Teacher Training Agency (Hansard, 3 February 1999)

§ Ms Estelle Morris

In accordance with the Government's policy of conducting quinquennial reviews of all non-departmental public bodies, the Department is launching today, in conjunction with the Welsh Office, a review of the Teacher Training Agency. Following Cabinet Office guidelines, the first stage of the review will take the form of a "prior options" study with the following terms of reference:

to review the Teacher Training Agency's functions, and the likely future need for those functions;
To consider the powers, remit, constitutional status, membership and activities of the Teacher Training Agency;
to consider whether, on efficiency grounds, some or all of the functions of the Teacher Training Agency can be carried out within an alternative organisational framework including by another public, private or voluntary sector body or otherwise within government;
to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Teacher Training Agency in carrying out its functions.

We have asked that the review should have particular regard to: the establishment next year of the General Teaching Councils for England and for Wales and of the National College for School Leadership; and the major agenda for modernisation of the teaching profession set out in the recent Green Papers for England and for Wales on which the government is currently consulting.

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We should welcome comments on those matters to be covered by the review from all those with an interest in the Teacher Training Agency's work. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent by Friday 12 March 1999 to:

Graham Holley
Teachers Group
Department for Education and Employment
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
Westminster
London SW1P 3BT.

We have asked that this first stage of the review should be completed by 30 April 1999. The findings will be published and made available to Parliament.