§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list and describe the studies from within or without his Department relating to the effectiveness and efficiency of his Department together with the recommendations and action taken on those recommendations.
§ Sir Keith Joseph[pursuant to his reply, 22 November 1982, c. 341–42]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are today publishing a policy statement on the functions and future operations of Her Majesty's inspectorate. This follows the completion in 1981 of a scrutiny of the inspectorate within the programme co-ordinated by Lord Rayner, the report of which is also being published. Copies of both documents are available in the vote office.
We are all aware that, despite much dedicated effort, standards of education need to be improved. Families as well as the education system have a vital part to play. Much can be and is being done to improve the performance of our schools and colleges and their ability to ensure that each pupil receives an education appropriate to his or her needs both as an individual and in relation to the society in which he or she will live. In this task of securing higher standards, the inspectorate plays an important and effective role which this Government intends to strengthen.
459WThe Government have given a vigorous lead. We have increased parental choice and are taking steps to improve the quality of the teacher force. We have asked LEAs to review their policies for the school curriculum and have launched pilot projects for the 40 per cent. of pupils for whom external examinations are not generally appropriate. We are taking steps to improve the system of examinations at 16-plus and 18-plus and for the prevocational education of those over compulsory school age. Our new initiative in the provision of technical and vocational education will start in September.
Her Majesty's inspectorate makes a crucial contribution by the advice it gives to us and the help it gives to the rest of the education system and those who use it. Its effectiveness depends on a sound and up-to-date knowledge of the education system, a proper sense of standards and the choice of priority targets. Inspection needs to be directed not only towards current policy concerns but particularly to the safeguarding for all children of suitable education opportunities. The inspectorate continues to be much occupied with improving the effectiveness of the initial training of teachers and their induction into the service; with the changes needed to meet new demands arising from technological change and youth employment; and with the effective education of ethnic minority pupils and of children with special needs.
But none of the inspectorate's activities can have its full effect on the education system without the understanding and action of those who have responsibility for providing education. The inspectorate can help them understand better how far the system on the ground matches the legitimate aspirations of the community and provides value for money. To this end the inspectorate's audit function will be more sharply focused through the recently introduced programme of whole LEA inspections as well as inspections of individual institutions.
Formal inspections will continue at their current rate of some 260 each year in England and Wales. The publication of the inspectorate's reports is being speeded up and, most importantly of all, since the beginning of this year we have made those reports publicly available and have introduced more systematic arrangements for ensuring effective follow-up.
Copies of the policy statement are being sent to each local education authority and to a wide range of other bodies.