Former primary teachers interested in brushing up their skills and returning to the classroom can attend a refresher course being run by East Sussex County Council, from the 28th April, and an introductory day to this course will take place week commencing 24th March 2003.

This full time primary course in Eastbourne will last four weeks and those attending will be able to claim a bursary of £150 per week 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. Topics 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'.

East Sussex County Council is delighted to be able to offer a course for primary teachers returning to the profession and looks forward to hearing from former teacher interested in applying for the course. For further information and to register please contact Leanne McDougall on 01273 481 393 or email leanne.mcdougall@eastsussexcc.gov.uk The course starts on the 28th April and runs until the 23rd May.

Almost half of all enquiries to the TTA's Teaching Information Line (0845 6000 991) about becoming a teacher are coming from people aged over 30.

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

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

Media enquiries: Financial Dynamics 020 7269 7122 / 7293

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).