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Cover Work Template

Set cover work a cover supervisor can follow at a glance: class, room, step-by-step task, resources, where work goes and space for feedback.

Type straight onto the page. It saves in this browser only and is never sent anywhere. Don't enter pupils' personal details.

Cover work

Teacher absent:
Date:
Period / time:
Class / year group:
Room:
Cover teacher:

Task for pupils (step by step)

Resources and where to find them

Where work should be handed in or saved

Register and seating plan

Routines and behaviour

Feedback from the cover teacher

Tip: empty boxes print as lines to write on, so you can also print this blank and fill it in by hand.

What makes good cover work?

Good cover work is self-explanatory, needs no subject expertise and keeps pupils learning. Pupils should be able to start straight away from clear, numbered instructions, with every resource in the room or on the system, and a task that extends for pupils who finish early.

  • Number the steps and give rough timings.
  • Prefer consolidation and practice of recent learning over new content.
  • Say exactly where work should go: books, a tray or a named online class.
  • Point to the register and seating plan rather than listing pupils' details on the form.
  • Leave space for the cover teacher to tell you what was completed and how it went.

Cover for longer absences

For planned absences, write a short sequence of cover lessons from your scheme of work. In the US, cover work is called a sub plan: see the sub plans templates for a fuller substitute binder.

Questions teachers ask

What is cover work?

Work a teacher sets for a class when they are absent, to be supervised by a cover supervisor, supply teacher or colleague.

What should I include in cover work?

The class, room and period, a clear step-by-step task, the resources and where to find them, where work should be handed in, and any routines the cover teacher needs to know.

Who sets cover work?

Usually the absent teacher, or the head of department if the absence is unplanned. Schools set their own policies.

More UK planning templates

UK planningWALT, WILF, starter, main and plenary, plus EYFS, schemes of work and cover.EYFS planning templateWeekly planning across the seven areas, plus continuous provision.Scheme of work templateUnit overview and lesson-by-lesson grid.Medium and long-term planningWeek-by-week half-term plan and a year curriculum map.Lesson observation formObservation form linked to the Teachers’ Standards.Emergency sub plansAny-day lessons and procedures for unplanned absences.Risk assessments for teachersTrips, residentials, practicals and events, with a risk matrix and sign-off.