Frequently asked questions
Got a question about our education recruitment services? Check out our FAQs below for more information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Why work with Link3 Recruitment?
There are many reasons why Link3 is the preferred recruitment partner for so many schools, teachers and support staff, including:
Our team has more than 15 years’ of combined experience in education recruitment
We’re dedicated to practising the highest standards of ethical and professional recruitment
We’ll endeavour to always carefully listen, establish your needs and only then engage
We can help you achieve competitive pay rates that reflect your skills and experience
We offer a wealth of CPD & training opportunities, including an introduction to safeguarding, SEN, phonics, children’s mental health, SIMS & cover supervisor, to name a few.
How do I register with Link3?
Registering with Link3 is easy. Simply contact your local office to arrange an appointment with a consultant who will guide you through the first stage of the recruitment process. Online and/or telephone registrations are available, but you must undertake a face-to-face consultation to complete the registration process.
How do I prepare for registration with Link3?
To best prepare for registration with Link3, please could you bring original copies of the following:
One proof of identity (valid passport, birth certificate, EEA identity card, national identity card, driving licence or residence permit)
One proof of National Insurance (P45, P60, letter from HMRC, NiNo Card, payslip, pension letter or benefit statement)
Two proofs of address, dated within three months (bank statement, HMRC, phone/gas/ water bill, Council Tax or Government agency)
Teacher Reference Number or Education and Training Foundation Membership Number (TRN/ DfE Number)
UK ‘Right to Work’ documentation (valid passport, birth certificate, biometric residence permit, EEA identity card, national identity card, driving licence or residence permit, adoption certificate + NiNo)
DBS Certificate (Processed via Link3 or subscribed to DBS update service)
Proof of qualifications (originals to be verified by Link3 Recruitment)
Two employment referees (name, job title & contact details are required for referees)
Bank details (account name, sort code & account number)
Updated CV
Link3 Recruitment is committed to promoting child protection and safeguarding. We advise that all candidates seeking work in schools or colleges read part one of the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance and Disqualification Under the Childcare Act 2006 ahead of your appointment. Both sets of guidance can be found on the links below:
Do I have to pay to join Link3?
No, there are no charges or fees for our recruitment services.
How regularly will I be working?
Once we’ve established your requirements, we’ll try to provide the assignments that match your availability on a week-to-week basis.
Can I work part-time with Link3?
Yes, one of the benefits of working with Link3 is the flexibility of your shifts. You can work anything from one morning a week to a full 37.5 hours.
Can I work with Link3 alongside other forms of employment or study?
As you’ll be appointed on a flexible, temporary contract, your services are non-exclusive, allowing you to undertake other employment and/or study while working for Link3.
What happens If I secure work for myself?
All you’ll need to do at that stage is let your consultant know. We’ll update our records to reflect your circumstances and contact you if and when you become available again. You’ll remain registered with Link3 until you tell us to terminate your employment contract.
How much will I be paid?
At your registration, your consultant will discuss all competitive pay options based on your skills and experience in the role you’ve applied for.
How often will I be paid?
All candidates receive a day rate, paid on a weekly basis. However, if preferred, we can offer payment on a monthly basis.
Does Link3 contribute towards a pension scheme?
In line with UK legislation, all our candidates will be auto enrolled in a workplace pension scheme, provided they meet the entry criteria. Unfortunately, we’re not able to contribute to your Teachers’ Pension. You’re free to opt-out of the workplace scheme once enrolled.
What are my working hours as a Supply Teacher?
Per your terms of engagement with Link3, your consultant will provide you with an assignment detail form, which will include:
Identity of the hirer
Date of assignment
Location
Hours of work
Your hours of work may vary based on the school’s requirements. However, ordinarily, a full working day would usually start at 8.30am and finish at 3.30pm.
As a supply teacher, will I be required to plan and mark work?
At Link3, we need to ensure our candidates are performing consistently and are as well-prepared as possible, since our company mantra is that a ‘chain is only as strong as its weakest link’. We want to ensure every candidate we place has a positive impact on the workforce they work in. Here is some essential supply teacher advice to help make that school day a little bit easier.
Get there early
There are a few key things that you’ll need to be familiar with, like the school’s behaviour policy, the teachers’ written plans, staff toilets, tea and coffee-making facilities and where you can prepare resources. So, it makes sense to get to the school in good time. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the school. Try to arrive early if you can, as that gives you time to orient yourself around the school.Mark the work
In primary schools, it’s an expectation that all classwork is marked as a part of your assignment. This is slightly different for secondary school supply as you may be covering a variety of classes.Bring your own resources
It’s a good idea to have suitable teaching ideas up your sleeve so that you have something to fall back on if you need it. The most successful supply teachers will build up a personal library of resources and lesson plans to draw upon when required.Make yourself familiar
Get to know the timetable for the day, the school’s writing style, class rules for behaviour, how children are expected to move around the school and whether any children need medication.Find out about routines
The start of the day is crucial to how well the rest of the day will go, so make sure that you are aware of the daily routine. Children will be reassured those routines haven’t changed and that you are in command.Have fun ideas for time fillers
There are always times of the day when you will need to fill short gaps, such as when a session finishes early or assembly is running late. It’s always worth having a few entertaining ideas on standby.
Will I always be called for work on the morning of the assignment?
One of the common misconceptions about supply is that you’ll always be called on the same morning of the assignment. This isn’t always the case. Most temporary work is booked in advance, and you’re given notice for a large proportion of your assignments. We’ll do our best to help organise our clients’ requirements and give you as much notice as possible.
Do I need to take anything with me on each of my assignments?
Upon each assignment, you need to provide proof of identity and your current DBS certificate. Without this information, the school may refuse you entry and reserve the right to terminate your assignment on safeguarding grounds.
Do you provide recruitment services for permanent roles as well as supply?
Link3 offers both temporary and permanent recruitment services. Whether you’re looking for an NQT position or a new challenge, we can help you secure your dream job.
Aside from Supply Teachers, do you recruit for other roles in education?
Link3 offers recruitment services for the entire school workforce, both teaching and non-teaching. This includes cleaning staff, SIMS-trained administrators, HR, site/caretakers, learning support, teachers, senior leaders, finance, executive, consultancy and everything in between.
I have no education experience or qualifications. Can I still work in schools?
With support and guidance from Link3, yes, you can. You’ll be offered a variety of CPD, training and voluntary placements to prepare you for the classroom.
Do you provide any training or CPD to help me develop my skills?
It’s important to us that all Link3 candidates have access to CPD and training opportunities. We believe everybody should have the opportunity to progress professionally, whether in permanent employment or not. With this in mind, Link3 has partnered with a variety of education consultants, senior leaders and specialist education training providers, enabling us to offer a number of comprehensive online and on-site courses to our teachers, teaching assistants, administrators and exam invigilators.
What is a DBS certificate?
A DBS certificate is a record of a person’s criminal convictions and cautions – carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This document was previously known as a CRB.
Do I need a DBS certificate to work in schools?
It’s essential for all our applicants to hold or be willing to apply for an enhanced DBS certificate either completed by Link3 Recruitment or subscribed to the DBS update service. Without a current DBS, you’ll not be eligible to undertake any assignments in schools. This measure ensures we adhere to the highest vetting and safeguarding standards.
How do I become a supply teacher?
Simply fill in one of our online forms or give us a call at
We will talk you through the process and differences depending if you’re qualified or unqualified.
What should I bring when applying?
You'll need your CV, original qualifications, proof of identity, x2 proofs of address, and National Insurance number, among others which will be advised by your consultant.
How can I make a good first impression at a school?
Smile, arrive early, introduce yourself to staff, ensure the classroom is tidy, and leave a note for the teacher.
How do I contact Link3 Recruitment?
You can contact your main consultant or your local office for assistance at any time during opening hours.
How frequently will I work?
Work is flexible, and you can choose between daily, long-term, or permanent roles.
What is my pay rate?
Your rate depends on your qualifications, experience, and the type of placement.
When will I get paid?
Payments are made weekly.
Are there any fees?
No, except for DBS if applicable.
Will I need to mark or plan lessons?
For short-term and day to day roles, lesson plans are usually provided, but it varies depending on the placement.
Which schools do you work with?
We partner with Nurseries, Primary, Secondary, and SEND schools across England.
Do I need a DBS check?
Yes, all candidates need an enhanced DBS or be willing to apply for one.
Do you offer pension contributions?
Yes we do.
How do schools book supply staff?
Simply reach out with your requirements, and we’ll match you with suitable candidates.
How do you vet candidates?
Our rigorous process includes DBS checks, references, and interviews to ensure the highest standards of child safeguarding. More details can be found in the safeguarding sections of the website.
What are your fees for schools?
We work with you to find placements that fit your budget and needs, each placement will be different and discussed prior to placement being made.
How fast can you provide staff?
We can respond within minutes for daily cover and within a day for long-term needs.
Can you replace staff if needed?
Yes, we can quickly replace supply staff to avoid disruptions in the classroom.
Can you cater to specific needs, such as SEND experience?
Absolutely, we have a wide network of specialists for any requirements.
How does payment and invoicing work?
Invoices are issued weekly, with standard 28-day payment terms.
Do you assist with long-term placements?
Yes, we offer short-term, long-term and permanent solutions.
What is your experience?
Since 2017, we’ve worked with schools across the East Midlands, providing between 250-500 supply staff weekly. We are REC audited education accredited, ensuring top-quality service.