The teacher training agency is considering key questions about how to create its quality categories, used in the allocation of places, from the information provided by Ofsted using the new inspection framework,Ofsted evidence and if there is there is any other data which could add value to the process.value added data which could be used.

TTA Director of Quality and Funding Michael Day said:

'Improving the quality of initial teacher training (ITT) is one of the key objectives in the TTA's Corporate Plan as we seek to contribute to raising standards in the classroom.

'The growth in training places, and the introduction of a new inspection system, means this is a good point at which to examine the effects of our policies and consider whether the growing amount of data now available is robust and consistent enough to inform our decisions.

'We want to maintain existing strengths yet move towards a system which encourages innovation and tackles priorities. Whatever our conclusions, we shall consider thoroughly the implications and impact of any changes before they are introduced.'

The results of the consultation will influence TTA policy on allocations for the period 2003-2008.

The consultation paper is available from the TTA's Publications Centre, ttapublications@iforcegroup.com. It will be published in the TTA's website at www.tta.gov.uk/quality/ from 7 April. Responses are requested by 27 June to respond.

Notes to editors

This News Release applies to England only

The TTA allocates to individual training providers the number of places made available by Government. Decisions are taken largely on the basis on the quality of the training provided. Training is graded by the TTA after considering reports from Ofsted. The introduction of a new system for inspecting Initial Teacher Training from September 2002 will provide the TTA with new forms of evidence about the quality of ITT provision.

ITT providers are accredited by the TTA. If a provider is found to be non-compliant, the TTA has authority to begin proceedings which could lead to the withdrawal of accreditation. For the coming academic year there will be 127 universities, colleges and schools providing TTA-funded ITT.

The number of places available for the year 2003-4 is 34,675. The Department for Education Skills has indicated a similar number will be available for the years 2004-5 and 2005-6.

The TTA was established under the Education Act 1994. Its primary purpose is to raise standards in schools by recruiting able and committed people to teacher training and improving the quality of teacher training.

Media enquiries

TTA Press Office Tel: 020 7023 8080
Out of hours: 07771 934629
e-mail: pressoffice@teach-tta.gov.uk

General TTA enquiries

020 7925 3700

People interested in becoming a teacher should visit the TTA website contact the Teaching Information Line (tel: 0845 600 0991).