Cover Supervisor

About the job

Key information

Full time based on 37 Hours per week, Term Time only (39 weeks).

Fairmead Community Special School transforms the lives of pupils aged between 4-19 years with additional learning needs (MLD and ASD). The school works in partnership with parents/carers and other stakeholders to develop our pupils in becoming positive individuals who make a valuable contribution to their community.

Working hours Mon – Thurs, 8.30 – 4.30pm and Fri 8.30am- 4pm

What will I be doing?

We are looking an experienced and talented individual who is looking to make a difference in young people’s lives, to join our team. As a Cover Supervisor you will play a vital role in maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, ensuring that pre-prepared work is delivered effectively to our young people.

Responsible for supervision and management of classrooms in the absence of a qualified teacher. To maintain order and ensure students adhere to school’s expectations, delivering pre-prepared lesson materials. You will play a vital role in maintaining a conducive learning environment during a teacher’s absence whilst facilitating the continuity in a pupil’s education and supporting the school’s operations by ensuring that lessons run smoothly and pupils are engaged in productive activities.

Support For Pupils

• Flexibility to adapt when working with a cross-section of key stages at differing levels in an
• SEN environment
• Supervise and support pupils ensuring their safety and access to learning.
• Establish good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.
• Encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities
• Encourage pupils to act independently as appropriate.
• Promote self-esteem and build life-long learning skills.
• Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement
• Support children’s progress and achievements
• To support pupils with communication difficulties within the classroom.

Support The Teacher

• Taking the lead in the absence of teacher, conducting pre-planned lessons
• Managing handovers to teaching staff
• Liaise with classroom teachers;
• Create appropriate resources reflecting the various needs of students across the class as agreed by the teacher;
• To provide regular feedback to the Teacher
• Support the management of student behaviour under the direction of the Teacher.

Cover supervisors will provide cover in the event of absence for a range of other professional duties normally undertaken by teachers. These may include registration, supervision of students at the start and end of the day and during breaks and lunchtime. Cover supervisors may also be asked to assist teachers in undertaking these tasks

The cover supervisor will be required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.

Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the Cover Supervisor will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher/Head of School.

• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentially and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Vigilant safeguarding of all pupils and staff across the school, observing, monitoring and reporting all concerns to the relevant designated safeguarding leads.
• Be aware of and support differences ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
• Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.
• Attend relevant meetings as required
• Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
• Assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school, break times and lunchtimes.
• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required.
• To participate actively in supporting the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as laid down in the school’s policy.
• To comply with all Health and Safety legislation and school policy as appropriate (NB the exact responsibilities will depend on the post)
• As a term of employment to carry out any other reasonable duties and/or times of work as may be reasonably required of you in accordance with the grade and general level of responsibility within the organisation.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

Your adaptability and flexibility will be put to the test as you navigate different school environments and age groups. An ability to communicate effectively with young people, as well as dealing with their emotional and practical needs.  This position requires a level 4 qualification.

• Presenting a high level of verbal and written communication
• Demonstrating efficient organisation of resources and materials
• Technological proficiency for educational tools
• Effective time management for lessons and administrative tasks
• Approachability and positive interpersonal skills

DBS check

DBS check required

Supporting documents and information

Prospective candidates are warmly invited to visit our school; this can be arranged by contacting SPhipps@fairmeadschool.com

Interviews: Monday 19 January 2026

Fairmead School is committed to safeguarding the school community. All job applications must contain the disclosure of any spent convictions and cautions. The school will carry out pre-employment vetting procedures, which include an online search for shortlisted candidates and the successful outcome of an enhanced DBS

Apply now