A national training provider is calling on those with teaching experience in Coventry and Warwickshire to help deliver Covid catch-up lessons to pupils as part of an urgent appeal to combat staff shortages in the sector.
PET-Xi, which is based in Coventry, is looking for those with teaching experience or completing teacher training to support in delivering catch-up lessons in core subjects to those hit hardest by the pandemic.
The training provider is working with secondary schools in Coventry and Warwickshire and across the country to deliver the sessions funded by the government catch-up premium, launched to help pupils and disadvantaged young people catch up on missed education because of Covid-19.
It is now facing staff shortages in maths, English and science teachers, and PET-Xi founder Fleur Sexton said it is an opportunity for those with experience to help deliver crucial training to ensure a generation of young people are not left behind.
She said: “We are currently experiencing the worst staff shortages we have ever seen as a huge number of teachers are either retiring, or are from another country and have left the UK due to Brexit or Covid.
“We’re now putting out an urgent appeal for those who have teaching qualifications or experience or those undertaking teacher training to take on a position within PET-Xi to help deliver our Covid catch-up sessions.
“Although children have been back in the classroom for some time, the hard work begins now as it becomes more and more apparent exactly how behind some children are.
“Schools are bringing us in to deliver intensive catch-up lessons to those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and who struggle to engage in school but found it even harder while remote learning.
“Without these sessions we’re looking at a lost generation, but we now need more staff as we look to cater for this unprecedented demand.
“We will provide training on delivering the sessions, and for those who are completing teacher training it will be an opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals and gain valuable experience in the sector.
“As well as face-to-face teaching opportunities we are also looking for support in delivering the sessions online, so would urge anyone with the skills to get in touch.”
Further information about PET-Xi and the opportunities available can be found by visiting https://www.pet-xi.co.uk/join-our-team/