HC Deb 26 June 1996 vol 280 c157W
20. Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are her priorities for improving teacher training. [33217]

Mr. Robin Squire

The Government have been seeking to enhance teacher training over many years. Our current priority is to ensure that all primary schools provide effective teaching in literacy and numeracy. Our plans to develop a new curriculum for initial training—beginning with English and mathematics—will ensure that teachers know how and when to use a range of effective teaching methods.

31. Mrs. Peacock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures she is taking to improve teacher training. [33229]

33. Mrs. Gorman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on her plans to reform teacher training. [33231]

Mr. Squire

Earlier this month, my right hon. Friend announced her intention to build on earlier reforms by setting tighter rules for initial teacher training. This will ensure that all teachers are equipped with the most effective teaching skills and know when to use them. The first step will be to set out the essential content of training in English and mathematics.

Over time, we shall construct a full professional framework for teachers, covering the content of both initial and in-service training, together with teaching qualifications. This will ensure that all teachers have professional goals for which to aim.