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Comment on the review of mathematics teaching in early years setting and primary schools

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR SCHOOLS News Release issued by The Government News Network on 17 June 2008

Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) said: "I welcome this far-sighted report. It will help to ensure that expectations for mathematics teaching in primary schools remains high. The TDA will continue to work with training providers to ensure that the training available to primary school teachers is the best that it can be. "The recommendation that over time each primary school should have a mathematics specialist is helpful.

The TDA offers enhancement courses in mathematics and science for teachers who are not specialists in their subjects, and we are developing subject networks so that best practice can be shared between schools. We will also continue to make funding available to subsidise postgraduate professional development for teachers, including the new Masters in Teaching and Learning qualification. This action is key to raising standards and narrowing the achievement gap for our children and young people."

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Notes to editors

This news release applies to England only.

For information about how to become a teacher, see http://www.teach.gov.uk

Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 - 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 0117 915 8161).

From 1 September 2008 a newly qualified teacher (NQT) will start on a salary of at least £20,133 (£24,168 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £34,281 outside London and £41,004 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to more than £90,000 depending on size of school. Further details are available at http://www.teach.gov.uk/payandbenefits

Eligible trainees on secondary postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England are entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6-9,000. Newly qualified teachers with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) in maths and science may also be eligible for a 'golden hello' payment worth £5,000 (taxed) after successfully completing their induction period. Those with a PGCE in modern languages, design and technology, information and communications technology, music and religious education may receive £2,500. Details are available at http://www.teach.gov.uk/funding

The Training and Development Agency for Schools was established under the Education Act 2005. Its principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children's life chances.

General TDA enquiries: 0870 4960 123
http://www.tda.gov.uk
http://www.teach.gov.uk