Schools Inspectorate (Hansard, 15 December 1987)

§ Mr. Foulkes
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he takes to ensure that Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools in Scotland has recent, relevant and successful experience of teaching in(a) primary schools and (b) other sectors which it inspects.

§ Mr. Michael Forsyth
[holding answer 14 December 1987]: Good, successful and varied teaching experience is an essential qualification for entry to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools. The work and training programmes of inspectors give each of them continuing experience of the educational process in the classroom and elsewhere, in each of the sectors of education with which they deal. This ensures that they have a thorough knowledge of current learning and teaching practice.

§ Mr. Foulkes
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give details of the current programme of staff development for members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools in Scotland.

§ Mr. Rifkind
[holding answer 14 December 1987]: After extensive induction training, the inspectors undertake a phased programme to extend their experience supplemented by courses on current educational issues. In addition, 36 inspectors are currently participating in the Scottish Office senior management development programme.

§ Mr. Foulkes
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current number of inspectors in post in Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools in Scotland; how many inspectors have teaching qualifications and experience at(a) pre-school, (b) early stages of primary school and (c) colleges of education; and how many members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools have experience of management in higher education.

§ Mr. Rifkind
[holding answer 14 December 1987]: The information is as follows:

1. there are 109 inspectors currently in post;

2. four inspectors have qualifications in pre-school and the early stages of primary school; these inspectors and a number of others have teaching experience in pre-school and the early stages of primary school;

3. there are no qualifications specifically geared to teaching in colleges of education; 30 inspectors have experience of working at Scottish colleges of education;

4. 19 inspectors have experience of management in higher education.