Government launch plans to reform teacher training providers
The government has today confirmed plans to reform initial teacher training (ITT) courses, following consultation feedback from the sector.
£25 million will be allocated to ensure trainees can receive mentoring support from experienced teachers and other experts – a key requirement of the new course standards.
The measures also require training providers to ensure that all courses have an evidence-based curriculum, are subject to quality assurance checks, and include at least four weeks of intensive training to strengthen the link between evidence-based theory and practice.
The government says that all training providers will “now go through a rigorous accreditation process against the new quality standards”, ready to start delivering new ITT courses from September 2024.
The government says its changes to drive up standards for will include new intensive training and practice; new lead mentors for trainees and rigorous quality assurance arrangements to ensure a high-quality experience for every trainee.
- They will also accrediting all ITT providers based on these new Quality Requirements and utilise
- ‘Teaching School Hubs’ to support training providers, especially locally and in disadvantaged communities.
The reforms to ITT follow a wide range of measures already taken by the government to create world-leading training and support for teachers at every stage of their career.
These include the launch of the Early Career Framework reforms in September, which provide all new teachers with a funded entitlement to a structured 2-year package of high-quality professional development at the start of their careers, as well as the launch of a reformed suite of National Professional Qualifications for teachers and leaders in autumn.
Schools Minister Robin Walker said:
“We want this country to be the best place to become a brilliant teacher, and that starts with high-quality initial teacher training.
“It is vital that every trainee gets the support they need to help students achieve their potential and level up opportunity across the country – especially as we help them catch-up after the impact of the pandemic.
“These reforms, developed with the sector, are the next step in our ambition to create a golden thread of evidence-based training, support and professional development, which will run through each phase of a teacher’s career.”
Commenting on the Government’s response to the ITT Market Review consultation, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “We are pleased the government has at least heard the concerns of the NEU and others in the sector in its response to the ITT Market Review consultation. The delay by a full year to the new requirements is welcome, as are some of the other amendments to the requirements on providers and schools.
However, he argued that “the overall reaccreditation of providers is still a cause for concern as is the extent of change at this still precarious time, and we will examine the Government’s response to each of the proposals in detail.”
