Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she is taking to put in place a career structure for teaching assistants; and if she will make a statement. [48296]
§ Mr. TimmsDevelopments in the roles of teaching assistants, including a career structure based on training, skills, experience and qualifications, are currently being considered by a working party which includes representatives of teachers and support staff, the local government employers and other government bodies. National Vocational Qualifications, based on the new216W National Occupational Standards for Teaching Assistants, are expected to be in place later this year and will form part of the proposed career structure.