Teachers Pension - paying in during career break

[coopekid]

I am a new SAHP (didn’t return after 2nd Mat leave this September) and am looking into my options for keeping up my contributions to my Teachers Pension. I can see you can set up an AVC plan with the Pru or there seems to be an additional pension option. I’m not sure if either of these are applicable if you are not currently in paid employment in a school.

Wondered if anyone has done this/ know more?

Look up Dave Fountain on YouTube and Facebook. There is a large teachers pensions group on Facebook that offers lots of advice.

Why dors it need to be part of the teachers pension?
There are loads of platforms to set up a self funded pension (a SIPP). You don't need to go through the teachers scheme.

You can’t pay into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme if you’re not in employment as a teacher. You would have to start your own personal pension and there are limits to how much can be paid into it and get tax relief if you’re not earning.

www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pensions-basics/personal-pensions#:~:text=Even%20if%20you're%20not,used%20alongside%20a%20workplace%20pension.

AVCs are paid through your salary - you need to be in teaching employment to do so.
Its great that you’re thinking about your pension now you’re not currently working - you would need to set up a private pension though.