I had a full-time teaching post for over 20 years, and during that time I think I developed into a pretty good teacher, I was conscious of the fact that there was always more to learn (although not necessarily from the latest fresh-faced, fast-tracked deputy keen to implement every missive from on high, but that’s another story). I’ve been doing supply for a little while now, and what’s apparent is you don’t have the luxury of time to feel your way into the role. If you don’t learn some survival skills quick-smart, you’re going to suffer. So here are my thoughts on how to get through the day

Be realistic about the job

Despite what it says in the “Expectations while on supply at the In Your Dreams Academy” document handed to you on arrival, you are no longer a teacher. Your primary function is crowd control and if you’re lucky, bringing a little light into the lives of the students who’ve been abandoned by their regular teacher.

Honestly, no one expects you to get anything done. Not the agency you work for, not the teacher you’re covering and certainly not the kids. If you’ve spent time as a regular teacher, this can be tough to get used to; after all, you went into this racket in the first place to teach. You can try and get the work that’s been set done, of course, and if you succeed then you can bask in the glory of a victory no one expected, like Horatius holding back the Etruscan hordes on the bridge over the Tiber. But this new role can also be liberating, and freed from the constraints of targets, progress and perpetual scrutiny, you can get a little free form with your teaching.

A discussion about the big news story of the day is a good stand-by and feels like a positive use of everyone’s time. Or you can just chat to the kids. Ask them about their day. Get them to talk about what they want to do when they grow up (stealthily reminding them why they need to work hard at school in the first place). None of this means you can just do bugger all, of course, and it’s really not OK to put your feet up on the desk and play Candy Crush. At least not every lesson. Just remember, learning comes in many guises.

Play to your strengths

So you’re an English specialist teaching science for the day. Drop some Bradbury or Asimov on them. Get them thinking about what current scientific developments were being predicted by HG Wells 100 years ago. Have them suggest what science fiction writers today might be dreaming up. Learning is learning.

Let kids go to the loo -  whatever the school policy is

Seriously, what kind of monster stops another human from having a wee? It’s inhumane. And you’re only there for a day so you shouldn’t have to deal with that member of SLT who, for some reason best not explored too deeply, believes that iron bladder control is a mark of character.

Learn some names 

Not the kids, you’re not there for long enough. Even when I worked in a permanent job, it would often take me half a year to learn the names of students I saw three times a week. No, learn the names of the members of staff who will strike fear into the hearts of the most troublesome students. It might be the head of faculty, the head of year or a respected deputy; in every school, there’s at least one teacher no kid wants to mess with.

Be prepared to call for help

Sometimes things will go wrong. You’re not expected to deal with everything, so know when to call in the cavalry. No shame in this at all. In fact, it’s the sign of an experienced teacher to recognise when they’re out of their depth.

Roam free in the staffroom

Don’t worry about staffroom etiquette. One of the first things I was told about working in a new school, back when I was training, was never to take the seat of some old hand who’s sat in the same chair in the staffroom for 30 years. Well, frankly, you can happily ignore that advice. Sit where you like. Anyone who’s going to get all pissy about someone taking their seat doesn’t deserve your respect. You’ve got enough of that kind of petty stuff to deal with when you’re on the clock.

And if all else fails, just remind yourself that it’s better than the horrors of the permanent post you’ve just escaped.

The writer has recently taken up supply teaching after 20 years in a full-time teaching job