§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers have been dismissed under the fast-track provisions. [116091]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisTeacher dismissals are not recorded centrally. The National Employers' Organisation for School Teachers have carried out a survey of LEAs in England and Wales on the use of the new capability procedures for teachers which have now been incorporated in most schools. The survey collected responses from 116 LEAs (68 per cent.) for three school terms ending with the spring term 1999 and suggests that for all LEAs over 3,000 teachers had been subject to some form of capability review during the year, with over 600 dismissals under the new procedure. In addition, 194 teachers showed sufficient improvement and a further 439 cases are currently being processed. Work continues on monitoring and reviewing practice in schools and LEAs and the Secretary of State will be issuing further guidance for schools on staff capability after further consultation.