Cover Supervisor – Birmingham
Full-time and part-time opportunities available | September 2026 start | Weekly PAYE pay
Support learning. Maintain continuity. Make a difference in Birmingham secondary schools.
Are you confident managing a classroom and looking for a rewarding role in education?
Schools Mutual Services is working in partnership with secondary schools and academy trusts across Birmingham to recruit reliable and enthusiastic Cover Supervisors for roles starting in September 2026.
We are not a traditional supply agency. We are a school-owned, not-for-profit mutual that exists to support schools and education professionals. Our focus is on fair pay, meaningful opportunities, excellent support and keeping more funding within education.
We are seeking adaptable and professional Cover Supervisors who can confidently lead classes during teacher absence, maintain positive learning environments and support pupils across a range of subjects. Whether you are looking for a long-term placement, a temporary-to-permanent opportunity or flexible work around your availability, we would love to hear from you.
Why join Schools Mutual Services?
With Schools Mutual Services, you are treated as a valued education professional, not just another booking.
You can expect:
- Opportunities in secondary schools across Birmingham and surrounding areas
- Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella company deductions
- Competitive and transparent rates linked to experience and responsibilities
- Long-term, short-term, permanent and temp-to-perm opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support, including GP and mental health services
- Free safeguarding training and ongoing CPD opportunities
- Dedicated consultant support from professionals who understand education
- Enhanced pension benefits where eligible
- Referral bonuses for recommending education professionals
- The opportunity to be part of a school-owned, not-for-profit supply bank
What you'll be doing
As a Cover Supervisor, you will play an important role in ensuring continuity of learning during teacher absence. You will supervise classes, deliver pre-planned work and support pupils in maintaining focus and engagement throughout lessons.
Depending on the school and assignment, you may be asked to:
- Supervise whole classes during the short-term absence of teaching staff
- Deliver pre-prepared lesson materials across a range of curriculum subjects
- Manage classroom behaviour in line with school policies and expectations
- Ensure pupils remain engaged and complete the work set by the teacher
- Provide support and guidance to pupils during lessons where appropriate
- Promote a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment
- Record attendance and report any issues or concerns to relevant staff
- Support pupils with SEND, behavioural needs or additional learning needs where required
- Build positive relationships with pupils, teachers and support staff
- Assist with break, lunch or duty supervision where required
- Follow safeguarding, confidentiality and professional conduct expectations at all times
What we're looking for
We are keen to hear from confident and motivated individuals who enjoy working with young people and can effectively manage a classroom environment.
You should have:
- Experience working with children or young people in an educational, coaching, mentoring or youth work setting
- Strong classroom and behaviour management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- The confidence to supervise groups of secondary-aged pupils independently
- A calm, professional and adaptable approach
- Good organisational skills and the ability to follow school procedures
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities
The following would be advantageous:
- Previous experience as a Cover Supervisor
- Experience working in a secondary school environment
- A degree or relevant qualification
- Experience supporting pupils with SEND
- Behaviour management or pastoral support experience
- Youth work, sports coaching or mentoring experience
- Team Teach or positive behaviour support training
Experience we are especially interested in
We would particularly like to hear from candidates with experience in:
- Cover supervision
- Classroom management
- Secondary education
- Behaviour support
- SEND support
- Autism support
- Pastoral support
- Youth work
- Sports coaching
- Mentoring and tutoring
- Alternative provision settings
- Working with pupils with SEMH needs
- Exam invigilation and classroom supervision
Why this role is different
As part of a school-owned supply bank, you'll have access to flexible and rewarding opportunities while remaining connected to schools that value your expertise and contribution.
Our aim is simple: support schools, support staff and keep education funding where it belongs — in education.
Safeguarding
Schools Mutual Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must share this commitment.
Appointment is subject to safer recruitment checks, including identity checks, right to work in the UK, satisfactory references, qualification checks where relevant, an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information where appropriate, and any relevant overseas checks. Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to an online search as part of our due diligence. Free safeguarding training will be provided where required.
The current statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England is Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, which sets out safeguarding and safer recruitment duties for schools and colleges. The guidance confirms that schools and colleges must have regard to it when carrying out their safeguarding duties.
Join a school-owned supply bank that values Cover Supervisors and helps keep education support where it belongs — in schools.
INDBIRM
Pay: £98.00-£130.00 per day
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Referral programme
Experience:
- UK based: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
