Teacher Training

HC Deb 18 May 1982 vol 24 cc182-3

12. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is considering taking any steps to shorten the courses for teacher training; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. William Shelton

We have no plans for a general shortening of teacher training. However, for some time the Department has encouraged training institutions to develop shortened BEd courses for mature holders of specialist qualifications in priority subjects. A number of such courses have been approved.

Mr. Madel

Does my hon. Friend agree with the general view of the advisory committee on the supply and education of teachers that shortened courses will be necessary to avoid shortages in key areas? Will the Government bear in mind the heavy demands that the new training initiative is bound to put on the education service?

Mr. Shelton

My hon. Friend is right. However, as he will know, we have only recently received the advice of the advisory committee on the supply and education of teachers and we are considering it. Within that advice, reference is made to a continuing shortage of craft, design and technology teachers. There is a recommendation that the one-year certificate courses should continue after 1983–84. We are considering that advice.

Mr. Kinnock

Is the Minister aware that Her Majesty's Inspectorate is concerned about the deficiencies that are appearing in in-service training as a consequence of widespread cuts throughout the education system? Is he aware that that is one of the factors that is contributing, as Her Majesty's Inspectorate said, to a serious threat to the maintenance of standards and desirable improvements in secondary schools."? Will the Minister tell his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State that it was not the reluctance of the Labour Government that led to the failure to produce Her Majesty's Inspectorate report, but the fact that the chief inspector was not sufficiently worried until last year—[Interruption.]—on the basis of her evidence to the Select Committee—by the gravity of the effect of the cuts in the education service since the Tory Government came to power?

Mr. Shelton

It seems that my right hon. Friend's remarks have got under the hon. Gentleman's skin. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman tells my right hon. Friend that himself, not via me. Of course in-service training is of great importance, but the local education authorities must make the decision.