School Reps' Handbook > Your questions answered
Cover
The requirement to cover for absent colleagues is governed by two documents: The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document and The Leicestershire Amplification of that document. The situation is different for Primary/Special and Secondary schools.
When should we cover for absent colleagues?
In Primary and Special schools cover should be available from day 1 for all absences.
In secondary schools cover should be available from day 4 when the absence is due to illness and from day 1 in other cases.
What about planned absences?
The Amplification makes it clear that these should be covered by a supply teacher. This includes the absence of colleagues on educational visits. The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document says of visits that "the absence is most appropriately covered by supply teachers."
What if the school can't get a supply teacher?
If you're asked to cover in these circumstances it must be acknowledged that you are under no obligation to cover but may do so in a spirit of "goodwill". Within a short time you should be "paid back" this time by having your class covered when a supply teacher is available.
What are the limits on cover?
Each teacher has a 38-hour limit on the amount of cover s/he can be required to do in an academic year. As far as is practicable there should e an even spread throughout each term. Your Headteacher/Principal will need to keep a record of how much cover is being done by each member of staff.
The School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document also says that cover should be "shared equitably among all teachers in the school (including the head teacher) taking account of their teaching and other duties."
If you have any concerns about cover arrangements in your school contact a local Officer.