I’ve got a further education PGCE in psychology. However, I have been working on supply in Year 5. I enjoy it so much I’d like to teach primary instead of adults. How can I get qualified teacher status?

The Graduate Teacher Programme is the route that I think would suit you. It usually takes three terms to complete, but it could be reduced to two terms or even one if you’re already meeting some standards - which you probably are. You need to be at least 24, have English and maths GCSE at grade C or above, plus a school to work in.

It’s up to you to find the school. This can prove problematic, so make the most of the contacts you meet when doing supply. It would be worth asking any school advertising in your area to take you on.

Filling in the application is gruelling but worthwhile as your school can get a training salary for you of pound;13,000 and a grant of up to pound;4,000. Places are competitive. Three considerations will give you priority: * if you specialise in certain subjects - mathematics, science, design technology or information and communications technology; * if you will make the teaching force more representative of society - men in primary teaching, people from ethnic-minority groups and people with disabilities; * or if your school is in an Excellence in Cities area.

The Teacher Training Agency will satisfy itself about your qualifications and suitability, the school as a training environment and the proposed training. The next deadline is February 8 to start training in April 2002. You’ll have to demonstrate that you’re meeting all the standards, including subject knowledge in English, maths, science and ICT. You’ll also have to pass the skills tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT. For more information, go to www.canteach.gov.uk or ring the teaching information line: 0845 6000 991.

E-mail questions to susan.young@newsint.co.uk. Sara Bubb cannot enter into personal correspondence. More questions answered at www.tes.co.uk. Sara Bubb’s ‘A Newly-Qualified Teachers’ Manual: how to meet the induction standards’ is published by David Fulton, pound;15.