What is a Cover Supervisor?

Cover Supervisors are suitably trained or experienced school staff who supervise pupils carrying out pre-prepared exercises when teaching staff are on short-term absence. The Cover Supervisor’s main job is to manage a classroom, ensuring that students remain on task with the work they have been set.

What's involved?

Cover Supervisor roles vary significantly depending on whether the role is undertaken in a primary, secondary or special school. The role however should not require any active teaching, marking or planning.

Main duties may include:

• Supervising work that has been set in accordance with the school policy.
• Managing the behaviour of pupils while they are undertaking this work to ensure a constructive learning environment.
• Responding to any questions from pupils about processes and procedures.
• Dealing with any immediate problems or emergencies according to the school’s policies and procedures.
• Collecting any completed work after the lesson and returning it to the appropriate teacher.
• Reporting back as appropriate using the school’s agreed referral procedures on the behaviour of pupils during the class, and any issues arising.
• Coordinating and supporting teaching assistants / support staff in the classroom.

What skills, experience and qualifications do you need?

There are no specific qualifications required to become a Cover Supervisor - it is up to schools and local authorities to decide what qualifications and experience you will need to have. Some may employ Cover Supervisors based solely on their experience, others may require some form of minimum qualification.

As a minimum however, most schools require the following:

• Previous, significant experience of working in an education environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Good behaviour management skills
• A high degree of flexibility

Possible qualifications that schools may also look for include:

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at grade C or above
• A recognised, relevant level 3 or level 4 qualification for supporting teaching and learning in schools
• A degree

What training is available?

Axcis offers a Cover Supervisor course which is designed to ensure you have all the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a Cover Supervisor role. More information can be found on our CPD Training and Career Development Page.

What’s next?

If you are interested in becoming a Cover Supervisor, speak to your consultant or local Axcis office to discuss your options further. Or if you are already a Cover Supervisor, check out our jobs pages to start applying for your next perfect role.