Newly qualified teachers in Merton had the completion of their successful induction year celebrated at a recent awards ceremony held at the Chaucer Centre on Thursday 10th July.

On successful completion of their degree, or equivalent professional course, and after gaining Qualified Teacher Status, trainee teachers are required to complete a year’s induction in school before receiving their General Teaching Council Induction Certificate.

Councillor Debbie Shears, cabinet member for Children’s Services, along with Kate Saksena, Manager of Schools Standards and Quality in the Children Schools and Families Department at Merton Council, presented the newly qualified teachers (NQTs) with a certificate that recognised their achievements.

Councillor Debbie Shears says: “The ceremony is one way that Merton Council celebrates the effort, energy and commitment that goes into this first year of induction.”

“Merton has an excellent reputation for newly qualified teacher inductions in that all teachers are well supported by both their school and the local authority,” says Councillor Shears.

“We hope that many of the newly qualified teachers will continue their professional development in our schools in the future.”

Notes to editors:

– The newly qualified teachers are assessed against a range of Core Standards over the course of the year to successfully achieve this qualification. There are three formal assessment meetings, one towards the end of each term.

– 103 newly qualified teachers in total successfully completed their induction year in 2007/08.

– Schools come under Children, Schools and Families Department, which is a department of Merton Council.

– Photos from the ceremony are available on request.