§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has to encourage an increase in the number of supply teachers.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthOur education support grant programme to assist teacher recruitment urges local education authorities to encourage flexible working practices, including part-time working. This should stimulate the employment of supply teachers. However, the employment and deployment of teachers is a matter for local education authorities and schools. It is for them to decide how many supply teachers to appoint. They also have discretion to pay teacher on short-notice contracts at rates they consider appropriate in order to recruit and retain the teachers they need.