HC Deb 10 February 1976 vol 905 cc121-2W
45. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teachers he estimates will be in full-time education in 1977, 1981, and 1987.

Miss Joan Lestor

The number of qualified teachers in regular service in the maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools in England and Wales in March 1977 is expected to be about 455,000, full-time or full-time equivalent. This includes teachers seconded for in-service training courses. The Advisory Committee on the Supply and Training of Teachers is being invited to review the prospects for the teaching force over the next decade in the light of the economic situation and the falling birthrate.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in the light of the increasing difficulty of newly qualified teachers, especially at primary level, in finding employment in the maintained schools, if he will accept as qualifying for the probationary year, teaching service in non-maintained, but otherwise fully recognised, schools.

Miss Joan Lestor

Probation as a qualified teacher is served under statutory regulations which apply only to maintained schools. Teaching service outside such schools can be taken into consideration in deciding whether a teacher's subsequent probationary period in a maintained school should be shortened or waived altogether.