§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what training is provided to head teachers in Northern Ireland; and what proposals he has for additional provision. [20292]
§ Mr. AncramTraining is provided by the education and library boards curriculum advisory and support services and the regional training unit, following annual consultation with schools about their training requirements. There are no immediate plans for additional provision.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what are the mechanisms for 745W (i) appraising and (ii) removing a head teacher who is underperforming; and what plans he has to change them; [20293]
(2) if he will set out the procedures for ending the appointment of an inadequate teacher and the time scales involved; and what plans he has to alter the procedures. [20295]
§ Mr. AncramTeachers and head teachers are subject to the dismissal provisions contained in paragraph 5 of schedule 4 to the Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, or, where relevant, to dismissal procedures drawn up by individual school boards of governors. Proposals detailing the steps to be followed in dealing with teachers, including principals, whose work is unsatisfactory have recently been put to the Northern Ireland Teachers Council by the employing authorities.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the present system of teacher appraisal; and what plans he has to review it. [20294]
§ Mr. AncramA staff development and performance review scheme is currently being introduced for all teachers, starting with the training of head teachers from the 1995–96 school year. It comprises preparation and job observation, followed by a discussion and a summary statement. Plans for its review have yet to be drawn up.