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Cover

Teaching or supervising a class when its usual teacher is absent.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
School life

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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Cover supervisor All four UK nations (details may differ)
A member of support staff who supervises a class during a teacher's short-term absence, using work set by the teacher.
Supply teacher All four UK nations (details may differ)
A qualified teacher who covers for absent teachers on a temporary basis, often through an agency.
Rarely cover England
The principle in England that teachers should only rarely be asked to cover for absent colleagues.

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Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.