7yrs out of teacing, do I need to do a return to teaching course?

[LocalEditorYork]

I gave up full time teaching 7 years ago to have my family. My two girls are now in school and I am keen to get back to work.

I was hoping to gradually re-introduce myself to the world of teaching with some supply work but am now a little worried that I will need to complete a 'Return to Teaching' course first. I say 'worried' because I just saw one charging £800.

Is this the standard route into returning? Or can I just get on with some supply and then apply for posts in a few months time?

Where are you in the country? I think in many areas day by day supply followed by some longer term placements would be the way forward and the 'return to teaching' courses are a swizzle. However, in other areas where they have plenty of teachers it's another string to your bow.

I've just returned after 10yrs. No course just straight in! I'm totally knackered! But enjoying it.

Nope. Just go for it but be prepared to do a LOT of catch up. I recommend starting as a Ta / HLTA to start with then going for supply. I had 6 years off with my two and came back via HLTA and supply. Gave me a chance to catch up on policy, routine and the enormous amount of guff. You are in a good position as everything is changing anyway. Go for it.

Or find a classroom where you can do some volunteering for a few weeks, just to ease yourself back in. I would welcome you with open arms - where in the country are you?!? It would show you what you need to be reading up on and remind you what is so lovely about teaching and boost your confidence. Then you could do supply. Plenty of work round here for supply teachers!

Thanks! I'm in York. I am seriously thinking of just jumping in with some supply work, but then saw a local post in a great school looking for maternity cover. It's for my subsidiary subject with a bit of my main, but if they are desperate it might go in my favour.

Just out of interest, what is the deal with the GTC?

It's gone. No more. But application forms ask for your teacher number - I put the number off my v old GTC card as it fits the gap.

Your teacher number is your registration number isn't it?
Mine incorporates the year I qualified. It was on all my pay slips.