NCTL are providing funding for a pilot scheme for the design and delivery of school-led programmes to support teachers returning from caring-related career breaks. The aim of the programme is to provide support to help schools to attract returning teachers and to help develop a leadership ‘pipeline’ enabling teachers who return to progress into middle or senior leadership positions thus addressing the career break penalty. Eligible teachers are those returning to teach an Ebacc subject who have taken a break from permanent employments in order to care for others. Funding will enable potential returners to: • Spend time in their employing schools before their contract commences to familiarize themselves with the school and department • Access development opportunities to support career progression into middle/senior leadership. For example, NPQ programmes • Access resources and networking events provided by professional bodies – supporting curriculum knowledge development • Access support identified as suitable for their needs, e.g. subject-focused, career development-focused or transition-focused • Reimburse schools for release costs allowing returners to attend training or networking events Through West Midlands Consortium, Thomas Telford School has been successful in their application for the pilot scheme. From September 2018, this will enable us to provide an attractive package for career returners and to recruit to Ebacc vacancies throughout our partner schools. It will also enable us to identify those applicants who have the potential for middle/senior leadership and to provide a clear career progression in the form of the NPQ programmes. For further details, please contact Su Plant Director of ITT ssplant@ttsonline.net