§ Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made on the introduction of the appraisal of teachers.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe consultation period on the recommendations of the national steering group on appraisal ended very recently. My right hon. Friend is now considering the comments submitted, including those on the appropriate timetable for bringing in regulations requiring the introduction of appraisal for all teachers in England and Wales. In the meantime, we plan to issue guidance, taking into account the response to the consultation, on which LEAs and schools can draw.