§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what experience of working with young children will be necessary to enter the proposed one-year primary teacher training courses;
(2) what will be the minimum qualifications needed to take part in the one-year teacher training courses for primary schools; and what age groups will be recruited;
(3) what percentage of the future intake of teacher training will consist of persons taking the one-year primary school courses.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. Friend issued a draft circular on 9 June which included proposals for specialist one-year courses of initial training for early years teaching, for mature people with the academic qualifications for higher education together with significant experience of working with children. Views on the organisation and content of such courses were invited. The consultation period will continue until the end of July and criteria for all courses of initial training for primary teachers will be finalised in the autumn. It will then be for those wishing to offer one-year courses to make detailed proposals and satisfy the Secretary of State that they meet the necessary requirements.