Have a question about joining us for supply work?
Whether you’re an experienced supply teacher, a newly qualified TA, or just starting out in education, we understand you may have questions about how it all works. Our FAQ page is here to help you feel confident and informed before you register. We’ve answered the most common queries about pay, placements, expectations, and what to expect from us as your agency.
At System People, we pride ourselves on offering a friendly and transparent service. We work closely with schools across Cumbria and beyond to match the right people with the right roles. If you’re looking for flexibility, regular work, and a team who genuinely cares about your career, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Have a look through the FAQs below – and if you still have a question, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How do I register?
Registering with us is simple:
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Get in touch – Email your CV, apply via our website, or call us on 01228 530554.
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Complete your registration – We’ll send you an online form to fill in and upload your documents (ID, right-to-work, references, DBS details).
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Meet us on Zoom – Have a short video call with our team to discuss your experience and the type of roles you’re looking for.
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Start working – Once everything is complete, we’ll begin finding you suitable roles.
Do I have to pay for a new DBS certificate?
It depends. If you already have an Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, you won’t need a new one. If not, we can sort one out for you, but you’ll need to cover the cost. We recommend registering with the Update Service – it means your DBS can be used by any employer and will stay valid as long as you keep it updated.
Do I need to give you notice if I leave?
No. You are under no obligation to give us notice. But if you have a future booking, we’d be grateful if you could give us a week or two before leaving, so we can ensure that class or nursery can have a suitable replacement.
What are my obligations when booked?
When you’re booked for a role, we just ask that you’re professional, polite, and ask for help from senior staff or the headteacher if you need support.
What’s expected of you will depend on the setting. In a nursery, you might be asked to help with cleaning, nappy changes, and supporting learning through play. In a primary school, you might need to do some marking at the end of the day and may be asked to cover PE, so bringing trainers is a good idea. In secondary schools, you’ll generally teach within your subject and follow the school timetable. If you’re unsure about anything, speak to the head of department.
Before your booking, make sure you know the school or nursery’s Behaviour Management, Safeguarding, and Health & Safety policies. It’s also important to check if there are any marking requirements or children with additional needs you should be aware of. If anything isn’t clear, just ask.
What should I do if I am worried about a student/child in my care?
Please speak to the school’s Safeguarding Officer and give them all the details of your concerns.
Is there someone I can call at System People if I need help?
Yes! There is always someone on the other end of the phone call or email when you need us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Can I be a supply educator without a teaching degree or nursery qualification?
Yes, you can work as a supply educator, such as a cover supervisor, even if you don’t have a formal teaching degree. What’s important is that you have some relevant experience working with children or in a school setting, so you feel comfortable and confident in the role.
What happens if I have an accident at a client site?
Please report the incident to the school or nursery immediately and notify us as soon as possible so we can offer any necessary support and follow procedures.
When do I get paid?
Every Friday in arrears. So if you worked five days last week, you get paid for them this week – on Friday.
Can I earn more money if I'm on a long term booking?
Yes, we can negotiate higher pay for long-term bookings, especially for teachers who do PPA, parent evenings and after school meetings. We are also obliged to compare you to someone employed directly doing the same job under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR), and this can sometimes mean your pay goes up after a 12 week qualifying period.
Do you have a specific question you'd like to ask?
We’ve done our best to cover everything you might need to know, but if there’s something we’ve missed, we’d love to help. Just use this form to submit your question and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Prefer to speak to someone? No problem — give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk it through with you.