I plan to work in Japan for the year after my PGCE, but I’m concerned that I will miss out on jobs for September 2002 as I won’t be available for interview before then. Am I being unwise going abroad at this point? Will it affect my future job prospects if I don’t do induction straight away?

If you want to teach in England you have to complete the three-term induction period here. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to complete successfully - things change so quickly in education. You might be better off delaying travelling and doing your induction as soon as you get QTS from your training course. This would get it over with, and ensure you get the support when you need it. I don’t know what support you’d get in Japan, but in England schools re required by law to give you a 10 per cent lighter timetable than other staff, access to courses and regular meetings, observations and feedback on your progress.

Delaying your induction won’t help your career prospects. The sooner you can gain the “kitemark” of having met the demanding standards, the better you will look to employers both here and in other countries. If you go abroad, try to keep up to date with developments via the educational websites. When you return you could do supply while applying for jobs.

Email your questions to friday@tes.co.ukSara Bubb’s book, A Newly-Qualified Teachers’ Manual: how to meet the induction standards, is published by David Fulton, pound;15. She regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence. More of your questions answered at www.tes.co.uk