§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what action he intends to take to create more effective integration between work experience and off-the-job training provided by the careers service and colleges of further education;
(2) what proposals he has to improve teaching, the content of courses, the equipment and accommodation needed for improved youth training scheme programmes;
(3) if, in the light of the report by Her Majesty's inspectorate on the youth training scheme, he will take steps to ensure that further education courses lead to broad-based skills; and if he will make a statement;
(4) if he will ensure that youth training scheme courses in colleges of further education meet the needs of trainees.
§ Sir Keith JosephI look to local education authorities and collges to build on their initial contribution to the youth training scheme and I am confident that they will use the second year of operation to improve the overall quality of off-the-job training provided in collges. The published HMI report on the YTS in further education 1983–84 found examples of both good and bad practice. It has been sent to the LEAs and principals concerned with the aim of stimulating the desirable improvements to which HMI referred. In addition, the Department will seek to promote discussion at all levels with MSC and its managing agents who are responsible for the overall quality of the scheme.
322Wbe an easy solution. It is not possible to predict accurately when such candidates are most at risk and to bring forward the date substantially would limit unduly the time which candidates have for examination preparation and revision within the constraints of the school year. However, it is open to schools to inform examination boards when any candidate is known to suffer from any disability. Examination boards treat such cases sympathetically and are usually prepared to take this information into account in marking a candidate's work.