Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 22 March 2022, on Teachers: Re-employment, what steps he has taken to improve operational planning and the collection of statistical information about the re-employment of teachers while minimising the burden on contractors.

Given the important role that organisations such as supply agencies play in supporting schools to maintain face to face education, it is right that we minimise data collection burdens, as this allows them to focus on their core functions.

There is no routine collection of statistical information about supply staff. Supply staff can find work through several channels and are not restricted to using supply agencies. Schools can engage supply teachers directly, and school leaders have autonomy over how they staff their schools and access temporary staff.

We maintain regular contact with a range of supply agencies, key trade bodies, and trade unions to monitor the supply market.