A MUM-OF-TWO is set to return to the classroom as one of the first trainees on the Tauheedul Future Teachers programme.

Rachel Macmahon, who lives in Burnley, had no sooner settled her two young daughters back into a school routine than she was packing up her own pencil case and books to commence teacher training at The Olive School, Blackburn.

She is among the first trainees on the Tauheedul Future Teachers programme, a one year programme that leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The programme, run by Tauheedul College for Teaching and Leadership, combines in-school experience, centre-based training and online tuition.

Mrs Macmahon, a former information, advice & guidance officer at Burnley College, was inspired to retrain as a teacher by her two daughters’ experiences of primary education.

The 36-year-old said: “Having two daughters currently at primary school has made me appreciate the importance of education and cemented my desire to be a part of this key period in a child’s life.

“I’m loving my time at The Olive School so far.

"I’m working with Year 2 children and enjoying getting to know the pupils.

“I’ve been observing lessons led by the class teacher and interacting with the children in group tasks.”

Other trainees are starting their first teaching placements in schools across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Felicity Ackroyd, deputy head of Initial Teacher Education at Tauheedul College for Teaching and Leadership, said: “Among this year’s trainees we have people from a variety of backgrounds and ages, from fresh graduates to career changers.

“Our partner schools enjoy Ofsted ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ recognition, and include some of the highest ranking schools in the country."

The Tauheedul Future Teachers team will shortly begin their recruitment for the 2018/19 academic year, as UCAS Teacher Training applications open in October.

The group will be offering advice on training as a teacher at the Burnley College Careers Fair next Wednesday.

For more information, visit www.tauheedulcollege.com or call 0330 313 9870.