§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he has introduced to facilitate the removal from post of incompetent teachers. [74782]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThis is a manifesto pledge which we took immediate action on following the 1997 general election. New procedures for dealing speedily and fairly with teachers who cannot do the job were agreed at a national level among representative parties. The National Employers Organisation for School Teachers (NEOST) have reported to the Department that most schools have now adopted the new procedures. My right hon. Friend 691W the Secretary of State has asked NEOST to pursue follow-up action to pick up on the small number of LEAs that have not made good progress and will also conduct a survey to collect information on LEA experience in triggering capability procedures with a view to identifying good practice. In September, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will receive powers under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to provide statutory guidance and where necessary impose appropriate staff capability procedures on schools. He will continue to monitor the situation to see whether any use of these powers will be necessary.