The Welsh Government has announced it will extend its programme of
school placements for Newly Qualified Teachers until the end of the
school year.
The scheme, which offers paid employment in schools to Newly
Qualified Teachers (NQTs), has been funded by the Welsh Government
since September 2021.
The Welsh Government provides extra funding to local authorities
so schools can provide placements for NQTs. The Welsh Government
will provide an extra £4.2m to enable the scheme to continue
until July.
Most NQTs have needed to undertake at least part of their
teaching placements online, due to the pandemic. The programme
supports NQTs to develop their experience and confidence by
providing them with further classroom experience and enabling
them to complete their induction period before they go into
teaching.
More than 400 NQTs have undertaken placements in schools across
Wales through the scheme, with 60 of those already successfully
securing permanent posts. The funding for NQTs is part of the
Welsh Government's Renew and
Reform programme, to support learners' wellbeing and
progression in response to COVID-19.
As well as supporting NQTs with their careers, the NQTs have
provided additional teaching capacity in schools during the
pandemic.
, the Minister for Education
and Welsh Language, said:
The pandemic has been a real challenge for our education system,
including for Newly Qualified Teachers, who have not had the
opportunity to experience as much time in the classroom as they
normally would.
This scheme has enabled NQTs to gain classroom experience while
providing extra capacity to help schools ensure learning has
continued.
We’ve received positive feedback from schools that the NQTs are
helping them with continuing staffing pressures, by having extra
skilled staff who can take classes and who know the pupils and
understand their school’s ethos.
Extending the scheme until the end of the year will benefit NQTs
in developing their careers, support schools and ultimately
support learners.
