Supply teaching is quite a rough optoion in many schools. Senior teachers frequently can't be arsed to support you - they see no real advantage to themselves. Why expend effort on someone you may not see again....? Easier to hang them out to dry.

Some teachers can't be arsed to set lessons for when they are absent. One place I went to, the kids had been working on bits of paper, which later went straight into the bin at the end of each lesson, for the last three months. the teacher had buggered off three months previously to have her breakdown, without leaving the keys for the cupboard with their books in. And no one (kids included) were too bothered about getting into the cupboard, Admittedly a 'sump' class - but it was apretty mindblowing situation to walk into.

One morning I got a phone call at 9.15 - could I come in and take a class - like in ten minutes. So I broke the speed limit and got there - local school, not a good place to offend.
It was a GCSE Chemistry class - due to take their exams in three months time. I walked in and said to the HOD - okay, where's the work?
He went balistic, WHAT did you say...?
I said, Where is the lesson you wish me to attempt to teach with these children?
He just walked off.

Ten minutes later, he walked into the classroom where I was attempting to put something together - still shaking with rage and said between clenched teeth, I am not OBLIGED to set lessons in these circumstances you know......

Actually you could write a book.

Supply teachin...tell me about it. No don't, on second thoughts.