What Cover Managers Wish Recruitment Agencies

Cover managers sit at the centre of school staffing. When something goes wrong, they are often the first to feel the pressure.

Across Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, cover managers consistently tell us the same thing. Speed matters, but reliability matters more. A last-minute placement that fails creates more disruption than no placement at all.

Schools value communication above almost everything else. Being informed early, knowing who is arriving, and understanding their experience reduces stress. Uncertainty creates risk.

Another key issue is preparation. Candidates who arrive without safeguarding knowledge or understanding of school expectations place extra burden on staff. Teachers and leaders are then forced into reactive support rather than focusing on pupils.

Cover managers want agencies to prioritise fit, not just availability. They need staff who can cope with SEN environments, follow procedures, and represent the school professionally.

Consistency also matters. When agencies rotate staff frequently, pupils struggle to settle. Behaviour escalates. Trust breaks down.

Good recruitment supports schools, not just timetables. Understanding this makes a significant difference to outcomes.