§ 13. Kevin BrennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the use of temporary contracts for teachers. [115009]
§ Mr. MilibandAll schools make use of temporary contracts for teachers. These are mainly used as occasional cover for teachers who are absent on sick leave. Temporary contracts also give schools greater flexibility to respond to local circumstances in meeting their staffing needs. The number of occasional teachers has fallen for the second year in succession, by 2,600 to1000W 14,900. The wider picture shows substantial overall progress in terms of growing teacher numbers and falling vacancies.