Some cover supervisors are being asked to carry out teaching duties in breach of guidelines that say they should only monitor behaviour and hand out pre-set work. Recruitment agency advertisements have suggested they should “take on the responsibilities of the class teacher” and “engage the pupils ensuring their understanding”. Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said there was confusion about what they should be doing. “We want school leaders to read the guidance properly to ensure they abide by it,” she said.

Analysis, page 14.