The LEA-run agency carries a list of supply teachers checked and accredited by the authority. Schools needing supply staff phone their requirements to the call centre and the agency brokers a match between one of its 3,000 teachers and the school.

Supply teachers know that they will be paid at consistent rates through the LEA payroll and that the schools they go to will have received guidelines on support for supply staff. They also receive professional development sessions on issues such as child protection and protection for themselves against allegations. And schools get staff of an agreed standard.

Other authorities, such as Gloucestershire, will join the scheme next year and there are plans to extend it further afield.