Plans to reform the inspection of initial teacher training (ITT), and reduce burdens on the universities, colleges and schools in England which provide it, are proposed in a consultation launched today.

The consultation, undertaken jointly by the teacher training agency (TTA) and Ofsted, will give teacher training providers the opportunity to comment on a range of proposals to reduce the burden of inspections. The review comes as a result of continued improvement in the quality of teacher training.

The current Ofsted inspection framework of ITT includes inspection of primary provision and of individual secondary subjects. Teacher training that has been previously judged as good or very good is inspected alternately through full and shorter inspections.

Proposals for reforming the inspection framework include:

• replacing inspections of individual secondary subjects with an overall inspection of secondary provision in institutions,
• allowing teacher training provision consistently graded good or very good to receive short inspections, removing the requirement for alternate full inspections, and
• introducing a standard eight week notice period before inspections.

Jeremy Coninx, the TTA’s Director of Quality and Funding said:

“Ofsted has found that the vast majority of teacher training providers are regularly judged as good or very good, and the reforms set out in this consultation recognise that improved quality.

“The length of teacher training inspections has been cut by almost half over the past five years. These proposals go one step further by looking at new ways to reduce burdens on training providers, allowing them to concentrate on what they do best - producing excellent new teachers.“

Miriam Rose, Director of Education at Ofsted, said:

“Inspection is a key tool in helping to raise standards and we have seen how the improving quality of teacher training has helped produce the best trained teachers ever. We need to look at new ways in which we can move to a shorter form of inspection while ensuring there remains a rigorous examination of those key areas which most need it. “

Notes for editors

The consultation paper can be downloaded get into teaching. Online and paper responses can be submitted. For hard copies contact the TTA publication line on 0845 6060 323. The closing date for responses to arrive at the TTA is 8 November.

Significant changes to ITT inspections were introduced in the revised TTA/Ofsted Framework for Inspection of ITT (2002).

The teacher training agency (TTA) was established under the Education Act 1994. Its purpose is to contribute to raising standards in schools in England by attracting able and committed people in teacher training and improving the quality of teacher training and induction.

The Secretary of State announced on 29 March 2004 that he is extending the TTA’s remit to include training for school support staff, and continuing professional development for teachers.

Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England.  Its inspection role also includes the inspection of local education authorities, teacher training institutions, youth work and all 16-19 education.  Since September 2001 Ofsted has had responsibility for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.

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