Commenting on the agreement on teacher workload forged between the DFES and teaching unions, teacher training agency Chief Executive Ralph Tabberer said:

'Standards are rising and the schools sector is expanding. The national agreement will tackle head-on one of the biggest problems we have experienced over the last decade, and that is workload. This will be undoubtedly be a boost to recruitment and, because the national agreement will lead to better human resource management right across the sector, it should make a significant difference to retention as well.

The TTA will be looking to play a major part in ensuring the success of the national agreement. We will be working to recruit even more teachers - we have just accepted higher targets for the next three years. And, subject to consultation, we will be setting standards for, and training, a new tier of high level teaching assistants (HLTA). With better trained senior professionals to support teachers, we believe we can help schools give pupils more individual attention, enhance their teachers' work and make sure precious teacher time is used to best advantage.'

Notes to editor

1. The DfES has proposed that the teacher training agency (TTA) be commissioned to develop a set of standards for higher level teaching assistants (HLTA) and a training programme to meet those standards. A consultation is currently taking place which ends on January 22. If the DfES requests that the TTA undertake this work it will start in the Spring of 2003. For further information about the TTA's role or work on teaching assistants call the TTA press office 0207 023 8080.

Media enquiries

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TTA Media support team

Claire Barry / Dan Davies
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e-mail: claire.barry@fd.com / dan.davies@fd.com