I am a key stage 1 ICT teacher in an international school in Malysia. What are the possibilities of getting a job in the UK? I have a Diploma in Education from the local university and have been teaching for two years KS1 teachers normally teach all subjects, so you’re unlikely to get work just teaching ICT. For more details of the National Curriculum, visit www.nc.uk.net. If you still like the idea of working here, you’ll need a work permit. These are issued by Work Permits (UK), tel 0114 259 4074. The rules covering overseas-trained teachers vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England has the most vacancies and has set up an overseas trained teacher helpline (0118 952 3966).

You can work as an unqualified teacher for up to four years but you need to get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) before you can work as a permanent, qualified teacher. One of the key requirements for QTS is a UK first degree or equivalent qualification. I’m not sure whether your diploma is at degree level, so check with the National Academic Recognition Information Centre. If it isn’t equivalent, you’ll have to do some more courses to top up your qualifications before you can apply for QTS in this country. The other requirements are:

* You must have the equivalent of GCSE grade C in English and maths

* If you were born after 1 December 1979, you must have the equivalent of GCSE grade C or above in science to be a primary teacher

* You should be able to speak and write in standard English.

You then have to meet the QTS standards. You will also need to pass skills tests in literacy and numeracy - and in ICT if you are due to get QTS after May 1 2002.

Getting qualified isn’t easy, but if you have at least two years’ full-time experience you can ask to be assessed against the Induction Standards at the same time as the assessment for QTS. If you meet them, you will be exempt from completing the year’s induction period. Go to www.canteach.gov.uk and the OTT helpline for more information.

Email your questions to friday@tes.co.uk. Sara Bubb regrets she 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.