Select Committee report into teacher training

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmchilsch/275/275i.pdf

Dear UCET Committee members

The DCSF Select Committee report into teacher training was published today- se link above.

The report was, from a UCET perspective, something of a curate’s egg, although the balance was in our favour. The reference to the importance of HEIs in bringing rigour and status to ITT was particularly welcome. The report recommended the continuation of primary undergraduate programmes, but the ending of secondary undergraduate. Other recommendations include:

• Increased entry qualifications for those entering UG and PG programmes (inc a gradual move towards all PGCE entrants having 2:2 or above).

• An increase in GTP intakes from 15% to 30% of total, but with all GTP entrants having an entitlement to take a PGCE.

• Support for MTL, but not at the expense of alternative PPD programmes.

• Increased subject focus in primary ITE.

• A national Chartered Teacher programme.

• A reduced regulatory and inspection burden.

• Ring-fencing of budgets for CPD.

• Teachers to remain only provisionally registered with GTCE until successful completion of the induction year.

• A new blood scheme for teacher education.

• Closer links between ITE and education research.

• Greater consistency for early years, school and post-compulsory teacher education.

• Skills tests as a condition of entry to ITE rather than as an exit requirement. Two attempts at most to secure skills tests.

• More CPD for supply teachers.

A copy of UCET’s press release is attached to this message.

James Noble-Rogers

Executive Director

UCET