Supply teachers often have a pretty hard job when it comes to classroom control as some students play on the fact that this is not their normal teacher and therefore they assume they can get away with more than they usually might.

If you are starting a job as a supply teacher you must quickly gain control of the classroom right from the start. It may feel like you are going in with a hard hand but if you do not control situations quickly and effectively then you will find it much harder down the line to get the children working as they should.

If you feel that you are struggling with classroom control or simply want a little advice then you could speak to a fellow teacher or the head teacher. If you would rather speak to someone outside of the school then you could call the NUT helpline. If you are working as a supply teacher through a teaching recruitment agency then they will often have someone that you can speak to that will offer you tips on how to gain back control.