Cover Supervisor

Shorefields; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Cinema tickets

Blue Light Card

Pension scheme

Job summary

Paxman Academy is seeking a dedicated Cover Supervisor to supervise classes during teacher absences and support departments when not required for cover. You will follow lesson instructions, manage classroom order and respond to student queries, contributing to a positive learning environment.

Applicants with QTS are welcome; training will be provided. We value safeguarding, inclusion, and strong relationships with students, staff and families.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths (A-C) or equivalent.
• Recent experience in a school environment preferred.
• Ability to establish rapport and build trusting relationships with children.

Responsibilities

• Supervise whole classes during the short-term absence of teachers.
• Collate and organise cover work for teaching staff.
• Ensure cover teachers understand tasks and have all necessary information.
• Supervise pupils engaged in learning activities and maintain behaviour standards.
• Promote inclusion and high standards of conduct within the classroom.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 01/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Friday 6th November 2026

Join a Team That is Committed to 'Building Brighter Futures' at Paxman Academy

Are you a collaborative professional who thrives in a supportive community? Ready to help students fulfil their full potential?

At Paxman Academy, we're dedicated to creating an ordered, stimulating learning environment where every student is valued, respected, and encouraged to achieve their best.

We're searching for an exceptional Cover Supervisor to supervise whole classes during the short-term absence of teachers. You will be able to give instructions for the lesson as provided by a teacher, keep good order in the classroom and respond to general queries. When no cover is required, you will support other departments.

You will be expected to have excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to young people, their welfare and education. You will also need to act as a role model with high expectations of conduct and behaviour.

The post does not require Qualified Teacher Status, although applicants with this are welcome. Experience of working with young people would be an advantage although full training and induction will be provided.

• Start date: ASAP following pre-employment checks
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: Part time - 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus non-pupil/INSET days).
• Working pattern: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday to Thursday, 8:00am - 3:30pm Friday

A Day in the Life:

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Supervision of whole classes during the short-term absence of teachers.
• Collation and organisation of cover work for teaching staff.
• Ensuring external cover teachers understand cover work and are given all relevant information.
• Supervision of pupils engaged in learning activities.
• Acting as a role model and setting high expectations of conduct and behaviour.
• Promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom.
• Keeping pupils on task and responding to general queries.

What We're Looking For:
You are the perfect fit for our team if you have:

• GCSE Grade A to C or equivalent in English and Maths
• Recent knowledge of working within a school environment
• Ability to establish rapport and respectful and trusting relationships with children
• Experience of working with school policies in relation to inclusion, safeguarding and physical contact with students
• Good working knowledge of ICT to support learning and performance of own role
• Ability to demonstrate that you encourage the inclusion of pupils with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties in a mainstream setting
• Ability to demonstrate effective implementation of the school's behaviour management policy
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Please see the attached Job Description & Person Specification for full details.

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?
We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development:

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the Trust, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• A Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme for your well-being.
• Exclusive perks like the Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, cinema tickets, and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision 'To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts', where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.

Information about the School

Paxman Academy opened in September 2019 and admitted 180 Year 7 students in the first year.

Paxman Academy is committed to providing an ordered, stimulating learning environment in which all students are encouraged to achieve their best. It is determined that all students should be valued through the provision of a broad, relevant, balanced and challenging curriculum that caters for individual needs; this is encouraged within an atmosphere of mutual respect. The Academy recognises its role within the broader community. It is determined to maintain a STEM focus throughout the curriculum and across extended learning opportunities. It identifies learning as a lifelong process and values the contribution made by parents and others to the creation of a partnership. Within this partnership, and through learning opportunities provided, students will develop skills, attitudes and values that prepare them to accept the challenges and responsibilities of adult life.

Paxman Academy embraces the values of The Sigma Trust to ensure that all students will fulfil their potential and transform life chances for all.

SafeguardingThe Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.