Created on: 01 Mar 2022 | Last modified: 20 Apr 2023
The illustrative table below gives some examples of good and bad practice by Local Authorities or schools with regards to their working practices with short-term supply teachers and fixed term contract teachers.
The SNCT states that short-term supply teaching as engagement on a daily basis where the total number of days of any engagement shall not exceed 2 days and that fixed term temporary contracts will be issued for engagements which extend beyond 2 days.
Good Practice |
Bad Practice |
An open and timeous advertising process for supply and fixed-term work |
An unclear or biased allocation system |
A fair and transparent system to engage and appoint supply and fixed-term staff |
An unclear or biased allocation system – especially for supply |
A fair and clear procedure to obtaining permanent contract |
A lack of information on obtaining permanency or using breaks in service to frustrate permanency |
The employer provides comprehensive information or a handbook about the terms and conditions of short-term and fixed-term teaching staff as well as local authority processes around leave and pay. Written statement of particulars should be shared timeously |
There is a lack of information or clarity about the terms and conditions as well as local authority processes around leave and pay |
Consideration given to providing minimum guaranteed hours, or attempts made to maintain weekly hours |
Erratic and variable hours provided; sometimes changed at short notice |
Local policy follows or exceeds SNCT Code of Practice on short term supply and fixed term temporary contracts |
Excessive use of short-term supply contracts |
Supply work contracts reviewed periodically, and fixed-term contracts used appropriately |
Excessive use of short-term supply teaching contracts when fixed-term contracts should be used |
Working practices exceed statutory employment rights including SNCT and LNCT provisions |
Employer seeks to implement the minimum possible of the LNCT/SNCT provisions i.e. a compliance mindset |
Supply and short-term contract staff supported by schools’ policies and have an equitable range of classes. The hours paid reflect the work done, and there are no unpaid gaps within the working day. Supply and short-term contract staff feel valued and part of the school community |
Supply and short-term contract staff are not well supported by schools’ policies or procedures or are given an unequitable range of classes. Hours paid may not reflect activities completed or unpaid gaps given during the day |