Up to 10 schools are being sought to take part in a trial of a scheme aimed at persuading former teachers to return to the classroom.
The government wants to find lead schools in the west Midlands and south-east for its programme, which will have a budget of at least £298,000 and will “test the best approach to supporting teachers who have taken time out of their careers”.
This will include money “to help them after they return to the classroom”, and will support continuing professional development through “a range of measures, including funding for national professional qualifications”.
It is unclear whether this funding is new.
“Many of us will need to take time out from our careers at some point, and teaching is no different – but it can be hard to return to the classroom,” said Nick Gibb, the schools minister.
“We want to support teachers by giving them more options on how to return to the workplace. As well as helping to keep experienced and valued teachers working in our schools, this pilot will make sure teaching remains attractive to the next generation and regarded as a profession that is flexible to the demands of the modern world.”
The pilot will be launched later in the year, once the lead schools have been found. Returning teachers will then be recruited during the summer term.
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