The Education (School Teachers' Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2003 stipulate that, in addition to holding qualified teacher status, a person employed at a school as a teacher of a class of pupils with hearing impairment, visual impairment or multi-sensory impairment, must possess a qualification approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the Regulations. This is known as a mandatory qualification (MQ). A number of institutions - known as mandatory providers - have been approved to award MQs.
A key objective of the TDA’s corporate plan 2007 to 2010 is to support the development of the school workforce by securing a supply of quality training and development. In fulfilling this aim the TDA has, at the request of the Department for Children, Schools and Families, conducted a review of the existing specification for MQs.
A consultation on how the existing specification could be improved and updated ran from July 2007 until October 2007. The full consultation report, including a summary evaluation is available. The review has ensured that developments in the field, such as in technology and policy, are appropriately reflected in the revised MQ specifications.
The new MQ specifications will be used as the basis upon which to recommend approval of providers to deliver courses leading to MQs from September 2009, thereby guaranteeing the continued high quality of MQ provision. The deadline for applications to express an interest in delivering these courses is 2 June 2008. Further information on how to do so is now available.
Downloads
- Specification for mandatory qualifications for specialist teachers of children and young people with hearing impairments (89 KB)
- Specification for mandatory qualifications for specialist teachers of children and young people with visual impairments (89 KB)
- Specification for mandatory qualifications for specialist teachers of children and young people with multi-sensory impairments (86 KB)
