Depending on the size of the school (and the rules by which your supply work is organised - my authority privatised supply over a decade ago) it is always good to remember that a lot of supply work comes from the head/secretary/admin staff asking for a particular teacher by name. They’ve seen you teach (have been told how good you are by TAs), have noted that you are a steady hand and want you back. This sounds great but how do you make this happen?

Firstly by doing the best job you can when you’re in school. In my experience some supply teachers tend to stint on marking, leave early and generally don’t give a good impression (sorry, but it’s true). Heads want an easy life. If they’ve found someone who’s professional and reliable - they’ll ask for them by name.

Secondly, you need the opportunity to show off your skills. I have no idea how experienced you are - but many young teachers don’t realise how much influence certain TAs and other staff can have. Those TAs have been working at that school for decades, know all the local families, probably run the PTA or work as a governor - and have the head’s ear. Personal relationships are key. I won’t say butter them up... but yes butter up your TAs like mad. They work hard, are severely underpaid but actually run the school. Heads and teachers come and go - TAs are the rock that keeps a school in place. The same can be said for school admin staff. I made a promise to myself to chat with the school administrators at least once a day, if at all possible and it often paid off.

Thirdly - do you have any extra skills that you could tell the head/admin/TA about? You don’t want to do a hard sell (that’s likely to blow up in your face) but it’s good to mention, perhaps in passing, that you speak French, teach mindfulness, have a Forest School qualification etc. This is useful in making yourself stand out. Like all marketing, it’s about name recognition.

Realise I’m probably telling you stuff you already know - but you might not. Hope it’s helped.