§ Mr. TynanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to(a) encourage and (b) support more people with disabilities to enter (i) teaching and (ii) other employment in education; and what discussions he has had with Scottish counterparts on this issue. [125670]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Teacher Training Agency (TTA), acting on this Department's behalf, has implemented a number of measures to encourage more people with disabilities to enter teaching and support them throughout the process. Funding has been agreed with SKILL, the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, as a contribution towards updating their Into Teaching' publication which is due to be completed by 31 August 2003. The new TTA recruitment brochure will also highlight people with disabilities as a priority group that will be addressed in the content.
The TTA is also leading the work on behalf of the Department to produce guidance to support Initial Teacher Training providers in meeting their legal responsibilities in accommodating and supporting trainees with disabilities.
In the wider context of other employment in education, Disability Employment Advisers and other advisers in Jobcentre Plus offices are available to provide help and practical support to people with disabilities.
494WIn the wider context of other employment in education, Disability Employment Advisers and other advisers in Jobcentre Plus offices are available to provide help and practical support to people with disabilities.
There have been no particular discussions on this subject with the Scottish Executive.