HC Deb 09 February 1995 vol 254 cc387-8W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she will take to lessen the drop-out rate on the GNVQ courses, to ensure documentation arrives on time, and that the documentation is written in clear English to the GNVQ specifications.

Mr. Boswell

Such evidence as we have to date suggests that the rate of non-completion of GNVQ courses is not a cause for special concern. We, together with the vocational awarding bodies and the National Council for Vocational Qualifications, shall continue to monitor the situation.

We have asked the NCVQ and the vocational awarding bodies to take action to improve the timeliness and clarity of the relevant documentation. We understand that they are pursuing these matters urgently.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what plans she has to inspect the NVQ training provided by private companies and employers' in-house training schemes;

(2) what steps she will take to reduce teaching discrepancies in the NVQ training around the country.

Mr. Boswell

NVQs are primarily the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment. The National Council for Vocational Qualifications has overall responsibility for assuring the quality of NVQs. The Government will provide additional funding to enable the national council to employ a local field force to give added impetus to quality assurance.

The quality of NVQ provision in colleges of further education is subject to inspection by the FEFC inspectorate, along with other courses provided in colleges.