HC Deb 21 February 1924 vol 169 cc1999-2000W
Mr. COVE

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the introduction of unqualified teachers into the infants' schools of the London County Council area 15 condemned by educationists as being educationally harmful and reactionary; and whether he will reverse the previous policy of the Board of Education in recognising such unqualified teachers, and inform the London County Council that such un- qualified teachers shall not count for staffing purposes nor for the payment of grants?

Mr. NAYLOR

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is his intention to continue the policy of encouraging local education authorities to increase the number of supplementary teachers or infants' assistants employed in public elementary schools?

Mr. TREVELYAN

I am considering the whole question of school staffing, from the point of view both of what is desirable and of what is immediately practicable. I am clear that an increase in the number of teachers possessing no recognised qualifications should be prevented, and in revising the Code it is my intention to omit from Article 11 (a) and elsewhere the provisions authorising the appointment in urban areas of unqualified women teachers for children under six years of age.