HC Deb 29 April 2002 vol 384 cc577-8W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what duties and responsibilities she has determined are appropriate for teaching assistants in(a) primary and (b) secondary sectors. [53124]

Mr. Timms

A working party involving representatives of teachers and support staff, the local government employers and other Government bodies, is currently considering the roles and responsibilities of teaching assistants in primary, secondary and special schools. Following its initial discussions, we expect to issue a consultation paper asking for comments on these and a range of other issues relating to teaching assistants and support staff. The Education Bill currently before Parliament provides for there to be regulations specifying the duties which may be carried out by teaching assistants and others who are not qualified as school teachers.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to provide a career structure for teaching assistants. [53125]

Mr. Timms

The question of a career structure and associated training and development for teaching assistants is being considered by a working party which includes representatives of teachers and support staff, the local government employers and other Government bodies. This group's discussions are being used to inform the production of a consultation paper which will address a range of issues relating to teaching assistants and other support staff. National vocational qualifications, based on the new national occupational standards for teaching assistants, are expected to be in place later this year and will form part of the proposed career structure.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to provide schools and local education authorities with model role descriptions for teaching assistants. [53126]

Mr. Timms

Possible roles for teaching assistants in schools are being considered by a working party which includes representatives of teachers and support staff, the local government employers and other Government bodies. We expect to issue a consultation paper later this term, which will ask for comments on enhanced roles and responsibilities and will address the need for the provision of guidance to schools and local education authorities.