The only silly question is the one you don't ask
Step Teachers has compiled some of the questions we’re frequently asked by teachers and educational support workers from across the UK and beyond. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, our team is on-hand to help so get in touch with us today.
What qualifications/references do I need to do temporary/supply work for Step Teachers?
To be eligible to work with Step Teachers you need to do the following:
Attend a face-to-face interview with our team
Supply original documents so we can verify your identity
Hold a valid visa that allows you to work in the UK, or hold an EU passport
Supply details of two references, one supplied directly from a school within the last five years, the second coming from your most recent employer
Undergo a Disclosure & Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure check by Step Teachers or have a valid Enhanced Disclosure and be registered with the DBS Update Service
Hold a relevant qualification for the work you’re registering to do.
What can Step Teachers do for me?
We can find you day-to-day supply work, long-term temporary work such as covering maternity leave or long-term sickness, or full-time permanent positions for NQTs, experienced qualified teachers, classroom assistants, and nursery nurses.
What are the benefits of being a supply teacher?
Supply teaching offers the fulfillment of teaching without the administrative burden of excessive paperwork and bureaucracy. All schools experience unexpected staffing shortages at some time, and supply teaching ensures continuity of work with a choice of short- or long-term bookings. It’s an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of school settings before taking up long-term or permanent positions, while for others it’s a great way to balance work and home life.
How do I register with Step Teachers?
The simplest way is to register online is by clicking here. Alternatively, visit our Contact Us page for our local branch phone numbers.
When can I call?
Our recruitment consultants are in the office from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday. If you call out-of-hours your call will still be answered, 365 days a year including public holidays.
How can I maximise my chances of work?
Keeping your consultant aware of your availability is one way you can help us to help you. Stay in touch on a regular basis. Getting yourself up and ready each morning will mean you can respond to a last minute call for emergency supply cover.
When will I be contacted for work?
As soon as we are told of any work, we will contact you immediately. However, this could vary from several weeks notice to being contacted on an actual morning you are needed to teach.
How much will I get paid?
Step Teachers operates a unique Quality Assessment scheme, our merit-based grading system. This means that teachers and support workers are graded according to their qualifications, experience and feedback from schools.
Can I work for you as a teacher if I qualified abroad?
Yes, but you must have a teaching qualification from an EU country, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Teachers who qualified in other countries will need to contact NARIC UK to ensure their qualification is equivalent.
Can I choose to work part-time?
Yes. The beauty of supply teaching is that you can choose when you want to work and when you don't.
What are the vetting procedures for registering new teachers?
All new staff will have a face-to-face interview with one of our consultants. Your qualifications will be checked, and references are taken up. We also carry out an Enhanced Disclosure with the Disclosure & Barring Service unless you have one registered on the DBS Update Service.
How long do registrations usually take to process?
Step Teachers can process your application in a matter of days; however, we have to wait for your references and DBS form to be returned. For these reasons, a candidate’s application may take between 2 to 4 weeks.