Proposals to drive up training standards for teachers

The Government has launched a consultation setting out proposed changes to improve training for teachers.

The seven-week consultation on recommendations to strengthen the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) market will be led by Ian Bauckham and an expert panel.

The recommendations aim to strengthen quality standards for initial teacher training courses, including a new accreditation process, new intensive school placements and high-quality mentoring for trainees.

The consultation seeks sector views on proposed changes to improve the quality of teacher training courses, such as new intensive school placements and a new lead mentor role and specialist training for mentors so they can provide high-quality support to trainees.

Other proposed changes include rigorous quality assurance arrangements across ITT partnerships to ensure a high-quality experience for every trainee; accrediting all ITT providers based on the new quality requirements; and utilising Teaching School Hubs to support training providers, especially locally and in disadvantaged communities.

The proposed reforms to ITT would 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 this September, which will 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 this Autumn.