Cover Supervisor Job Description [Updated 2025]

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Stepping in when a teacher is absent, cover supervisors help pupils to complete pre-prepared exercises. They are responsible for maintaining a harmonious classroom with limited disruptions and ensuring that pupils are motivated to complete their work.

Cover supervisor duties and responsibilities

Cover supervisors are responsible for teaching Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils (aged 11 to 16 years old). They can be hired by a diverse range of schools such as comprehensive schools, private schools, boarding schools, free schools, religious schools or specialised schools. They often have to help pupils with a range of abilities and needs in the classroom to complete pre-set work. Other duties that a cover supervisor might have to perform include:

Ensuring that the classroom environment is safe, productive, tidy and harmonious in the absence of the class teacher;
Keeping pupils motivated to stay on task with any pre-set exercises that their teacher has set;
Showing pupils the right steps to complete a task;
Providing any materials or tools needed to complete a pre-prepared task;
Helping pupils to follow pre-prepared material in accordance with their school’s policy;
Working across different curriculum areas, including different subjects;
Communicating with the absent teacher and forwarding the completed exercises to them.

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Cover Supervisor Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Always Flourishing is currently looking for experienced and talented individuals who are looking to make a difference in young people’s lives, to join our team of Cover supervisors. We are looking for cover supervisors on both a long-term and short-term basis - fitting to your individual needs and flexibility.

As a cover supervisor you will be stepping in to cover an absent teacher, helping student to complete the pre-set work from their regular teachers.

What makes a good cover supervisor?

- An ability to communicate effectively with younger people, as well as deal with their basic emotional and practical needs

- Having some knowledge or training in child development and learning

- Being enthusiastic, dedicated and helpful

- Being able to deal with difficult pupil behaviour

- keeping pupils motivated to stay on task with any pre-set exercises that their teacher has set

Why choses Always Flourishing?

- All subjects and teaching backgrounds welcome

- The wellbeing of our teachers is at the core of our values

- Refer a friend bonus

- 15 years of educational recruitment experience

- Assess to exclusive and high paying roles

- a competitive salary and generous annual leave entitlement

If you are inserted or have any additional question about how we work please call [phone number]3, we will be happy to help.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract, Temp to perm

Salary: £90.00-£115.00 per day

Benefits:

Free parking
On-site parking
Referral programme

Schedule:

Day shift
Monday to Friday
No weekends

Supplemental pay types:

Bonus scheme

Ability to commute/relocate:

Yateley: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

Teaching: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

QTS Location: In person

Example 2

Job description
We are currently seeking a Secondary Cover Supervisor to join our pool of exceptional educators, ready to make a positive impact in leading schools in the Hanham area. As a Secondary Cover Supervisor working with our agency, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of secondary schools, stepping in when regular teachers are unavailable.

You will play a vital role in maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, ensuring that pre-prepared work is delivered effectively to students. Your adaptability and flexibility will be put to the test as you navigate different school environments and age groups.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary contract, Temp to perm, Graduate
Pay: £100-£120 per day

Schedule:
Day shift
Monday to Friday
No weekends

Licence/Certification:
– Right to work in the UK
– Driving Licence (preferred)
– Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (preferred)
– Two references

Responsibilities:
– Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues
– Create a positive and inclusive learning environment
– Assess student progress and adapt teaching methods accordingly

Skills:
– Experience working with children in an educational setting
– Strong communication skills to engage with students and parents effectively
– Ability to educate and inspire students of varying abilities

If you are a compassionate individual with a passion for teaching and supporting children’s learning, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position.

If interested please apply to this job advert. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to email [website] or call our office on [phone number]1 and ask for Angel.

In order to apply for this opportunity please apply within. Please see our Privacy Policy link on our website to see our ‘Privacy Notice’ for an explanation about how we use information we collect about you.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary contract, Temp to perm, Zero hours contract

Pay: £100.00-£120.00 per day

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

On-site parking
Referral programme

Schedule:

Day shift
Monday to Friday
No weekends

Work Location: In person

Reference ID:

Example 3

Hours:32.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year

(Usual working hours are 08:30 to 3:30).

We are seeking to appoint Cover Supervisors, to join the existing Cover team within St George’s Academy at both our Sleaford and Ruskington sites.

The successful candidate will be required to cover and supervise students and their work when a teacher is absent.

The ideal candidate will:

· be able to motivate and inspire pupils;

· have experience of working with children and managing behaviour;

· have good attention to detail;

· be keen to learn and develop their skills

· be flexible and committed to supporting the work ethos of the Academy

St George’s Academy is a large, successful, 11-18 mixed secondary school of 2,359 students (including 312 in the sixth form and 518 on our Ruskington Campus) with outstanding facilities in all areas. The Academy serves Sleaford, Ruskington and the surrounding Lincolnshire villages.

If you would like to join a very supportive team in an Academy of enthusiastic and friendly dedicated staff, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Further details including the job description for the role and application forms are available from our website at [website] Please note that CVs are not acceptable.

Should you have any questions or wish to arrange an informal visit to the Academy, you can contact us by email to [website] or by calling 01529 301162. Informal visits are welcomed to all roles and can be offered outside of core school hours where this would be helpful.

St George’s Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. Additional employment checks will also be carried out for all roles in accordance with “Keeping Children Safe in Education Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges”.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £17,881.00-£19,014.00 per year

Expected hours: 32.5 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave
Bereavement leave
Canteen
Company pension
Enhanced maternity leave
Enhanced paternity leave
Free parking
On-site gym
On-site parking
Sick pay

Schedule:

Day shift
Monday to Friday
No weekends

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: ID: ST335

Example 4

Salary: SCP 13 - 17 (£24,948 - £26,845 per annum FTE)

*Actual Salary: *£14,609 - £15,719 per annum

Hours:26 hours per week (4 days). Term time only. (Monday and Tuesday based at Rodillian Academy with flexibility around which two days would be based at Featherstone Academy)

Contract:Permanent

The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust seeks to recruit a colleague to work with our team of Cover Supervisors. Working two days per week atRodillian Academy and two days per week at Featherstone Academy.*

Working in classrooms directly with our students, our Cover Supervisors play a pivotal supporting role in raising standards of achievement by implementing agreed work programmes with individual groups, in or out of the classroom. You will provide effective supervision to whole classes of students across all subjects and year groups. You will be conscientious and self-motivated and always working to support and motivate students. You will become a role model to our students and instil high expectations from the work you will be asking the students to complete. Interested candidates must have:

· relevant experience of working with young people in a learning environment

· a clear and positive communication manner

· an understanding of curriculum

· A GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths

If you are considering a route into teaching, this is a perfect way to gain experience. You could then go on to apply to train to teach with us on our exciting 1-year programme through the School Direct initiative in partnership with Leeds Trinity University and Leeds Beckett University.

The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust has a reputation for high expectations for all, excellent staff/student relationships and a commitment to the personal and professional development of its staff. The Trust is recognised as one of the top performing Trusts in the country and is committed to providing private school opportunities in a modern comprehensive environment. We believe that traditional values of discipline and respect are sacrosanct. We do not tolerate bullying, defiance or rudeness to staff and this has made for a harmonious and safe learning environment for our young people, and a supportive environment for staff.

The successful candidate will enjoy access to high quality CPD. You will also be joining a happy Trust where 95% of colleagues agreed that they enjoy working here and 92% would recommend us to a friend or colleague (taken from 2022 staff wellbeing survey). Our commitment to staff wellbeing means we prioritise staff mental health, drive down unnecessary workload and support our colleagues to progress in their careers.

This role provides a real opportunity for you to make your mark, and as a growing Trust with an excellent reputation and access to high-quality CPD for all, there are always opportunities for career development.

Prospective candidates are welcome to visit our Academies. Please contact Rebecca Farthing, PA to the Principal at:[website] to arrange a visit to Rodillian Academy and please contact Clare Thompson, PA to the Principal at:[website]to arrange a visit to Featherstone Academy.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, contractors and visitors to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service and other statutory checks.

Please complete an application pack which can be downloaded from the Trust website [website] and return completed to [website]

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 18 September [email address] a.m.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Salary: £24,948.00-£26,845.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Free parking
On-site parking

Schedule:

Day shift
Monday to Friday
No weekends

Work Location: In deadline: 18/09/2023

Example 5

Job Overview:
We are seeking a dedicated Cover Supervisor to join our team in providing support and guidance to students in a school setting. The ideal candidate will have a passion for education and the ability to engage with students effectively.

This is an exciting opportunity for somebody who is looking to embark on a teaching career and wishes to gain classroom experience, or for a qualified teacher who wishes to take on a different role within a school environment. Hoe Valley School has a track record of supporting colleagues with their progression from this type of role onto salaried and non-salaried SCITT programmes and have coached them as they take on more regular classes, team teach and become co-tutors.

The successful candidate will be organised, reliable, enthusiastic and flexible. They will be able to command students’ respect and build relationships with young people quickly and effectively. Reporting to the Director of Teaching and Learning, they will be deployed primarily to cover lessons the content of which will be provided by the absent teacher or Head of Faculty. When no cover is required, they will be asked by the SENCo to support vulnerable students in a Teaching Assistant capacity.

Like all staff at HVS, the jobholder will represent the values and ethos of the School at all times and put the safety and wellbeing of our students first.

The School is committed to offering bespoke professional development pathways to all members of staff and would ensure the successful candidate has a development programme in place.

Core Responsibilities:

Teaching and Learning

To inspire students in their learning during tutor time and lessons
To follow the calendar set on the School’s MIS system each day
To take the register promptly at the start of the lesson
To follow the resources provided by the absent member of staff (or Head of Faculty)
To circulate the room during the lesson supporting and encouraging students as required
To feedback to the Director of Teaching and Learning when appropriate work has not been set
To support in lessons in a Teaching Assistant capacity when no cover is required
To give verbal and written feedback to students during the lesson
To support in longer term absences, for example covering aspects of parental leave or staff illness if required

Behaviour and Safety

To ensure the absolute safety of all students on and off site
To support with duties at break and lunch time if required
To award house points and sanctions in line with the whole school policy
To communicate effectively with parents in line with the whole school policy
To model and enforce excellent standards of behaviour
To monitor students’ achievement, attendance, uniform, punctuality and behaviour and to respond promptly to issues in line with the School’s policies
To participate in the School’s pastoral system as required
To support on school trips and with the invigilation of examinations as required

School Improvement

To embody the School’s values both on and off site
To take on any other duties as reasonably required by the Senior Leadership Team
As a new school with a brand new Sixth Form, job roles will evolve as the School continues to grow. The above list is not exhaustive and may be subject to amendment in due course in discussion with the relevant employee.

The role is full-time (40 hours per week) and term time only. Please refer to the School website for the full job description and person specification: [website]

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £25,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen
Company pension
Cycle to work scheme
Free parking
Gym membership
On-site parking
Sick pay

Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)

Experience:

Teaching: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

English (required)

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: ID: CS/jun24

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What does a cover supervisor do?

A cover supervisor helps to create a structured environment for pupils to complete curriculum activities in the absence of their teacher. This is usually a short-term absence, with the teacher expected to pick up where the cover supervisor has left off. Cover supervisors and supply teachers are different jobs, and this is worth noting when creating a job description for either. It is important to note that a cover supervisor is usually not responsible for any teaching or planning of lessons.

Although cover supervisors often have experience as teaching assistants, they do not need to have a qualification in the subject that they are supervising. Supply teachers, on the other hand, are qualified teachers who are able to set lessons for pupils.

Cover supervisor skills and qualifications

Being a cover supervisor requires the ability to work well with children and teenagers. Their skills and qualifications can include:

An ability to communicate effectively with younger people, as well as deal with their basic emotional and practical needs;
Having some knowledge or training in child development and learning;
Being enthusiastic, dedicated and helpful;
Being able to deal with difficult pupil behaviour.

Cover supervisor experience requirements

When advertising for a cover supervisor, employers might look for previous experience as a teaching assistant. Although no formal qualifications are required to become a cover supervisor, some employees work as one before they apply to become qualified teachers. They might also look for previous experience working with children, as well as a clean criminal record (with a DBS certificate to prove it). Some cover supervisors work via agencies, so employers might look to advertise their roles via an agency to find experienced cover supervisors.

Cover supervisor education and training requirements

Being a cover supervisor does not require any formal qualifications in the UK. However, strong candidates might have completed a Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools, a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, or a Level 3 Certificate in Cover Supervision of Pupils in Schools. Some of these qualifications are offered by respected bodies such as City & Guilds or OCR.

Some candidates working as cover supervisors might also be qualified teachers. The level of education required from a candidate may vary depending on the nature of the school. Employers might choose to state these requirements clearly within the job description itself to filter out the right candidates.

Cover supervisor salary expectations

According to Indeed UK salaries, the average salary of a cover supervisor is £14,592 per year. Salary may depend on the exact job duties and responsibilities, the employer, location and experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, take a look at similar positions, including:

Cover supervisor job description FAQs

How is a cover supervisor different to a supply teacher?

Unlike a supply teacher, a cover supervisor does not take responsibility for planning lessons. Instead, they are given a lesson plan by the teacher they are covering for. A supply teacher is qualified to plan lessons based around the school curriculum.

Who does the cover supervisor report to?

A cover supervisor reports back to the teacher they are covering for, forwarding any work to be marked or checked over once they are back from their absence.

What makes a good cover supervisor job description?

When advertising for a cover supervisor, it is worth being clear about the duties and responsibilities they will have in the school. Some description about the school might be useful such as whether the school is a comprehensive, independent, specialist, free school or boarding school. General information about the average school day might also be useful. Desired qualifications like certifications and diplomas might also be useful to state here, as well as desired similar previous experience. This might include experience as a teaching assistant.

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Cover Supervisor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Cover supervisor duties and responsibilities

Cover Supervisor Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Find your next great Cover Supervisor on Indeed

What does a cover supervisor do?

Cover supervisor skills and qualifications

Cover supervisor experience requirements

Cover supervisor education and training requirements

Cover supervisor salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Cover supervisor job description FAQs

How is a cover supervisor different to a supply teacher?

Who does the cover supervisor report to?

What makes a good cover supervisor job description?

Hire your next Cover Supervisor today

Job Description Examples

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Cover Supervisor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Cover supervisor duties and responsibilities

Cover Supervisor Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Find your next great Cover Supervisor on Indeed

What does a cover supervisor do?

Cover supervisor skills and qualifications

Cover supervisor experience requirements

Cover supervisor education and training requirements

Cover supervisor salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Cover supervisor job description FAQs

How is a cover supervisor different to a supply teacher?

Who does the cover supervisor report to?

What makes a good cover supervisor job description?

Hire your next Cover Supervisor today

Job Description Examples

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