§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he gives to local education authorities on ensuring that instructors in maintained secondary schools have the same basic numeracy and literacy skills as those with qualified teacher status; and if he will make a statement. [126783]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Education (Teachers' Qualifications and Health Standards) (England) Regulations 1999 provide that it is for governing bodies acting with the consent of local education authorities to satisfy themselves as to the qualifications and experience of prospective instructors. This would include satisfying themselves as necessary that instructors whom they wish to employ have the requisite literacy and numeracy skills.