§ Mr. DunnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to reform teacher training institutions to take account of the Education Reform Act 1988.
§ Mr. FallonThe Secretary of State already requires teacher training institutions to take account of the Act. The revised course approval criteria, which have been in effect since 1 January 1990, reflect the changing needs of schools, including the demands of the national curriculum. The Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education advises the Secretary of State on whether courses satisfy the criteria. It is keeping the criteria under review and will be offering my right hon. and learned Friend their advice on possible changes to them later this year.