September is always a busy time for schools and Multi Academy Trusts. But this year, there is another important consideration for trust leaders: are your supply staffing and procurement arrangements ready for Autumn Term 2026? 

From September 2026, single and multi-academy trusts are mandated to procure supply staff through the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework agreement. 

With greater procurement oversight, supplier consolidation and changes to supply staffing arrangements, now is the time for MAT leaders to review their current model and prepare their schools for the new academic year. 

What do MATs need to consider? 

1. Review your current supply model 

Start by looking at how supply staffing currently works across your Trust. 

Ask: 

• Is our current model framework compliant? 

• How will the changes affect our schools? 

• Are we prepared for increased procurement scrutiny? 

• How will we protect workforce continuity? 

Reviewing your arrangements now can help identify potential challenges before September. 

2. Understand Lots 1 and 2 

Understanding the difference between Lot 1 and Lot 2 will be an important part of preparing for the new framework. 

MATs should consider which approach best supports their: 

• Workforce continuity 

• Fulfilment requirements 

• Operational flexibility 

• Supplier management 

The right model will depend on the individual needs of each Trust, so this should form part of a wider workforce planning conversation. 

3. Prepare for supplier consolidation 

The new procurement direction points towards reduced supplier panels and greater supplier consolidation. 

This could provide benefits including clearer procurement routes, greater financial transparency and simpler supplier management. 

However, MATs should also consider the impact on access to quality staff and fulfilment capacity. 

Ask yourself: 

If our supplier structure changes, can our schools still access the staff they need, when they need them? 

4. Get your teams ready 

The framework isn't just a procurement change. It can affect the day-to-day processes used by schools, HR, finance and operational teams. 

Before September, consider how your trust will manage: 

• Supplier onboarding 

• Updated rate cards 

• Ordering processes 

• Internal communication 

• Finance and reporting 

Clear processes and communication can help schools transition smoothly when they return. 

5. Keep workforce continuity at the centre 

For MAT leaders, compliance is only one part of the picture. 

Your supply model also needs to support continuity, quality and access to talent across your schools. 

The new framework provides an opportunity to have more structured conversations around workforce planning and supplier management - but the focus should remain on ensuring schools have the people they need. 

Your September readiness checklist 

Before September, ask: 

• Is our supply model framework compliant? 

• Do we understand Lots 1 and 2? 

• Have we reviewed our supplier structure? 

• Are our schools and central teams prepared for operational changes? 

• Can we maintain access to quality staff? 

• Have we communicated the changes clearly across the trust? 

If the answer to any of these is “not yet”, now is the time to address it. 

How can Smile Education support your MAT? 

Smile Education is supporting trusts with framework implementation, supply model reviews, Lot structure guidance, workforce planning and operational readiness. 

We are a Lot 1 and Lot 2 awarded supplier, with our third consecutive framework award on both lots. We scored 100% on our most recent compliance audit and hold Lot 2 partnerships with six Multi Academy Trusts. 

Our focus is not simply on supplying staff. We work with trusts to understand their workforce requirements and support them through changes in the education recruitment landscape. 

Is your MAT ready for September 2026? 

September will be here quickly. 

Review your supply model. Understand the framework. Prepare your teams. Protect workforce continuity. 

If you'd like to discuss your trust's September readiness, get in touch with Smile Education to discuss your framework, supply staffing and workforce planning requirements. 

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