Think Teachers Professional Conduct Guide for Supply Staff
Welcome
As a valued member of the Think Teachers team, you represent both our agency and the schools in which you work. This guide sets out the standards of conduct, appearance, and professionalism expected of all supply teachers and support staff.
Our aim is simple: to help you make a strong impression, maintain pupil safety, and contribute to a calm, positive learning environment from the moment you arrive.
1. Professional Conduct and Presentation
Be punctual and prepared
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the school day or lesson begins to familiarise yourself with the environment, locate resources, and prepare for teaching.
Always sign in at reception and display your visitor or staff lanyard.
Have your DBS certificate and photo ID with you at all times.
Be equipped
- Bring your own pens, markers, and backup lesson materials in case resources are unavailable.
Dress professionally
- Dress smartly and modestly in line with professional expectations. (This means you should not wear any revealing blouses).
- Business or smart attire is expected, with both male and female staff ideally wearing a blazer— short dresses/skirts, jeans, trainers, Ugg Boots, flip-flops/sliders or overly casual clothing are not appropriate.
- Clothing should be clean, ironed, and well-fitted.
- You should ensure that any arm, leg or body tattoos are covered and not on show.
- Facial piercings should be removed.
- Keep jewellery minimal.
- You must wear a watch – timings in school are vital and you need to be on top of this.
- Maintain a clean, fresh appearance, free from odours, smoke, or alcohol.
2. Professional Behaviour and Communication
Be polite and respectful
- Greet staff and students courteously. A calm, friendly professionalism makes a lasting impression.
Addressing pupils
Introduce yourself formally using “Mr,” “Mrs,” “Miss,” or “Ms” plus your surname (unless the school policy states otherwise).
Expect pupils to address you as “Sir” or “Miss/Madam”, not by your first name.
Language and tone
- Speak clearly, professionally, and positively. Avoid sarcasm, slang, or jokes that could be misinterpreted.
- Never raise your voice in anger — you can assert authority firmly without shouting.
- Model the respectful tone you expect from pupils.
Boundaries
- Keep all interactions focused on learning. Avoid personal conversations or topics unrelated to schoolwork.
- Never share personal details such as your home address, phone number, or social media accounts.
3. In the Classroom
Following cover work
- Always follow the cover instructions left by the class teacher.
- Write the learning objective on the board and explain clearly.
- Maintain calm, purposeful behaviour — ideally students should work in silence or quiet discussion as appropriate to the task.
- Avoid making changes to lesson plans without consulting a senior staff member.
Engagement and presence
- Stay active and alert during the lesson. Move around the classroom to monitor progress and behaviour.
- As supply staff, you should never sit down in a lesson— your visible presence sets the tone and deters disruption.
Behaviour and classroom control
- Keep noise levels reasonable to avoid disturbing neighbouring classes.
- Separate pupils who are talking or distracting others; seat them where you can monitor behaviour.
- If possible, ask for a seating plan from the Head of Department or class teacher.
- If serious disruption occurs, follow the school’s behaviour policy and call for support.
Register and punctuality
- Take the register within the first five minutes of each lesson.
- Record lateness accurately and only accept lateness notes from other staff.
- Do not allow students to leave before the bell or lesson end time.
Movement and supervision
- Do not leave pupils unattended at any time. If you require assistance or an emergency arises, call for help via the ‘on-call system’ relevant for that school
- Only allow pupils to leave for the toilet or other reasons if they have the correct pass or written permission.
Mobile phones
- Follow the school’s mobile phone policy when dealing with student use — do not keep confiscated phones personally.
- Keep your own phone on silent and only use it during breaks or in staff areas.
4. Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare
Your duty of care
- You are responsible for the pupils in your class and the room you are teaching in.
- Never leave students unsupervised during lessons or breaks.
- If you witness or suspect any form of abuse, neglect, or safeguarding concern, report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or a senior leader.
Know your safeguarding contacts
- Upon arrival at any school, make sure you identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) (sometimes referred to as the Designated Safeguarding Person or DSP) and their deputy.
- Familiarise yourself with the school’s safeguarding poster or policy noticeboard, which lists their names and contact details.
- Know exactly where to report a concern and who to speak to if an issue arises.
Physical contact and safety
- Avoid physical contact with pupils under any circumstances.
- The only exception is if you need to physically intervene to prevent harm (e.g., breaking up a fight) — and you must report and record the incident immediately.
- Maintain appropriate personal space at all times.
Professional distance online and offline
- Do not add or follow pupils on social media (Facebook, X, Tik Tok etc).
- Ensure all personal accounts are private and never post about pupils, schools, or work experiences.
- Never give pupils lifts in your car or meet them outside of school hours.
Safeguarding starts the moment you walk through the school gates.
5. Standards and Expectations
Uniform and presentation checks
- Remind pupils about uniform expectations where appropriate (shirts tucked in, ties straight, blazers on).
- Report persistent issues to the relevant Head of Year or department.
Clean and tidy classrooms
- Before leaving, ensure the classroom is left clean, tidy, and organised for the next teacher.
- Encourage pupils to clear under their desks and tidy quietly, as other lessons may be in progress nearby.
- Return any borrowed resources to their rightful place.
Professional reflection
Presence during non-teaching periods
- If you have a free period or non-timetabled lesson, you must remain on site and in the staff room for the duration of the school day.
- This ensures you are visible, accessible, and ready to assist if required.
- Circumstances can change quickly — schools may require you to step in for unexpected cover, support a colleague, or assist with supervision duties.
- Use this time productively — marking (if applicable), preparing, or sitting in the staff room as part of the wider school community.
- It is not acceptable to leave the school site early without authorisation.
- At the end of the day, leave a short note where possible for the class teacher detailing:
-Work completed
-Any behavioural issues
-Any pupils who excelled or required additional support
- Sign out at reception before leaving the premises.
Reliability, visibility, and flexibility are key parts of being a trusted professional.
6. Additional Guidance for Success
- Be proactive: introduce yourself to the Head of Department or Key Stage Lead on arrival.
- Be adaptable: every school has different routines — observe and follow their lead.
- Build relationships: polite collaboration with support staff, office teams, and site managers goes a long way.
- Maintain professionalism: how you present yourself each day directly influences future bookings and reputation.
7. Communication and Professional Responsibility with Think Teachers
As a valued member of Think Teachers, your professionalism extends beyond the classroom. Clear and timely communication with your consultant ensures schools can rely on us — and on you — every day.
Punctuality and Attendance
- If you are running late, you must call Think Teachers immediately — so that the school can be informed.
- If you are unwell or unable to attend, contact Think Teachers as soon as possible, no later than 7:00am.
- Never contact the school directly without notifying Think Teachers first, unless specifically instructed.
Professional Communication
- Respond promptly to phone calls, messages, and emails from your Think Teachers consultant.
- Keep your contact details (mobile number, email, and address) up to date at all times.
- Notify Think Teachers in advance of any planned absences, training days, or changes to your availability.
- Communicate in a polite, professional manner at all times — remember, you represent the Think Teachers brand.
Daily Conduct and Reporting
- Confirm your arrival at new schools when requested.
- If a placement finishes early or circumstances change during the day, notify Think Teachers immediately.
- Report any safeguarding concerns, behavioural incidents, or accidents to both the school and Think Teachers without delay.
Share positive feedback and success stories too — we celebrate professional excellence.
Reliability and Trust
- Think Teachers relies on accurate, honest communication to maintain excellent relationships with schools.
- Consistency, reliability, and professionalism directly influence your future placements and career progression.
Your communication is part of your professional reputation.
📞 Think Teachers Communication Standards
- Call immediately if you’re running late or unable to attend.
- Always update Think Teachers before contacting the school.
- Keep your phone on and check messages before 7:30am.
- Be courteous, reliable, and responsive — we’re on the same team.
Professionalism starts with communication.
8. In Summary
Think Teachers expects every member of our supply team to:
✅ Be punctual, professional, and prepared
✅ Uphold safeguarding and behaviour standards
✅ Dress appropriately and act respectfully
✅ Communicate clearly with pupils, staff, and the agency
✅ Leave a positive impression — every lesson, every school
🔒 Safeguarding Reminder
✅ Always identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — sometimes called the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) — as soon as you arrive at a new school.
✅ Ask who the DSL and deputy DSLs are when you sign in at reception.
✅ Familiarise yourself with the school’s safeguarding poster or policy noticeboard.
✅ Make sure you know where to report a concern and who to speak to if an issue arises.
Remember: Safeguarding starts the moment you walk through the school gates.