Overseas Trained Teachers' Programme

Kent County Council
Employment Based Initial Teacher Training (EBITT)

A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS

General Information

The Overseas Trained Teacher Programme (OTTP) offers overseas trained teachers (OTTs) the opportunity to gain qualified teacher status (QTS) while working as a teacher. Once in a teaching position in a school, the trainee follows an individual training and assessment programme leading to QTS.

OTTs who were trained in the European Economic Areas or Switzerland may be eligible for QTS under mutual recognition arrangements and should first contact the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) on 0870 001 0308 (select option 5 for advice on qualifications) or e-mail: registration@gtce.org.uk

Key features of the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme

• Trainees must have a teaching qualification that is equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree and hold GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English. For primary teaching, candidates also need GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in Science.
• Trainees must be employed as a teacher in a school.
• The maximum training programme is one year. There are grants available to support training.
• A trainee may also apply to be assessed against NQT induction standards at the same time.
• The school, as the employer, will pay the salary at a rate for either a qualified or unqualified teacher.
• All applications for OTTP places should now be made directly to KCC EBITT. These changes mean that EBITTs will oversee the recruitment and assessment of all new Employment-Based Routes trainees.
• Applicants must complete and sign the "GTCE Suitability Declaration Form" and send together with their application form.

Contact details and a map of locations for EBITTs can be found on the TDA website.

Introduction to the programme for candidates. The Overseas Trained Teacher Programme Handbook provides an extensive overview of the programme (this is a large pdf file which will take a few minutes to download).

For advice on work permits, contact Works Permit (UK) on 0114 259 4074.

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The Kent Programme

KCC EBITT has 20 training grant allocations from the TDA  for the years 2008/09 and 2009/10. The grant pays for training and support to enable the overseas teacher to meet the standards for QTS.

The application process

1. OTTS or their schools, a teacher must have a position in a school at the time of undertaking the programme, contact the KCC EBITT to discuss the process. – Maryan Wyles

2. The school should check that the teacher has a work permit and or visa and CRB clearance.

3. The teacher must apply to NARIC for evidence of equivalency of qualifications for degree and GCSE equivalence as well as overseas trained teacher status.(N.B. Original certificates for all qualifications must be presented)

4. The school and the teacher must fill in the application form and send it electronically to the KCC EBITT. You will need to print and sign Parts D & E (Declarations) and send to the administration unit (details are on the application form).
Photocopies of NARIC certification degree and teacher training certificates and CRB should be sent to the KCC EBITT by post. The teacher should also include a handwritten submission (500 words) detailing their experience and explaining what they will bring to the programme. The school should complete a partnership agreement and send to the KCC EBITT. Please note some countries issue a registration certificate for teachers. This must also be included where applicable.

5. The KCC EBITT will send out a professional tutor to do a preliminary assessment to decide on the length of programme necessary. The professional tutor will also provide guidance to the teacher and employment-based trainer on the expectations and requirements of the programme. The professional tutor will issue a handbook and skills tests number. The professional tutor will inform KCC EBITT management of the length of the programme. If the school or OTT decide not to proceed at this point the cost of the visit (£250) will be payable by the school to the KCC EBITT.

6. At this point the teacher will be registered on the TDA data base and a letter of notification will be sent to the school as to the expected length of the programme. If all grants have been allocated and the school has agreed to pay for the process, an invoice will be sent at this stage.

7. The professional tutor will make up to 4 half day visits in the course of the programme to support and access progress with the OTT and employment-based trainer.

8. On notification of readiness from the professional tutor, the KCC EBITT will arrange for external assessment.

9. Successful completion of the assessment will lead to the KCC EBITT recommending QTS or QTS and waiver of induction standards to the GTCE.