Blog

Busy school terms can place significant pressure on those working in education. This blog explores practical ways to protect wellbeing, manage workload and maintain balance.

The start of a new term is a good time to consider your options in education. January often brings increased demand in schools, with short-term, long-term and day-to-day supply roles becoming available.

Thank You for an Incredible Year

World Mental Health Day (10 October) reminds us that good mental health is everyone’s right — and this year’s theme, “Access to services: mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” highlights the importance of support in times of crisis.

As supply teachers, we step into new classrooms daily, often with little time to build rapport or adjust the environment. One of the biggest challenges is keeping pupils’ attention. It is not always as simple as who looks at you, who is writing notes, or who is sitting still. Those signs can be misleading. Attention comes and goes, and as supply staff we need quick, effective strategies to bring pupils back on track.

Rainy days and wet playtimes are part of school life in the UK — especially in September. For supply teachers, they can mean quickly rethinking a lesson plan while keeping pupils engaged and settled indoors.

At Education Supply Pool, we’ve put together a set of tried-and-tested rainy day lesson ideas tailored to UK classrooms. These no-prep activities are flexible across KS1, KS2 and KS3, and are perfect for supply cover when the weather turns.

Starting out as a supply teacher in Wales can be exciting, flexible, and a great way to gain experience—but how do you turn supply roles into a permanent teaching career? Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher (NQT) or an experienced educator exploring the Welsh education system, there are practical steps you can take to secure a long-term position.

Supply teaching can be a rewarding and flexible way to gain experience in schools across Wales. Whether you’re a newly qualified teacher (NQT) or an experienced educator, schools are always looking for supply teachers who can step into a classroom and make an immediate impact. But what exactly are the skills that schools value most?

So, you’ve got your lanyard, a fresh notebook, and the nerves of someone about to walk into a staffroom full of strangers — welcome to teaching! Whether you’re an ECT/NQT, or just starting your journey in supply, we want to say: you’ve got this (and we’ve got your back).

Here’s some advice, straight from the team at ESP, to help you start your career with confidence, calm, and maybe even a smile.

1. It’s okay not to know everything

No one expects you to walk into your first class and feel like Miss Honey from Matilda. Ask questions. Say, “I’m new.” Be honest. The best teachers never stop learning — and that starts on day one.

2. Magic isn’t in the lesson plan — it’s in the connection

You don’t need to be the world’s best planner. You need to show up, be kind, and care about the kids in front of you. That’s where the real magic is.

3. Supply teaching is a toolkit-builder

Even if you're aiming for a permanent post, doing supply early on gives you SO many skills: classroom management, flexibility, confidence and how to find the staffroom kettle quickly.

4. Not every day will be amazing – that’s normal

Some days will be brilliant. Others will be long, loud, and a little chaotic. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re teaching.

5. Find a team that backs you

Spoiler alert: That’s us. ESP isn’t just here to send you into schools — we’re here to support you. With friendly consultants, flexible work, and advice when you need it most, we’ll help you grow your career at your pace.

A few helpful starter tips:

• Pack snacks. Always.

• Keep a little notebook of lessons and activities that worked.

• Smile. Say hello. Be nice to the TA — they’re your best ally.

• Celebrate the little wins (like learning 30 names in 20 minutes).

Starting your teaching or supply journey is a big deal. You should be proud already. And if you're looking for support, or just someone to guide you through the early days — you know where we are.

Let’s make this a great year

It’s Roasting. We’re Melting. Here’s How to Survive the Heatwave at School.

Let’s be honest — teaching during a British heatwave is like trying to run a marathon inside a greenhouse.

Here’s a mildly dramatic, definitely relatable guide to not melting during the heatwave.

Are you looking for some activites to take the family to this Easter break? We've listed some below that are local to the Newport area! 

5 Effective Strategies to Reduce Mobile Phone Distractions in Schools

One-to-one teaching assistants (TAs) play a crucial role in the educational landscape, offering personalised support that can significantly enhance a pupil's learning experience. Here are some key benefits:

In today's fast-paced world, more students are seeking opportunities to earn while they learn. One such rewarding avenue is supply teaching, a flexible and enriching experience that allows students to enhance their skills and build their resumes. This blog explores how being a supply teacher while studying can offer invaluable benefits and set the foundation for a thriving career in education.

In the educational context, "additional needs" refers to a wide spectrum of challenges that some students face in the learning environment. These needs can stem from physical, emotional, cognitive, or sensory impairments, and they often require tailored teaching approaches to ensure equitable learning opportunities. It's important for educators to recognise that additional needs aren't necessarily deficits but rather differences that require specific strategies for support.

Stepping into a classroom as a supply teacher can be both daunting and exciting. Whether you're an aspiring educator, a supply teacher, or an education graduate, being well-prepared is key to navigating this flexible but challenging role.

In today's education system, supply teachers play a crucial role. With the rising demand for flexible teaching solutions, supply teachers have become indispensable in providing seamless education continuity. Walking into a classroom where you're unfamiliar with the students, the curriculum, or even the school can be intimidating, so preparing well is your best solution. This guide will equip you with the necessary tools, tips, and strategies to step confidently into any classroom and deliver effective teaching.

Why Preserving the Welsh Language Matters

With over half a million speakers, Welsh is experiencing a revival, but its continued survival depends on active promotion and education. For many, the language is a source of pride, connecting them to their roots and strengthening cultural unity.

Are you looking for something to do this half term? The team in the office have compiled their favourite walks… fingers crossed the weather is nice and you can get out and try them!

How can focusing your mind and effectively implementing a study plan help you during this exam period?

Are you thinking about registering with an agency for some supply work as an NQT? Read the following for more information about how working through supply can support your NQT year. 

ESP turned 10! We had the pleasure of celebrating our 10th birthday in the presence of clients and candidates of past and present.

The world is not an easy place for young people at the moment. 

We've just come out of an unprecedented period of anxiety over Covid-19, with its lockdowns and changes in societal behaviour, and in the background is the possibility of an uninhabitable planet in the future due to climate change, as well as the threat of nuclear war.

Last night we had the pleasure of being invited to attend the Marie Curie "Great Daffodil Appeal" launch at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. As a company, ESP have supported Marie Curie for several years, volunteering for their fundraising appeals and donating money towards their great causes. 

We received a lovely email by a young girl called Lucy at the start of this year. She explained what life is like living with Tourette Syndrome and the experiences she has dealt with on a day-to-day basis in the education system.

ESP are so happy to announce we will be hosting an NQT seminar in the half term to provide NQT's with all the information they need to start in their teaching career. Our speakers will provide advice for interviews and applications. Furthermore, you will receive information on what is expected of supply teachers.