Former teachers interested in brushing up their skills and returning to the classroom can attend a refresher course in the Tyne Tees area, from the 24th March 2003.

The course lasts 11 weeks and those attending will be able to claim a bursary of £1,500, with a further amount of up to £150 per child per week available towards the cost of childcare while they 're-train'.

The courses are designed by the teacher training agency (TTA) to help bring former teachers up to date on the latest developments in the classroom. Candidates who have been out of teaching for a longer time will be able to undertake a supervised school placement where they can reacquaint themselves with the classroom and refresh their skills - under the guidance of a mentor.

Other topics covered on the course will include information and communications technology (ICT), the National Numeracy and Literacy Strategies, behaviour management, and an update on the National Curriculum.

The TTA's Director of Teacher Supply & Recruitment, Mary Doherty said:

'Thousands of former teachers have already completed refresher courses and returned to the classroom. The courses offer a great opportunity to brush up on skills and expertise and help to get people up to speed on the National Curriculum and other changes within the profession.

'Former teachers appreciate the emotional rewards that teaching offers. I hope they will look at these new initiatives and the significant improvements taking place,

including the increased salary scales, and better career prospects. There has never been a better time to return to the classroom'.

Linda Bulmer, who manages the course, said:

'Dozens of people in the Tyne Tees area have already successfully completed returner courses, so we are delighted to be able to offer another course for others planning to return to the profession. Places on this course are filling up fast so to register please call me on 01642 444186 or email Linda_bulmer@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk The course starts on the 24th March and runs to the end of June.'

Almost half of all enquiries to the TTA's Teaching Information Line (0845 6000 991) are coming from people aged over 30, who are interested in becoming teachers.

If you wish to find out more about the returner courses and other incentives please contact the TTA's Keeping In Touch Programme on 0845 6000 993 or visit the TTA website: http://www.canteach.gov.uk/teaching/return/index.htm.

Notes to editors

Training Bursaries
Every participant on TTA-funded returner courses 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 or full-time).

Childcare Support
Childcare support is available as necessary and is intended to reimburse participants who incur childcare costs whilst attending a returner 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.

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).

Public enquiries

Keeping In Touch Programme 0845 6000 993
Or via the TTA website

Media enquiries

Financial Dynamics 020 7269 7122 / 7293