Newly qualified teachers are being lured to Basildon - with a guided tour of the town.

They are being shown the sights and sounds of the area and all it has to offer in a bid to get them to commit their futures to schools in the district.

Fifteen teachers just out of college were the latest to be given the chance to learn for themselves that Basildon offers the right balance between work and play.

Kevin Furlong, project director for the East Basildon Education Action Zone, said: "It has been well documented that there is a national shortage of teachers. It's important that we do everything in our power to secure as many of these newly-qualified teachers as possible for our schools.

"The open day is just part of the innovative approach used by the zone to attract teachers into our schools.

"Basildon offers something for everyone - the right balance between work and play. Not many people know that Basildon has more parks and open spaces than any other district in Essex.

"We also have superb shopping and leisure facilities and a large variety of pubs, clubs and restaurants in the area."

An Action Zone spokeswoman added: "The EAZ has been pro-active in the local community in supporting schools in the district with teacher shortages. Success has come from sharing the secret that the town is a good place to live and work."

Published Thursday, April 10, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo