Manx schools can now book supply teachers via a website.

Teachers will register on the site, which will display their availability and school preference.

Schools can then search for the teachers they need and will see only those teachers available at the required times, in the necessary subjects and with the appropriate qualifications and experience.

When contacted by a school, the supply teacher can accept or reject the offer of work. They can also set up their profile in such a way that only those schools in which they wish to work are able to contact them through the site.

This will not only save paperwork but also cut the amount of time schools spend searching for available supply teachers.

Timesheets will be submitted through the new service - rather than by posting paper versions - and, once authorised, payment will be made automatically through government payroll.

New applicants can apply to be a supply teacher on www.jobtrain.co.uk/iomgovjobs/