HC Deb 07 May 1970 vol 801 cc562-3
24. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further consultations he has had concerning the qualifications of teachers of mentally-handicapped children.

35. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further consultations he has had consequent upon representations made to him about the status of teachers of mentally-handicapped children upon their transfer to his Department.

Mr. Edward Short

On 27th April I met representatives, including the Chairman, of the Training Council for Teachers of the Mentally Handicapped. We had a very useful discussion covering a variety of points which will arise when teachers of mentally-handicapped children move into the education service; and I explained in some detail the background to my decision about the qualification they award to these teachers.

Mr. Hill

Has not it become abundantly clear that the proposed waiting period of five years post-diploma, plus two more probationary years, is too long before acquiring professional status? Is the right hon. Gentleman giving consideration to speeding this up by providing, for example, conversion courses which would enable a diploma holder to add to his qualifications and therefore become fully qualified more quickly?

Mr. Short

I am prepared to waive the probationary period to diploma holders so that at the end of the five years they will not require to serve a further probationary period.

Where they have the necessary admission qualifications I am proposing to make available, subject to teacher supply, a number of one-year courses which will enable them immediately after completion of the course to be given the status of qualified teachers.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that his last few words are very welcome? Will he consider again consulting the N.U.T., which clearly rightly advises him in part on this? Will he in particular look at the matter again with its sub-committee dealing with handicapped children of all kinds, which might in the light of the very widespread anxiety be prepared to relax what has previously been a rather rigid attitude?

Mr. Short

It was not only a matter of consulting the N.U.T. in arriving at the figure of five years. We have consulted all the teachers' associations and local authority associations. The advice they gave me ranged from "Never" to "None". Five years was a sort of consensus between them. I am not prepared to move any further. I am prepared to waive the probationary period and to make an end-on course or one-year course available for teachers who are prepared to go to it and who have the necessary admission qualifications. That is as far as I am prepared to go.