Essex launches teacher recruitment campaign

Essex County Council has seen its first cohort of 40 ex-teachers successfully complete the Return to Teaching programme, as it launches its second round of applications.

Seeking to tackle the recruitment challenge facing schools, the intensive course intends to help the former teachers get up-to-date with the curriculum, assessment and teaching practice. With so many changes in the education system, this is key to boosting teacher confidence and knowledge, which are often stumbling blocks to teachers wanting to return to the profession.

Ray Gooding, cabinet member for Education, said: “We work closely with the county’s schools and actively support them with the challenge of teacher recruitment and retention. The first round of our Return to Teaching programme was extremely successful and I was very pleased that so many of the participants were successful in securing jobs.

“A strong supply of good quality teachers is vital in ensuring pupils in Essex continue to receive the best possible education and attracting yet more talented teachers back to the profession would be another big boost. Whether people have taken time out to raise a family, pursue another career or for any other reason, our programme could give them just the help and support they need.”