HL Deb 31 March 2004 vol 659 c165WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the minimum qualifications required to teach physical education in primary and secondary schools. [HL2051]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)

The appointment and deployment of teachers and other school staff are matters for school governing bodies and the professional judgment of headteachers. Schedule 2 to the Education (Specified Work and Registration) (England) Regulations 2003 defines what categories of teachers other than qualified teachers may carry out specified work without supervision. These include teachers with professional qualifications gained outside the European Economic Area; instructors with special qualifications in or experience of a particular art or skill; and persons following employment-based programmes leading to qualified teacher status. Other persons may perform these tasks only under the direction and supervision of a qualified or nominated teacher.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the minimum class sizes prescribed for physical education lessons in primary and secondary schools. [HL2052]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland

There is no statutory limit on the size of classes for physical education in primary and secondary schools. However, the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 places a duty on local education authorities and schools to limit the size of classes for five, six and seven year-olds taught by one teacher to 30 or fewer pupils. This limit applies to an ordinary teaching session, including ordinary PE lessons.