More former teachers than ever are being offered the chance to refresh their skills before returning to the classroom the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) announced today.

The courses, which are available throughout England, are designed to make teachers' return to the profession easier with financial help though bursaries and assistance with child-care costs.

Over 1,800 places on more than 100 courses will be available for returning teachers this year, funded by the TTA as part of its drive to place able and committed teachers back in the classroom. Former teachers attending the courses will be able to claim a bursary of up to £150 per week and up to £150 per week towards the cost of childcare while studying on the course.

• Returners' courses last between six and twelve weeks, and include modules on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the National Numeracy and Literacy Strategies, classroom management and new developments in the National Curriculum.
• Each course features a mentored school placement to support the teachers in their move back into school.
• Courses are individually tailored to meet the needs of participants.

TTA Director of Teacher Recruitment and Supply Mary Doherty said:
'Around 13,000 former teachers return to the profession every year, and they bring valuable knowledge and skills, and expanding returners' courses is part of the TTA's campaign to attract more people to take another look at the remodelled teaching profession. These teachers form a crucial component of the annual intake of new teachers in classrooms. Feedback from this year's participants has been really positive and shows the courses boost confidence and ease the transition back into the classroom'.

'Bursaries and funding for child-care costs are just the beginning of the benefits those coming back to the classroom will receive. With improved pay and career structures, more classroom assistance, increased use of technology, and improved standards, teaching today really is a rewarding and stimulating profession with a vital purpose.'

More than 32,000 people are expected to start training to be teachers this year. Last year saw the first increase in new recruits in eight years. The number of enquiries to the Teaching Information Line (0845 6000 991) from people interested in becoming teachers has substantially increased, with almost half coming from people aged 31 or over. Since the launch of the first phase of the returners' campaign in March 2001, the TTA has received over 11,000 enquiries from former teachers interested in returning to teaching.

Returner courses are running in selected venues all over the country. For details on returners' courses and other incentives, contact the TTA's Keeping In Touch (KIT) Programme on 0845 6000 993 or visit the TTA website at www.canteach.gov.uk

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Notes to Editors

1. The TTA has funded returners' courses since 1998, during which time over 3000 teachers have attended over 220 courses across England.
2. Every participant on a TTA-funded returners' course is eligible for a training bursary of up to £150 per week (to a maximum of £1,500 for the duration of the course). The bursary is fixed and is not dependent on the nature of the course (i.e. part-time, full-time or distance learning).
3. Childcare support is available as necessary and is intended to reimburse participants who incur childcare costs whilst attending a returners' course. Participants with children may require childcare support for time spent attending taught sessions, tutorials and school placements or to facilitate periods of independent study.
4. Participants are eligible for childcare support of up to £150 per week for every child up to the age of 5 years (to a maximum of £1,800 per child for the duration of the course) and up to £70 per week for every child between the age of 5 and 14 years (to a maximum £840 per child for the duration of the course).

The Teacher Training Agency was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to raise standards in schools by attracting able and committed people into teaching and by improving the quality of teacher training and induction.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

TTA Press Office Tel: 0207 925 3855/3735. Out of hours 07771 934629.
e-mail: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 0207 925 3700

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES: Keeping In Touch Programme (KIT) 0845 6000 993