§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for1210W Education and Skills, what joint projects he has undertaken with the Estonian Government to (a) support the education systems in Estonia and (b) share best practice from the UK education sector; and if he will make a statement. [157438]
§ Alan JohnsonOur programme of co-operation with the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research includes a School Leadership skills project for young Estonian Headteachers, help with further development of Estonian vocational education and training policies and with strategic planning and quality assurance approaches.
Estonian Headteachers have visited UK schools, LEAs and the National College for School Leadership and British teachers have visited Estonia to look at effective use of ICT in schools. UK and Estonian teachers will be able to share best practice in education through the Global Gateway, a new international website to facilitate school partnerships. There is an ongoing programme of joint seminars, conferences and working groups on topics such as lifelong learning and skills, the role of parents in school governing bodies, ICT in education, education—business links and higher education reform. We are also encouraging and facilitating links between Estonian and UK universities.