Hi, Katie

I've now done a year of supply, and have found it to be OK - not as good as having permanent work, but with some advantages - no marking (unless you're doing primary), and not much lesson preparation either.

While you're hanging around waiting I'd certainly do something - after all, I guess the agencies have your mobile number, so would be able to get hold of you easily. Do make sure you reply asap to any texts - sometimes they're looking for anyone who's available, so first to reply gets the post.

You don't say whether you're primary or secondary trained. Whichever you are, why not see if you can volunteer in the other phase as an unpaid TA? I did this, was then able to say I had some experience of primary, and so got more supply. In fact, I now probably do about half and half. If there are any special schools in your area you could try there too, as it would help to have more experience of special needs. Obviously you need a head who's sympathetic to your situation, and who wouldn't mind you crying off once you have some work, but I think many schools are glad of any help they can get.

Apart from that, do get out, do some sport, catch up on reading, anything, so long as you're contactable!! The worst thing would be to sit around at home, getting more down.

Hope that helps, and that the work starts to come in soon.

 All the best

Claire

 September is usually very quiet.My trick is to get up at the normal work time, shower and have breakfast but stay in my pyjamas. You can try ringing up but will be quiet. Then it's a case of keeping active and having your phone handy. 

I am sick of morning TV now. Only so much Come dine with me, Homes under the hammer and Heir Hunters I can take. Got a new flatmate now and she insisted on watching the Jeremy Kyle show - just to observe a different culture of course!

Get out and do stuff - the gym is handy for me.

 Know what - for forty minutes mid morning I don't think that's going to matter. Generally if you've not a call by ten, then there's no work that day. You might of course get a call for the next day - but it's really important not to get glued to it. You have to relax and I find swimming is a great way to exercise, lose weight and keep fit.

Last year I was walking along the cliffs at Bridlington - had a very poor signal, extremely windy and miles from anywhere - just heard the phone - in fact I got 3 calls in about half an hour. It will happen.

Robyn

geffone:

You have to have the mindset for the morning. Me it is showered, PC on mobile at hand, landline near, Satnav ready to go, Fuel for a reasonable distance. Bag probably in car.

Just not changed though - only takes a couple of minutes to get the clothes on. There is nothing worse than having to get back into casual clothes when you've not had the call.

Just remember that you can get a phone call from 7!! 

funkykatie87:

Hi!

I've recently finished my NQT year (thank goodness) and am now with two supply agencies as I couldn't get a full time job for this September.

Now the kids and my teacher friends have gone back to work I'm feeling very very lost. Obviously there won't be much work for a couple of weeks but I have to be ready to accept work anyway.

I was advised to be ready for 7:30am each morning in case I get a call. I understand why and will be doing this from now on. What do you do whilst waiting for work? If you don't get a call in the morning, would you go and do something? I don't want to spend the next couple of months just waiting for my phone to ring!

Any advice?

Thanks!

All I can say is it depends on which area you are in. Some areas still have supply work, some have very little and some have no supply work at all.

Good luck and do not worry, you may be in a good area.