6. Dress for the Role and the School Day
Choose clothing that is professional, comfortable and practical. You may be moving between classrooms, supporting pupils on the floor, supervising the playground or helping with PE.
Comfortable footwear is particularly important. It is also helpful to carry an extra layer, as classroom temperatures can vary considerably.
If you are unsure about a school’s dress code, choose simple professional clothing for your first visit.
7. Prepare a Confident Introduction
The first few minutes with a new class can shape the rest of the day. Introduce yourself clearly, write your name on the board and explain that you will be teaching the class for the day.
Read the school’s behaviour policy and follow the routines already in place. Pupils generally respond best when expectations are calm, clear and consistent.
You could begin by saying:
“Good morning. My name is Mr/Ms/Mx [Name], and I’ll be your teacher today. We are going to follow your usual routines and work through the activities your teacher has prepared.”
You do not need to imitate the regular teacher. Be approachable, stay composed and establish boundaries from the beginning.
8. Ask the Right Questions
When you arrive, find out the essential information you will need during the day.
Ask about:
- The timetable and lesson plans
- Registration and lunch procedures
- Behaviour expectations and rewards
- Pupils with medical, safeguarding or additional needs
- Teaching assistants and other classroom support
- Fire and emergency procedures
- Playground, lunch or dismissal duties
- Who to contact if you need help
Handle information about individual pupils sensitively and maintain confidentiality at all times.
9. Be Ready to Adapt
Even with careful preparation, supply days do not always go exactly to plan. A lesson may finish early, technology may fail or the class may need more support than expected.
Focus on maintaining a safe, purposeful and positive learning environment. Follow the teacher’s plans where possible, but use your professional judgement when an activity needs to be adjusted.
Schools value supply teachers who are flexible, helpful and willing to become part of the team. Small things—such as leaving the classroom tidy, thanking support staff and offering help when appropriate—can make a lasting impression.
10. Leave a Helpful Handover
Before leaving, write a concise note for the class teacher. Include:
- The work pupils completed
- Anything that was not finished
- Pupils who worked particularly well
- Any behavioural or pastoral concerns
- Messages or incidents that require follow-up
- Where completed work has been left
Keep the handover factual and professional. A useful note supports classroom continuity and can increase the likelihood of the school requesting you again.
11. Reflect After Every Placement
Take a few minutes at the end of the day to consider what went well and what you might do differently next time.
You may want to record:
- Effective activities or behaviour strategies
- Year groups you particularly enjoyed
- Areas in which you would like more experience
- Schools you would be happy to revisit
- Questions to discuss with your consultant
Every placement builds your confidence, expands your experience and helps you understand what you want from future supply work.
Ready for September Teaching Jobs?
A successful September starts with good preparation, open communication and a positive attitude. Complete the practical checks early, keep your teaching bag ready and stay in contact with your consultant.
Red Box Teachers works with supportive, inclusive and vibrant schools across London, offering opportunities ranging from day-to-day supply work to long-term and permanent positions.
If you are searching for September teaching jobs in London, submit your CV to Red Box Teachers and speak to our friendly team about finding a role that suits your experience, availability and goals.