§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the Government's policy is on the training of early years leachers; and if he will make a statement. [187367]
§ Margaret HodgeIt is a regulatory requirement that a qualified teacher must be involved in early years education in each maintained setting. It is also set out in Sure Start Unit guidance to local authorities that they should work towards and beyond having one qualified teacher to every ten non-maintained settings. The Sure Start Unit is, therefore, providing the Teacher Training Agency with additional funding to expand the number of primary training places with an early years' specialism. We are also funding local authorities to ensure that all Foundation Stage practitioners, including early years' teachers, receive an average of four days training and development a year.