HC Deb 19 July 1988 vol 137 cc939-40
11. Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the consultation document "Qualified Teacher Status"; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

My right hon. Friend has asked that responses to this consultation document be sent to the Department by 14 October. Some 24 responses have so far been received, mainly from individuals.

Mr. Steinberg

The 1984 Department of Education and Science circular dealing with the accreditation of teachers stated that teachers should have two years of quality training. In the new document we find the suggestion of a qualification only to a standard above A-level. Given that it was agreed in 1984 that specialised training was needed for teachers, why, in 1988, do we no longer need specialised teacher training? Is it because the licensed teachers will not be qualified and will fail to raise—indeed, will lower—the standard of education?

Mrs. Rumbold

No, Sir. I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman does not understand the present position as regards teacher qualification, let alone our proposals. The standard route in teacher training is for there to be graduate entry and a year's initial teacher-training. For the non-standard courses there are already five routes for people who are not graduates. Under our proposals, those entering by two of those routes will have to undergo at least two years of teacher training before they can be qualified as teachers—a much more rigorous requirement. Otherwise, they will simply remain as licensed teachers.

Mr. Hayward

Did not at least one qualified teacher prove that the status of teachers does not need enhancing? Did she not maintain her level-headedness while those around her, particularly her husband, were losing their heads in Zimbabwe?

Mrs. Rumbold

Perhaps some qualified teachers need in-service training in geography and in field trips before visiting the river basins of Africa, such as those of the Limpopo and the Zamebezi. I am glad that a certain lady did not need those qualifications.

Mrs. Clwyd

Is it not the case that, thanks to the Government's neglect and demoralisation of the teaching profession, there will be the most severe shortage, worse even that at present, in science, mathematics, craft, design and technology and modern foreign language teaching? How can the imposition of unqualified teachers off the streets do anything but lower education standards even further?

Mrs. Rumbold

Clearly, the hon. Lady has not been listening. We are talking not about the imposition of unqualified teachers but about a qualified teacher force of 90 per cent. of people who have been through our universities and polytechnics, plus having had a year's good initial teacher training. Those who come in through the other routes will be subjected to a much more rigorous test. Those who are currently in the system and who have not been through initial teacher training or any sort of training are already in our schools and cannot be subjected to the training that we are planning for the new group.