Cover Supervisor

Outcomes First Group; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 23,400 - 28,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Health & insurance benefits

UK discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking a Cover Supervisor at Smallbrook School in Shrewsbury. The role supports learning in the absence of teachers, leading lessons, supervising classes and assisting pupils to stay engaged.

Permanent, term-time only; 37.5 hours per week, 8.45am–4.20pm. Salary £26,000 per year. UK applicants only; start September 2026.

Qualifications

• Confident classroom presence and effective communication in a school setting.
• Experience supporting learners with diverse needs is desirable.
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and relationship‑based practice is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support vocational learning programmes to keep pupils engaged.
• Lead pre‑planned lessons when teachers are absent.
• Provide whole class, small group and 1:1 support to pupils.

Skills

Classroom presence

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

SEND/SEMH experience

Trauma‑informed practice

Relationship‑based practice

Job description

Full Job Description

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge.

Job Title: Cover Supervisor

Location: Smallbrook School, Shrewsbury, SY4 3HE

Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.45am – 4.20pm

Salary: £26,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

No two days are the same in this rewarding and varied role. As a Cover Supervisor, you'll be at the heart of school life, ensuring that learning continues seamlessly when teachers are absent. From leading lessons and supporting individual pupils to coordinating exams and contributing to the wider school community, you'll play a vital role in helping young people thrive. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is confident, adaptable, and passionate about making a difference in the lives of pupils, particularly within a supportive and nurturing educational environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support and supervise vocational learning programmes, ensuring pupils remain engaged and motivated
• Leading engaging, pre-planned lessons and keeping learning on track in the absence of teaching staff
• Supporting pupils across the school through whole‑class supervision, small group work, and 1:1 support
• Encouraging pupils to stay motivated, focused, and confident in their learning
• Creating a calm, positive, and structured classroom environment where pupils can succeed
• Delivering targeted intervention and catch‑up programmes to help pupils achieve their potential
• Working collaboratively with teachers, leaders, and support staff to ensure the smooth running of the school day
• Bringing flexibility, initiative, and a proactive approach to every challenge and opportunity

What You’ll Bring

• A confident and engaging classroom presence
• Excellent communication, organisational, and teamwork skills
• A calm, resilient, and patient approach, even in challenging situations
• The ability to adapt quickly and think on your feet
• Experience working within a SEND or SEMH setting (desirable)
• An understanding of, or willingness to embrace, trauma‑informed and relationship‑based practice
• A genuine belief that every young person can succeed with the right support and encouragement

This is more than a cover role - it's an opportunity to become a valued member of a dedicated team, helping to shape positive outcomes for young people every day. If you're passionate about education, thrive on variety, and want a role where your contribution truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

Smallbrook School is currently increasing capacity from 50 students to 80 and has a large investment in our school site developing KS2 and sixth‑form provision. We are a co‑educational day school catering for pupils aged 7‑18 with a range of complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health needs and also pupils who have been diagnosed with autism or demonstrate behaviours associated with autism. You will contribute to making Smallbrook School an outstanding provision for our young people and their families. We provide a therapeutic, supportive and inclusive learning environment and are committed to raising achievement and enabling pupils to recognise their potential and supporting them through a personalised, engaging curriculum. Our priority is to develop the foundation knowledge and skills required to make a manageable and smooth transition to the next life stage. Our School is based halfway between Shrewsbury and Wem in Shropshire. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support