Cover Manager
Band G SCP 11 - 14 (£24,598 - £26,683 Actual Salary)
Full Time – Permanent (37 hrs per week (Term Time only, plus TT days)
Job Start: ASAP
Are you an exceptionally organised and adaptable individual with strong communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to play a crucial role in ensuring continuous learning for students?
The Avon Valley School & Performing Arts College is seeking a dedicated and proactive Cover Manager to join our administrative team.
As our Cover Manager, you will be at the heart of our daily operations, responsible for efficiently organising and deploying cover for absent teaching staff. Your vital contribution will minimise disruption to student learning and ensure a positive and productive atmosphere across the school. This dynamic role requires someone who can think on their feet, communicate clearly, and maintain meticulous records.
This position is ideal for someone considering a future in education. You will have the opportunity to deliver cover lessons yourself, gaining valuable, practical hands-on classroom experience that could be a valuable step towards teacher training.
Why Join Us?
At The Avon Valley School, we are committed to nurturing every student’s potential, both academically and personally. Our ethos is built on Ambition, Respect and Care, fostering a learning environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to achieve their aspirations.
Key Responsibilities:
· Managing Absences & Arranging Cover: Efficiently receiving and recording staff absences, then proactively planning and arranging daily cover using internal staff or external supply agencies. You'll ensure appropriate supervision and continuity of learning for all classes.
· Covering Lessons: Delivering cover lessons in the event of planned or unplanned absence by teaching staff, as required.
· Seamless Communication: Acting as the central point of contact, communicating cover arrangements clearly and promptly to all relevant staff (SLT, heads of faculty, teachers, cover supervisors, reception). You'll provide essential guidance and support to cover staff.
· Administrative Excellence: Maintaining accurate records of all cover arrangements, managing the cover system, preparing daily cover sheets, and monitoring the effectiveness of cover provision.
· Safeguarding Focus: Ensuring all cover staff are aware of and adhere to the school's safeguarding policies, verifying necessary checks, and reporting any concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
What we are looking for:
· Excellent organisational and time management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling confident liaison with staff at all levels and external partners.
· High accuracy and attention to detail in record-keeping.
· Proficiency in IT systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, and ideally experience with school management information systems (MIS) or cover management software.
· A proactive, flexible, and adaptable approach to work, capable of solving problems effectively and working independently.
· A clear understanding of safeguarding principles and a deep commitment to promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable (but not essential):
· Previous experience in a school administrative role, particularly in cover management or timetabling.
· Experience working with external supply agencies.
What We Offer
Joining The Avon Valley School means becoming part of a supportive and forward-thinking community. Our staff enjoy:
· Tailored career development with annual development opportunities.
· Flexible working arrangements for support staff, including 2 flexible working days.
· A generous absence request policy, for example, do you want to watch your child’s primary school sports day, or attend your best friend’s wedding? Not a problem if you work for us.
· A proactive staff wellbeing programme to support work-life balance.
· A committed and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
· A thriving school community with engaged students and supportive parents/carers.
· Lunch provided for anyone offering student facing activities during lunchtimes.
· Paid duties for anyone joining our lunchtime duty team.
· Employee benefits, including a cycle-to-work scheme, employee assistance programme, free on-site parking, and catering facilities.
To Apply:
If you are excited by this opportunity and want to be part of a school where you can truly make a difference, we encourage you to apply by clicking the link below which will take you to our online application form.
Please visit our website to find out more about the school: https://www.avonvalleyschool.uk/
Application Deadline: 9am on Friday 19th December 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role).
Interviews: To be held in January 2026.
For further information, email: chearne@avonvalleyschool.uk or telephone: 01788 542355.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Please note:
● We do not accept CVs without an application form.
● We do not provide working visas.
● If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a declaration regarding any relevant criminal offences as part of our safeguarding duties.
● Avon Valley School conducts online searches (including social media) as per KCSIE 2025.
● We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (child workforce) via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Join us in shaping a future of limitless potential. We look forward to hearing from you!