National Assembly for Wales
Children, Young People and Education Committee

ST 19

Inquiry into Supply Teaching
Evidence from : Headteacher – High School

Consultation questions

Question 1 - What are your views on whether there is a prevalence in the use of supply teachers on a planned and unplanned basis?
We rarely used supply teachers
If you believe that this results in problems (for example, for schools, pupils or teachers), how do you think they could be resolved?
We have no problems related to the use of supply teachers
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§ X
Question 2 - What are your views on the circumstances in which supply teachers are used for example, the types of classes they cover; the types of learning activities which take place under the supervision of supply teachers; whether they are qualified to teach relevant subjects?
All our supply teachers are suitable qualified and are used in their areas of expertise

If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§ X
Question 3 - What are your views on the impact of the use of supply teachers on the outcomes for pupils (including any impact on pupil behaviour)?
Our supply teachers and their students are well supported by permanent staff
If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§ X

Question 4 - What are your views on the Continuous Professional Development of supply teachers and the potential impact of the National Professional Learning Model?
An excellent idea
If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§ X
4 – Not a problem.
Question 5 - What are your views on performance management arrangements for supply teachers?
I’m not sure how this would work.  I suggest that we avoid additional workload during teacher absence.
If you think there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§ X
Question 6 - Do you consider that local authorities and regional consortia have sufficient oversight of the use of supply teachers?
No need for this
If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§ X
Question 7 - Are you aware of any local and regional variation in the use of supply teachers and if so, are there any reasons for this?
Not aware of any
If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§ X

Question 8 - Do you have any views on supply agencies and their quality assurance arrangements?
I have no concerns – always give feedback myself.
If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
n/a
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§ X
4 – Not a problem.	§
Question 9 - Are you aware of any specific issues relating to Welsh medium education? If so, what are they?
no
If you believe there are problems in this area, how do you think they could be resolved?
How significant is this issue? (Please select one option)
1 – This is a key, urgent problem.	§
2 – This is a problem that needs to be addressed.	§
§ 3 – This is a minor problem	§
4 – Not a problem.	§

Question 10 - If you had to make one recommendation to the Welsh Government from all the points you have made, what would that recommendation be?

It would be helpful to provide training updates for supply teachers, some are not up to date.

Question 11 - Do you have any other comments or issues you wish to raise that have not been covered by the specific questions?

See above