Permanent, temporary or supply? The differences explained
Day to day cover, long term placements, fixed term and permanent roles. What each one actually means, who they suit, and how to choose. A simple guide for teachers, support staff and schools.
Education recruitment comes with a lot of labels. Here is what they really mean, in plain English, so whether you are an educator choosing your next role or a school choosing how to staff one, you know exactly what you are getting.
The main types of work
Supply and day to day cover
Short notice cover, often a single day or a few days, when a school needs someone quickly. Flexible and varied, and a good fit if you value choice over your diary. At WhoFoundWho we focus on short term and long term placements rather than single day booking, so you build a real relationship with the schools you work in.
Long term and fixed term
A booked block of time, such as a term, a maternity cover, or until a permanent hire starts. You become part of the school community, with the stability of a regular timetable and the flexibility of agency work.
Permanent
A contract directly with the school, on their payroll, for the long haul. This gives you the most security and the deepest roots in one setting, and it is ideal when you have found the place you want to stay.
How they compare
| Temporary or long term | Permanent | |
|---|---|---|
| Who employs you | The agency (paid weekly, PAYE) | The school (on their payroll) |
| Flexibility | High, you choose what you take | Lower, a settled, ongoing role |
| Security | Steady work, assignment by assignment | Most secure, a permanent contract |
| Best if you want | Variety, or to try schools before committing | To put down roots in one school |
Temp to perm: try before you commit
You do not always have to choose up front. Many educators start on a long term placement and move into a permanent role once they and the school both know it is the right fit. It is a low pressure way for everyone to be sure, and we are happy to arrange it either way.
Not sure which suits you? That is exactly the conversation we love to have. Tell us what you want from your career or your classroom, and we will talk you through the honest pros and cons, with no pressure to pick the option that suits us.