RiT has developed the national refugee teachers’ database mapping the distribution and makeup of refugee teachers in England and Wales. So far over 200 teachers have registered and around a third are interested in priority subjects, particularly maths and science.
The RiT project is using the refugee teachers’ database and working with partners, to develop a number of policy areas. These include:
Equality and diversity
Refugee teachers can help schools and local authorities promote good community relationships and create a learning environment that meets the diverse needs of individuals and groups of pupils.
Recruitment of refugee staff and volunteers
The Department for Children, Schools and Families guidelines, Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education, cover the recruitment of overseas trained teachers and refugee applicants. The RiT project has produced several policy briefings that summarise current legislation and how it affects refugees wishing to teach or schools wishing to support them.
The Refugees into Teaching project currently focuses on West London (West London Partnership) and the West Midlands (Newman College) but people outside these areas can also get advice, help and information. Benefits for potential teachers who register with the project include access to RiT information and services such as help finding work placements in schools.
The Refugee Assessment and Guidance Unit has launched a new website for refugee teachers. Your path to a career in education aims to provide clear and accessible information for anyone starting or continuing a career in education in the UK. The site allows candidates to input details of previous qualifications and print out a summary that helps them check their experience against the opportunities available. The site also provides information on possible routes into education and the qualifications and experience required to enter training or employment.
