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What to Do When Your Supply Placement Ends: A Guide for Supply Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Education Support Staff

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:33:00 +0100

Whether your placement lasted one day, one week, one term or an entire academic year, its conclusion is an opportunity to reflect on what you achieved and prepare for what comes next.

Supply teachers, teaching assistants and education support staff regularly move between different schools, classrooms and contracts. Every placement can help you develop new skills, gain experience and strengthen your CV.

Taking a few practical steps before and after your placement ends can help you finish professionally, complete important administration and remain ready for your next opportunity.

Quick checklist: Return school property, complete your timesheets, leave an appropriate handover, update your CV and availability, check your compliance documents and tell your teaching agency what you would like to do next.

1. Finish your placement professionally

First impressions matter, but so do final impressions.

Before leaving your placement, make sure you have:

returned your staff identification badge, keys or access fob
returned any laptops, tablets or classroom equipment you borrowed
removed personal information from any equipment, where appropriate
left classrooms, resources and work areas organised
completed any agreed marking or administrative tasks
thanked the staff you worked alongside

Professionalism, reliability and consideration are qualities that schools remember. Finishing well may contribute to positive feedback, repeat bookings or future opportunities.

If the school asks you to return for another booking, let your consultant know. Bookings arranged through Axcis should be communicated through the appropriate Axcis process.

2. Complete your timesheets and outstanding administration

Before or shortly after your placement finishes, check that your timesheets have been completed and submitted correctly.

Make sure:

the dates and working hours are accurate
any half days or additional agreed hours are recorded correctly
your timesheet has been submitted for approval
queries are raised while the relevant school staff are still available
your contact and payment information is current

Schools may need to approve your timesheet before payment can be processed. Completing everything promptly helps reduce the risk of avoidable payment delays.

If you believe information is missing or you are unsure how to complete a timesheet, contact your consultant or the appropriate Axcis team before the submission deadline.

3. Leave an appropriate handover

If you worked in a longer-term role, you may be asked to leave a handover for the class teacher, support team or person taking over the placement.

Depending on your responsibilities, this might include:

the work or curriculum content covered
tasks that remain outstanding
successful classroom routines
resources you used or prepared
agreed communication approaches
strategies already included in pupil support plans
relevant information about forthcoming activities or deadlines

Keep the handover factual, relevant and professional. Do not include personal opinions, informal labels or confidential information that the recipient does not need.

Safeguarding concerns and significant incidents should already have been reported through the setting’s procedures. A handover document must never be used as a substitute for an immediate safeguarding report.

4. Ask for appropriate feedback

Where appropriate, ask the relevant school contact for constructive feedback about your placement.

You might ask:

What went particularly well?
Were there any areas I could develop?
Did the setting feel that my skills suited the role?
Would the school be happy to have me return?

Feedback can help you recognise strengths, identify useful training and understand which roles or settings may suit you in future.

If feedback is provided directly to Axcis, ask your consultant whether there are any points they can appropriately share with you.

5. Update your CV while the experience is fresh

It is much easier to update your CV immediately after a placement than to remember the details several months later.

Consider adding:

the type of school or education setting
the age groups or education phases you supported
relevant SEND experience
your classroom and curriculum responsibilities
communication approaches you used
behaviour support experience
interventions you delivered or supported
new systems, resources or technologies you used
training completed during the placement
specific achievements or additional responsibilities

Keep the information factual and do not include identifiable or confidential details about pupils.

Rather than listing only general duties, explain the support you provided and the skills you developed. Our guide to what schools actually notice on SEND CVs provides further practical advice.

6. Tell your consultant when you are available

Do not wait until you need a new placement before updating your consultant.

As soon as you know your availability, tell them:

which days you can work
when your current placement ends
whether you want daily supply, short-term, long-term or permanent work
whether you are looking for full-time or part-time opportunities
the locations you can realistically reach
the age groups and education settings you prefer
whether your role preferences have changed

Current information helps your consultant understand which opportunities may be suitable for you. It does not guarantee an immediate placement, but it means you can be considered using accurate details.

Already registered with Axcis? Update the Axcis App

Registered Axcis candidates can use the Axcis App to manage important information connected to their education work.

Depending on your candidate and placement status, you can use the app to:

update your availability
view upcoming bookings
manage timesheet information
upload requested documents
search for education jobs
receive messages and notifications from Axcis

Keeping your availability current is one of the simplest ways to help your consultant understand when you can work.

If you have not used the app before, read our practical guide to the Axcis App.

Do not rely only on an app update if your availability changes at short notice or you need to discuss a confirmed booking. Contact your consultant directly in those situations.

7. Check your compliance information

Being ready for another placement depends on your candidate and compliance information remaining current.

Check whether Axcis needs updated information relating to:

your contact details
your address
your Right to Work documentation
your Disclosure and Barring Service information
the DBS Update Service, where applicable
references
qualifications
safeguarding or mandatory training
any other documents requested by the compliance team

Requirements vary according to the individual, role and setting. Contact your consultant or the Axcis compliance team if you are unsure whether anything needs to be renewed or updated.

Only provide documents through an approved Axcis process and never send passwords or unnecessary sensitive information.

8. Continue developing your skills

A gap between placements can provide an opportunity to reflect on your professional development.

Think about whether further learning would help you build confidence in areas such as:

safeguarding and child protection
autism
ADHD
social, emotional and mental health needs
communication and interaction
behaviour support
inclusive classroom practice
trauma-informed practice
mental health and wellbeing
classroom management

Registered Axcis candidates can access professional development through The Axcis Academy, including training provided in partnership with The National College.

Choose training that is relevant to your role and experience. Completing a general course does not replace setting-specific guidance or practical training required for particular responsibilities.

9. Take time to recharge

Working in education can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. A break between placements does not have to be filled entirely with administration and professional development.

Where your circumstances allow, make time to rest, reconnect with life outside work and reflect on what you need from your next role.

You might consider:

what you enjoyed about the placement
which parts of the role affected your wellbeing
whether the working pattern was sustainable
which environments helped you feel supported
what boundaries you want to maintain in future

Our guide to looking after your wellbeing while working in education contains additional practical guidance.

10. Reflect on what you want next

Every placement gives you more information about the work, environments and responsibilities that suit you.

Before discussing your next opportunity, consider:

Which parts of the placement did I enjoy most?
Which skills did I use or develop?
Which age groups and education settings suited me?
What level of responsibility am I ready for?
Would I prefer greater flexibility or more continuity?
What travel distance is realistic and sustainable?
Is there additional support or training I need?

Share this information honestly with your consultant. A suitable placement is not only about being available; it is also about matching your experience, preferences and circumstances with the needs of the setting.

Frequently asked questions

When should I tell my teaching agency that I am available?

Tell your teaching agency as soon as you know when your placement will end and when you can work again. Include your preferred working pattern, locations, roles and education settings so your consultant has accurate information.

Should I update my CV after every placement?

Yes. Even a short placement may add useful experience. Updating your CV promptly makes it easier to record your responsibilities and achievements accurately.

What if I only worked at the school for one day?

Short bookings still demonstrate adaptability, reliability and experience of different school environments. You may not need to add every single-day booking as a separate CV entry, but you can summarise relevant supply experience and the settings in which you worked.

Should I ask the school for a reference?

Speak to your consultant before arranging references directly. Axcis can explain what information may be required and the appropriate process for your circumstances.

Can supply work lead to a long-term or permanent role?

It can. Some schools use supply placements to meet an immediate need and may later consider suitable candidates for longer-term opportunities. However, this is not guaranteed, and any proposed change should be discussed through the correct process.

What if my placement ended unexpectedly?

Contact your consultant to discuss what happened and confirm your availability. Keep the conversation factual and provide any relevant information. If the placement affected your wellbeing or raised a safeguarding or safety concern, explain this so that it can be handled appropriately.

Do I need to register again when a placement ends?

If you are already registered with Axcis, you should not complete another registration form unless an Axcis team member asks you to do so. Update your availability and contact your consultant about your next placement.

Resources to help you prepare for your next opportunity

Your placement has ended—what happens next?

Finishing a placement is not only an ending. It is an opportunity to recognise what you learned, update your professional information and decide what you would like from your next role.

If you are already registered with Axcis, update your availability, keep your candidate information current and contact your consultant when you are ready to discuss your next opportunity.

Ready for your next education opportunity?

Axcis is a specialist SEND teaching agency that also supports mainstream education opportunities across England and South Wales.

Already registered? Keep your availability current and speak to your consultant. New to Axcis? Complete our candidate enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you.

Search education jobs Register your interest

Finally, thank you to all the teachers, teaching assistants and education support staff who make a difference in schools and education settings every day. We look forward to supporting you throughout your education career.

The Axcis App: A Practical Guide for Candidates

Wed, 11 May 2022 12:00:00 +0100

The Axcis App gives registered candidates a convenient way to manage important parts of their education work from a mobile phone or tablet.

Whether you are searching for SEND or mainstream education opportunities, preparing for your next placement or already completing bookings through Axcis, the app can help you keep your information current and stay connected with your consultant.

This practical guide explains who can use the Axcis App, what you can do in it, where to download it and when you should contact your consultant directly.

Quick answer: The Axcis App is for registered Axcis candidates. It can be used to manage availability, view bookings, upload requested documents, search for education jobs and communicate with Axcis. Registered candidates can also use it to manage important placement administration, including timesheets.

What is the Axcis App?

The Axcis App is a mobile resource for candidates who are already registered with Axcis Education.

It brings several useful candidate services together in one place, helping you manage routine information and administration without having to return to the main Axcis website each time.

Axcis is primarily a specialist SEND teaching agency while also supporting a growing range of mainstream education roles across England and South Wales. The app is designed to support registered teachers, teaching assistants, higher higher-level teaching assistants, cover supervisors, learning support assistants and other education professionals working with Axcis.

Not registered with Axcis yet?

You cannot register with Axcis through the app. Complete our candidate enquiry form first, and the Axcis team will contact you about the next steps.

What can registered candidates do in the Axcis App?

The features available to you may depend on your registration status, compliance progress and whether you are currently completing placements through Axcis.

Review and update your details

Registered candidates can use the app to review and update important contact information attached to their Axcis candidate profile.

Keeping your details current helps your consultant contact you and understand which opportunities may be suitable.

Remember to update Axcis if you change your:

telephone number
email address
home address
availability
preferred roles or education settings
realistic travel distance

If an important change cannot be made through the app, contact your consultant directly.

Upload requested documents

You can upload certain documents requested by Axcis through the app. Depending on the document required, you may be able to photograph it using your device or upload an existing file.

Make sure every document is complete, clear and readable before submitting it. Uploading a document does not automatically mean that it has been accepted or that your compliance checks are complete. The Axcis compliance team may still need to review it or request further information.

Important: Never upload confidential information belonging to a pupil, school or education setting. The document-upload feature should only be used for information requested as part of your Axcis candidate record or compliance process.

Update your availability

Keeping your availability current helps your consultant understand when you are free to work.

Update your availability whenever:

your available working days change
you become available for additional work
you accept work outside Axcis
you have an appointment, holiday or other commitment
a long-term placement ends
your circumstances change

Your availability is only one part of finding a suitable placement. It is also important to tell your consultant about changes to your preferred roles, age groups, education settings or realistic travel distance.

If you become available at short notice or need to discuss a confirmed booking, contact your consultant directly rather than relying only on an app update.

View upcoming bookings

The app allows registered candidates to view upcoming booking information. Checking these details in advance can help you prepare for your placement and confirm where you need to go.

Before travelling, check the information you have been given, including:

the name and address of the school or education setting
the date of the booking
your expected arrival time
the role or support you have been booked to provide
any instructions supplied by your consultant

If any information is missing or does not match what you discussed, contact your consultant before the placement begins.

Manage your timesheets

Registered candidates can use the app to manage and submit timesheet information for completed work.

Enter your days or hours accurately and submit them according to the timesheet process and deadlines provided by Axcis. The school or setting may need to approve your submission before payment can be processed.

Check your entry carefully before submitting it, particularly if you:

worked a half day
completed additional agreed hours
worked across more than one booking
did not work all the hours originally scheduled

If you are unsure how to complete a timesheet or believe that information is missing, contact your consultant or the appropriate Axcis team before the submission deadline.

Search and apply for education jobs

Registered candidates can search the Axcis vacancy database and express an interest in suitable opportunities through the app.

When considering a role, look carefully at:

the location
the age group or education phase
whether the role is SEND, mainstream or a combination of both
the experience or training requested
the expected working pattern
whether the opportunity is short-term, long-term or permanent

If a role interests you but you are unsure whether your experience is suitable, speak to your Axcis consultant. They can help you understand the setting and decide whether the opportunity may be appropriate.

Receive vacancy and booking notifications

The app can send notifications about new vacancies, shifts and other relevant updates.

Allowing notifications can help you see opportunities promptly, but a notification does not automatically mean that a booking has been confirmed. Always check the details and wait for confirmation from Axcis before travelling to a school or setting.

Communicate with Axcis

The app provides another way to receive messages and communicate with Axcis. You can also locate Axcis contact information when you need it.

App messages are useful for routine communication, but urgent matters should be handled by speaking directly to your consultant or local Axcis team.

Where can you download the Axcis App?

The Axcis App is free to download for compatible Apple and Android devices.

Use the official links below or search for Axcis Education in your device’s app store.

Download the Axcis App

Download for Apple Download for Android

Only download the app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play listing. Check that the app is called Axcis Education before installing it.

How do registered candidates get started?

Download the Axcis Education App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and select the login option.
Log in using the details associated with your registered Axcis candidate account.
Review your contact information and tell your consultant if anything needs to be changed.
Enable notifications if you would like to receive relevant app alerts.
Check your availability and update it if necessary.
Explore your bookings, documents, vacancies and messages.

If you have forgotten your password, use the password-reset option provided. Check your junk or spam folder if the reset email does not appear in your inbox.

If you still cannot log in, contact your consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk.

If you have not yet registered with Axcis, complete our candidate enquiry form. The Axcis team will then contact you about your experience, preferred work and the next steps in the registration process.

When should you contact your consultant directly?

The app makes routine administration easier, but it does not replace direct communication with your consultant.

Contact your consultant or local Axcis team directly if:

you are unwell or unable to attend a confirmed booking
you are delayed on the way to a school or education setting
your booking details appear to be incorrect
the role differs significantly from what was agreed
you need immediate support during a placement
you have an urgent question about a timesheet or payment deadline
your availability has changed at short notice

Do not rely on an app message, email or availability update to report that you cannot attend a confirmed booking. Call your consultant as soon as possible so that Axcis can inform the setting and provide support.

Safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately through the school or setting’s safeguarding procedures. You should also contact Axcis where appropriate, but the app should not be used as the only method of reporting an urgent safeguarding concern.

Why should you keep the app updated?

Installing available updates can give you access to the latest version of the app and may resolve technical problems.

It is also helpful to:

use a secure password that you do not share with anyone else
keep your device’s operating system updated
review your notification permissions
log out if you access your account on a shared device
contact Axcis if information on your profile appears to be incorrect

Because the app contains personal and work-related information, protect your login details and keep your device secure.

Frequently asked questions about the Axcis App

Is the Axcis App free?

Yes. The Axcis Education App is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Can I register with Axcis through the app?

No. The app is for candidates who are already registered with Axcis. If you would like to work with Axcis, complete our candidate enquiry form. A member of the Axcis team will contact you about the next steps.

Can I update my availability in the app?

Yes. Registered candidates can update their availability through the Axcis App. Keep your calendar accurate and contact your consultant directly if your availability changes at short notice.

Can I submit my timesheet through the app?

Registered candidates can use the app to manage timesheet information. Submit your days or hours accurately and follow the timesheet instructions and deadlines provided by Axcis.

Will the app show my confirmed bookings?

The app allows registered candidates to view upcoming bookings. If booking information is missing or appears incorrect, check with your consultant before travelling.

Does expressing an interest in a job guarantee an interview or placement?

No. Expressing an interest through the app lets Axcis know that you would like to be considered. Your experience, compliance status, availability and suitability for the school or setting will still need to be considered.

What should I do if the app is not working?

First, check that you are using the latest version of the app and that your device has an internet connection. You can also close and reopen the app or restart your device.

If the problem continues, contact your Axcis consultant or email info@axcis.co.uk. Include a brief explanation of the problem, but never send your password by email.

What if I have registered but do not have app login details?

Contact your Axcis consultant and ask for help accessing your candidate account. Do not create a second registration through the website or candidate form unless an Axcis team member asks you to do so.

Keep your Axcis information current

The Axcis App gives registered candidates a simple way to manage routine information, check upcoming work and stay connected with Axcis.

Keeping your availability, contact information and requested documents current helps your consultant understand your circumstances and identify opportunities that are more likely to suit you.

Download the Axcis App

Already registered with Axcis? Download the app to manage your details, availability, bookings, documents and education opportunities.

Apple App Store Google Play

Interested in working with Axcis?

If you are not yet registered, complete our candidate enquiry form. Tell us about your experience, availability and the education roles you are looking for, and a member of the Axcis team will contact you.