Appeal for French teachers

YOUNGSTERS in Nailsea are in desperate need of a French teacher so they can learn the language outside of school hours.

La Jolie Ronde, which helps youngsters to find French teachers in their area, is looking for language teachers in Nailsea, Clevedon and Portishead.

The national organisation has 350 teachers from across the country on its books, who offer lessons to children at lunch times, weekends and after school to help them to get to grips with the French language.

La Jolie Ronde has been inundated with calls from parents in Nailsea who are keen to provide their children with extra lessons, but there are no teachers registered with the organisation in the area.

Julie Wilson from La Jolie Ronde, said: "We encourage preschool and primary aged children to learn French.

"We've had lots of enquiries from parents in Nailsea but we've been unable to find anybody in the area to start classes for the children.

"We don't want the children to be disappointed if we can't find anyone to give them lessons."

The Government is making language learning compulsory by 2010 for children in Keystage 2 - aged seven years - and La Jolie Ronde has found the announcement has led to an increasing number of parents wanting their children to learn French before the new legislation comes into force.

Teachers from the organisation teach youngsters as young as three by using songs, rhymes and games.

Julie said: "It sets them in very good stead for lessons at school. I think it's very important for children to learn languages because there's a real need for people in this country to be bilingual, especially in the business world."

If anyone speaks fluent French and would like to take over these classes, please call 01949 839715.