Education - Supply Teacher
Our Supply Teacher Insurance helps schools to manage staff absences successfully and with total peace of mind.
The specially arranged scheme is endorsed by schools nationwide and has a proven track record. Schools enthusiastically endorse the scheme, because it helps them to
manage their budgets successfully and often to make significant cost savings. They also appreciate our professionalism and the speed and efficiency of our claims handling service.
Richard Thacker Supply Teacher insurance offers:
- Cash benefit - when staff are absent due to accident or sickness
- Reputable insurers - cover is provided by a top UK insurance company
- Efficient claims handling service - the Richard Thacker team has an excellent record for helpfulness and professionalism
- Best value - totally dependable insurance at competitive rates of premium
- Proven track record - a well respected scheme, endorsed by schools nationwide
Further information on Supply Teacher Insurance
Schools expect to be able to rely on their supply teacher insurance to protect them against the costs of unexpected staff absences. But in a new and aggressive commercial market many schools have found themselves let down by cover which has turned out to be insecure and unreliable.
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Richard Thacker Supply Teacher insurance FAQ's
Q: What benefits are payable?
A: A cash benefit is payable for all teaching staff under the age of 65
Q: What is the daily benefit payable?
A: You can choose a daily benefit up to a maximum of £195 per day. It should reflect the current cost of engaging supply teachers in your area.
Q: What does it cover?
A: Your school will be paid for each day of absence after your chosen waiting period. (The benefit reduces by 50% after 100 days).
Q: What happens if I don't take on a supply teacher to cover the absence?
A: Benefit is still payable even if no supply staff are engaged, providing the teacher is certified as unable to attend for work.
Q: Does the policy include part-time staff?
A: Yes, part-time staff are included for benefits proportionate to their hours of work.
Q: Can I get cover for absence of non-teaching staff?
A: Yes, non-teaching staff can be included, normally at a benefit level of one half of that relating to teachers.
Q: Does the policy cover absence due to stress?
A: Yes, stress-related absences are covered.
Q: Does the policy cover disability due to pregnancy?
A: Yes, cover is included for disability due to pregnancy up to the fourth week before the anticipated date of confinement, subject to no payment of benefit for the first ten days of any period of absence.
Q: What is a waiting period?
A: Rather like a policy excess, a waiting period is the number of days someone is absent before a benefit is payable. Choosing a longer waiting period will help to reduce your premium.
Q: How do I choose the right waiting period?
A: You can choose a waiting period of 3,5, 10 or 20 days' absence before benefits are paid. While some schools like the security of a 3 or 5-day waiting period, others are more concerned about the consequences of staff members being absent for long periods. Choosing a 10 or 20 day waiting period provides protection for long-term absences at lower cost.
Q: What happens if there are changes to staff after I have taken out the policy?
A: There's no need to notify us of staff changes throughout the year. You will supply a schedule of staff members at the start of the policy. New staff members are then automatically covered as soon as they join the school.
Q: Is making a claim complicated or lengthy?
A: No. All you need to do is forward a completed claim form to us with the appropriate evidence of absence. Claims are then normally paid within 21 days. Ongoing payments for long-term absences are made at monthly intervals.
Q: Does the policy comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998?
A: Yes. Richard Thacker's quotation, administration and claims processing all comply fully with the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Our systems respect the privacy and anonymity of staff members and sensitive personal information relating to staff absences and medical records.
Richard Thacker Supply Teacher insurance checklist
Q: Who is offering the scheme?
A: Are they a registered insurance broker; how long have they been trading? Are they financially secure?
Q: Who is the insurer?
A: Be sure to choose a well-established, reputable and dependable insurer.
Q: Does the policy provide long term cover for stress-related absences?
A: Stress related conditions are by far the most costly cause of absence – but some policies offer very limited cover. Check the small print, and understand the level of cover provided.
Q: What exclusions apply in respect of pre-existing medical conditions?
A: Most policies incorporate such an exclusion. The policy may only exclude medical conditions which have previously given rise to an absence, say within the previous twelve month period. Some however will exclude any medical condition previously suffered by a member of staff.
Q: Does a supply teacher have to be engaged before a claim can be made?
A: A policy which will only pay if a supply teacher is engaged is not only restrictive; claims settlements are often protracted due to the amount of documentary evidence required.
Q: Have you obtained satisfactory references?
A: Ask other schools whether they have any knowledge of the scheme. The insurance broker should be able to provide you with details of schools insured under the scheme who you can approach for a reference. Your LEA may be prepared to carry out financial checks on your behalf.
Q: Does the insurance comply with the Data Protection Act 1998?
A: The Data Protection Act 1998 has significant implications for the administration of Supply Teacher Insurance in schools. The Act protects the privacy of staff members. Personal information about someone's medical condition needed for insurance purposes, for example sick notes, must remain anonymous. It is wise to check that the insurers' quotation, administration and claims handling procedures comply with the Act. If they do not, then the school could find themselves in breach of the Act.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your insurance needs further, please do not hesitate to contact us or call 0161 428 5232.
