§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she is taking to improve careers guidance in schools.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe consultative document "Education in Schools" (Cmnd. 6869) reaffirmed the crucial importance of careers education and guidance. The review of curricular arrangements announced in that document will include requests to local education authorities for reports on various aspects of careers work in schools which will assist in future planning. Her Majesty's Inspectors, in their visit to schools, including joint visits with the Careers Service Inspectors of the Department of Employment, continue to advise on and encourage the development of effective careers work.
An important factor in securing improvements is the training of teachers. The Government's expenditure plans envisage a fourfold increase in the number of teachers following in-service courses generally. I believe that such courses are an important way of providing training for careers teachers and that local authorities will give particular consideration to this subject in determining their priorities.
Several research projects sponsored by my Department are expected to contribute to the development of careers work in schools.