Lambeth Overseas Trained Teachers and the 'Four Year Rule'
As has been communicated to schools since January 2005, the DfES are very clear that, under the 2003 Education Specified Work and Registration Regulations, a teacher qualifying overseas cannot work for more than four years in the UK without gaining their British QTS or equivalent, from August 2007.
All of the latest guidance, protocol, policies and model letters can be downloaded by following the link above.
The following outlines Lambeth’s position on the legal employment of OTTs:
- The DfES are very clear that no OTT may continue teaching for more than four years, from August 2007, if they do not have British QTS or equivalent.
- This is regardless of any course to QTS they may be on, and even if they are a British citizen or have indefinite leave to remain - this is not a work permit issue
- The four year period that an OTT can teach in the UK starts from the first date of teaching in the UK
- Breaks in teaching or absence from the country cannot extend the period.
- The DfES are also clear that LAs and Schools from August 2007 do not appoint any OTT who has taught for more than four years from the date of their first teaching appointment in the UK
- Schools must terminate the employment of any OTT that has taught for more than the four year period without gaining their UK QTS from August 2007
Lambeth is very clear that schools where the LA are the employer (community) that anyone in breach of the regulations must be dismissed from 31st August 2007. Where the LA is not the employer (Foundation and Voluntary Aided), we strongly urge schools to follow the guidance on this site and take advice to ensure they are not in breach of the regulations.
If schools are unsure of how to proceed with their OTTs, please contact:
A list of routes to QTS can be found on the TDA website at www.tda.gov.uk/ebr