I qualified in 1997. Unable to find a part-time teaching post to fit in with family life, I took a job as a learning support assistant. I now wish to apply for a teaching post. What do I need to consider, and is supply teaching an option? Jill

I qualified in 1976 but have never taught, though I’ve worked at a private nursery school, first as an assistant and then in a supervisory capacity. I’ve just started a Return to Teaching Course, which finishes in March. How will my situation be viewed by schools? Maddy

I’m sure you will both find jobs. Remember that your life skills are assets. You’ll be classed as NQTs and supported as such, but you won’t have to undergo statutory induction and assessment as you qualified before May 1999. Unfortunately, this means schools won’t get the pound;1,000 per term to fund your reduced timetable and professional development - but some schools see it as good practice and provide it anyway. As you are already qualified, you won’t have to do the Skills Tests.

You could do supply for a while. This is a good way to get a feel for schools and make contacts. You’ll see good practice, but it is hard work and demands strong management skills. It could undermine your confidence if you have bad experiences.

It may be hard for either of you to find a job that suits you so you’ll need to make the best of your experience.

Jill, you’ll know lots about primary classrooms but will have to convince schools that you can take the role of teacher: plan, manage and assess a class. Read up the curriculum and recent developments. If you’re still an LSA, glean all you can from INSET and planning.

Maddy, your Returners course will give you up-to-date knowledge of the curriculum that you’ll need to put into practice as soon as possible. There are fewer jobs around in MarchApril so you may need to do supply first and get a job for September.

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.