§ 52. Mr. AmosTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to improve the professional effectiveness of teachers and the management of the teaching force.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe main instrument for this purpose is the local education in-service training grant scheme which was introduced in 1987. The coverage and structure of the scheme is reviewed annually. As to initial teacher training, the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education was established in 1984 to review all courses against new specific criteria. The council is expected to complete its scrutiny of existing courses by the end of 1989. My right hon. Friend will be considering what arrangements should thereafter be made for the approval of initial teacher training courses.
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§ 84. Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science in what way he will seek to secure the conditions of employment of teachers in grant-maintained schools which are established as a result of the Education Reform Bill.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Government intend that grant maintained schools shall be subject to statutory provisions on school teachers' pay and conditions under the Teachers' Pay and Conditions Act 1987 or succeeding legislation. When teachers transfer to grant maintained schools which are being set up they will retain the provisions of their previous contract of employment and the school must honour those provisions so far as is practicable.