§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when special education initial teacher training courses will be phased out; and what arrangements he will make for training in this field.
§ Sir Keith JosephNo decisions have been taken on the future of special education initial training courses. I am currently considering, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, a recommendation from the advisory committee on the supply and education of teachers that such courses should be phased out as soon as possible, subject to opportunities being available within a coherent local and national framework for specialist in-service provision in special educational needs. Interested bodies have been invited to let us know their views on this and related recommendations made by ACSET in its report on teacher training and special educational needs.