A RETIRED biology teacher says he is happy to return to the classroom after government pleas for people to sign up with agencies to fill the gaps left by those off sick with Covid.

The government announced on Monday that it needs former teachers who have the “skills and time” to return to classrooms in the new year if staff are forced to take time off as Omicron cases soar.

Stuart Newton, who retired in 2018, said he would like to help children continue with face-to-face teaching and help prevent the quality of their education being threatened.

Mr Newton, who taught at Brighton, Hove and Sussex VI Form College (Bhasvic) in Hove and Bartholomews College in Brighton, said he has “not seen anything like this” during his teaching career and he feels for the “anxious parents and children” at this time.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi wants former teachers to help “fill absences” ahead of the spring term. The government is asking recently retired teachers or those who have changed professions to give up “even a day a week” to “protect face-to-face education”.

Mr Newton, who lives in Peacehaven, said he is worried about the future for students as they take a step up towards university and wants to do something to help.

He said: “The bottom line is, what are these young people actually going to do? The future does not look good, just as the government thought it’s all opened and we can get back to normal again. Now it looks as though it’s not.

The Argus: Nadhim Zahawi said it his priority to "protect education"Nadhim Zahawi said it his priority to "protect education"

“I just wonder with these students doing their A-levels at the moment, how they are going to cope with university and how much important teaching they have missed?

“There is so much that has been missed in terms of practical work and being able to ask questions.”

The 77-year-old said that while he does not have a car, he would be keen to help any schools in need around the city.

He said: “I just want to do something if I can, I’m sure there are lots of anxious parents as well as anxious students just wondering what the future holds for those who want to do subjects like medicine or biology.

“I have seen nothing like this in terms of trying to get supply teachers, it is desperate.”

Mr Zahawi said on Monday it is his priority to “protect education” which is why he is asking for support from former teachers.

He said: “It has been my absolute priority since day one in the role to do everything in my power to protect education – which is why today I am asking any teachers no longer in the profession to come forward if they are available to temporarily fill absences in the new year.

“Although 99.9 per cent of schools have consistently been open this term, with cases of Omicron increasing we must make sure schools and colleges have the teachers available to remain open for face-to-face education.

“Anyone who thinks they can help should get the process started now on the Get Into Teaching website, and everyone should get boosted now to help reduce the amount of disruption from the virus in the new year.”

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