§ Dr. Kim HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are to be taken to improve the recruitment of graduates into the teaching profession and to stem the further loss of men and women leaving the profession.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWe have introduced a number of measures to ensure that teaching remains an attractive career for graduates. The bursary scheme to attract students in the shortage subjects is being extended this year to include modern foreign languages. The bursaries have been increased from £1,300 to £1,500 with that for physics increased to £2,000. "Taster" courses are being run for mature people and others to encourage entry or return to teaching. These courses include seminars on subject content and delivery in teaching and information sessions on pay, conditions and career opportunities. 116,000 is being made available to four LEAs in Wales to support the development of schemes to increase the recruitment of former teachers and mature entrants to teaching. TASC (teaching as a career) has been established to promote teaching as a career and improve recruitment practices among local education authorities and initial teacher training institutions. One of the key areas addressed by the Interim Advisory Committee on School Teachers' Pay and Conditions was the issue of attracting graduates. The IAC recommendations mean that the starting salary for a good honours graduate will be at least £10,500.