Supporting NAHT members with practical school workforce solutions
As an NAHT partner, Schools Mutual Services (SMS) provides NAHT members access to education-focused support designed to improve workforce planning.
Built around schools, not shareholders
SMS is a not-for-profit supply organisation created to support the education community. It focuses on delivering value, dependable service and positive outcomes for schools, while reinvesting in the education sector.
Reliable people when you need them
Whether you are managing short-term absence, seeking specialist support or planning ahead, SMS can connect your school with selected education professionals. Its recruitment and supply service supports teaching and non-teaching roles, helping leaders maintain continuity and reduce the operational strain caused by vacancies and absence.
Quality and safeguarding come first. Candidates complete robust vetting and compliance checks before being introduced to schools, while SMS’s experienced consultants provide personalised support from initial conversation through placement.
A FREE supply costing review for NAHT members
NAHT members can request a FREE, no-obligation supply costing review from SMS. Its specialists will assess your current supply arrangements, rates and usage to help you understand where your budget is going and identify opportunities for better value.
You will receive a clear, practical overview shaped around your school, with straightforward insight to support future purchasing decisions. There is no pressure to change provider: the review is designed to give leaders greater visibility, useful benchmarks and the confidence to ask the right questions about supply spend.
Better value for school budgets
SMS is an approved supplier on Lot 1 of the GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework (RM6376). Lot 1 enables schools and trusts to appoint temporary, fixed-term or permanent education staff directly through approved agencies.
From September 2026, academy trusts are mandated to use the framework when buying supply staff through an agency. By working with SMS through the framework and completing the required GCA short order form, you gain a compliant purchasing route, transparent supplier fees, added assurance and greater confidence.
A supply organisation that puts education first
SMS helps schools build resilient teams and protect continuity of learning. It offers a straightforward route to trusted workforce support, backed by specialist knowledge and a service-led ethos.
Working with SMS means:
- A FREE supply costing review for NAHT members
- An approved Lot 1 GCA framework supplier
- Education specialists who understand schools and trusts
- Carefully vetted teaching and support professionals
- Responsive, personal help from a dedicated team
- A not-for-profit model focused on value for education
From urgent same-day cover to longer-term workforce planning, SMS aim to remove pressure, save leadership time and give you confidence in the people supporting your pupils. You receive clear communication at every stage, with attentive, practical support built around your priorities and local context.
Book your FREE review
Discover how Schools Mutual Services can support your school. Speak to the friendly team at SMS about your supply costs, current challenges or upcoming staffing needs and request your FREE supply costing review today.
Contact Schools Mutual Services to start the conversation.