HC Deb 18 June 1984 vol 62 cc32-3W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has to improve induction training of new teachers.

Mr. Dunn

The Government's policy on the induction of teachers is set out in paragraphs 84–85 of the White Paper "Teaching Quality" (Cmnd 8836). Induction programmes are essentially matters for local education authorities as teachers' employers. My right hon. Friend's representatives are nevertheless playing a full part in discussions in the Burnham joint working party on salary structure which is considering improved induction arrangements as part of a possible overall reform package.

Mrs Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the training arrangements available for teachers who are responsible for socially deprived and for dyslexic pupils, so as to ensure that they are aware of the special needs of such pupils; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

My right hon. Friend expects intending teachers to be prepared through initial teacher training to teach the full range of pupils whom they are likely to encounter in ordinary schools and to be introduced to ways of identifying and helping children with special educational needs. All initial teacher training courses are to be reviewed over the next three to four years against these and other criteria. A range of in-service courses is currently available to enable practising teachers to enhance their knowledge and expertise in relation to specific groups of pupils, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that they include coverage of the needs of the pupils mentioned.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will increase the number of places in teacher training establishments for the study of politics.

Mr. Dunn

At present no institution has an allocation of initial teacher training places for the study of politics as a main subject, although some courses include the subject as a subsidiary option or in combined study with history or social science. My right hon. Friend has asked the advisory committee on the supply and education of teachers to advise him on the size and structure of the initial teacher training system in 1986 and beyond.