Southampton-based Supply Desk has been named as one of only four teacher supply agencies in England to be awarded a coveted quality mark by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

The creation of the quality mark sets minimum standards for agencies to reach in the way they recruit and interview staff; how they check and manage their staff; and the way they stay at the forefront of changes in the teaching sector. Supply Desk was also assessed on how it relates to schools and teachers, and references from local schools were an important part of the process.

Tim Nicholson, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said: "Since the quality mark scheme was announced, the need to provide reassurance to parents and schools about the way in which supply teachers are provided has become even more important. The awards are an important step in helping to provide that reassurance."

Jo Dixon, manager of Supply Desk's Southampton branch, said: "We are delighted to have been one of the only agencies to have secured the quality mark. Supply Desk has worked closely with REC to raise the standards and status of supply teaching and securing the quality mark is

welcome confirmation that we are operating at highest level of quality.

"For schools using the services of supply agencies - and for teachers looking to work with agencies - there is now a failsafe way to instantly check that they are receiving the best possible value and service.Just look for the quality mark."