Aims of reform

The aims of the reform programme were to:

• increase the efficiency and effectiveness of GTP delivery
  
• reduce the uncertainty associated with obtaining a GTP place for candidates and providers, and
  
• reduce the bureaucracy of the programme.

The overarching principle of the reforms was to secure trainees entitlement to training that meets the qualified teacher status (QTS) standards. New QTS standards were published by the former Teacher Training Agency in 2001. These have a statutory basis and apply to all forms of initial teacher training (ITT). They are complemented by a set of requirements for ITT, which also have statutory standing. These apply to all forms of ITT. Information on standards and requirements can be found in the ITT standards and requirements section.

Devolution

The aims of the reform were addressed by the creation of new types of recommending body the agencies responsible for the design and implementation of the individualised training plans that lie at the heart of the GTP. These new employment based initial teacher training provider (EBITT providers) are able to bid for larger annual allocations of GTP places contrasting with the previous termly allocation of single places, or small numbers of places, to recommending bodies.

Organisations that wish to apply for EBITT provider status had to convince the former TTA that they have the capacity to sustain and guarantee their annual allocation. In assessing EBITT applications, the former TTA paid particular attention to arrangements for quality assurance. We are already doing much to ensure appropriate measures are in place to ensure the quality of GTP delivery under the new system. There may be an element of external inspection. The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) is currently discussing this with Ofsted.

These changes amount to the devolution of responsibility for many elements of the GTP to EBITT providers. With this responsibility comes much greater autonomy for the administration and implementation of GTP training.

Timing

The working party reported its findings to the minister for school standards in February 2002, and the TTA board also advised upon the outcomes.

An initial briefing was sent to potential EBITT providers and interested parties in early March 2002, and detailed guidance on the process of bidding for EBITT provider status and place allocations was issued in April 2002.

Decisions on the first round of successful EBITTs were announced in June 2002. The decisions were taken by the TTA accreditation committee.

A further round of applications for EBITT provider status was invited in January 2003 for a start in September 2003. The final round of applications was invited in January 2004 for a start in September 2004.