HC Deb 09 January 2003 vol 397 cc335-6W
19. Dr. Palmer

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the analysis he has made of the degree to which the provision of education and training will match the economic demand for qualifications in the next 10 years. [89225]

Mr. Miliband

The Government have established sector skills councils to ensure that economic demand is more clearly articulated and the learning and skills council to ensure that provision is responsive to meet demand.

We are also working with key partners to ensure that advances in new technology result in improved choice and quality for learners.

Maintained schools, full-time equivalent1 number of teaching assistants by type of school—1997–2002—position in January each year—England
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Teaching Assistants2
Nursery 2,119.1 2,099.3 2,201.1 2,249.0 2,322.9 2,476.4
Primary3 39,751.2 42,726.6 44,444.4 51,127.3 63,175.9 69,307.0
Secondary3 7,820.8 8,973.4 10,590.1 12,451.7 15,466.6 19,527.6
Special4 11,302.8 12,140.2 12,681.0 13,424.9 14,227.4 14,246.9

Research and analysis on the value of education and training will be summarised in a forthcoming Department for Education and Skills publication, "Education and Skills: The Economic Benefit".

Forward to