New programme encourages Essex teachers to go back to the classroom

Forty ex-teachers are on the path back to teaching following a campaign which aims to tackle school recruitment challenges in Essex.

Essex County Council launched a campaign last month to attract ex-teachers onto a new Return to Teaching programme.

The campaign beat its initial target of attracting between ten and 24 participants onto the intensive course, with 40 former teachers signing up to start today, 23 March.

The programme aims to help them to get up-to-date with the curriculum, assessment and teaching practice, with the aim of giving them the confidence, knowledge and support to go back to the profession.

It includes three full days of professional development, as well as support with job applications and interview preparation.

The course has been funded by a strategic group set up to explore and implement new teacher recruitment and retention strategies in Essex.

The group includes representatives from Essex County Council, the Association of Secondary Headteachers in Essex (ASHE), the Essex Primary Headteachers’ Association (EPHA), Essex Special School Education Trust (ESSET) and the Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust.

Having originally provided funding for 24 people, the group has offered additional money after the programme exceeded its target.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “A strong supply of good quality teachers is vital in ensuring pupils in Essex continue to receive the best possible education.

“We actively support the county’s schools with the ongoing challenge of recruitment and are delighted so many former teachers have shown an interest in this latest initiative. “