Graduates who provide private tutoring to schoolchildren may benefit from Government efforts to provide more support in the classroom.

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is seeking 100,000 former and retired teachers to help 600,000 children who are struggling with maths and English.

They will pay £300 per pupil for 10 one-hour lessons and two hours' planning time. The move follows research showing that three-quarters of pupils have a problem asking for extra help in class.

Says TDA chief executive Graham Holley: "I would encourage teachers to sign up for the programme, which can only improve their teaching skills and understanding of how children learn. They will be rewarded financially and professionally, plus there is flexibility to work when it suits them."

The programme, backed by £468 million in funding, is being launched nationally from September. The aim is to provide English tuition to 300,000 seven to 14-year-olds and maths help for another 300,000.