'Rarely cover' and 'foreseeable absence': rules and guidance

Understand the rules around 'rarely cover' and 'foreseeable' absence, and find answers to common questions on who can provide cover.

Last reviewed on 20 January 2026See updates
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Contents
  1. What is 'rarely cover'?
  2. What does 'rarely' and 'foreseeable' mean in practice? 
  3. Who can we ask to provide cover?

What is 'rarely cover'?

'Rarely cover' means that teachers can only be asked to provide cover for other teachers only "rarely" and "in circumstances that are not foreseeable". 

'Rarely cover' doesn't apply to teachers who are employed wholly or mainly to provide cover.

This is set out in paragraph 52.7 of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD).

Academies: you may wish to refer to teachers' individual employment contracts, and the guidelines set out by unions represented in your school.

What does 'rarely' and 'foreseeable' mean in practice? 

The STPCD doesn't set out a time limit for ‘rarely’ or explain what's considered a 'foreseeable circumstance'. 

It's a good idea to speak to the teaching unions represented at