FE sector given opportunity to shape teaching qualifications

The government called on FE teachers, trainers and their employers for ideas to help streamline teaching qualifications in a proposal document being launched today.

Its review, being conducted through the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), will not only cover generic teaching qualifications, but also those for teachers of English, literacy and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and mathematics. It will also look at qualifications for those teaching disabled learners.

From today, anyone in the sector will be able to submit their comments in an online survey on how the qualifications should be shaped. The proposals will also be discussed at a series of open events across the country until the end of November.

LSIS CEO Rob Wye said: “The importance of this review goes beyond the FE and Skills sector. The teachers and trainers of tomorrow will help shape the workforce of tomorrow, so it is vital that we hear from everyone who is involved with these qualifications.

“We want to hear from teachers, trainers and their employers, as well as those delivering initial teacher training, and because of this, we are offering a variety of methods of communication to make contributing to the consultation as convenient as possible. LSIS is committed to equipping the sector to achieve outstanding teaching and learning, and conducting this consultation is an example of how we are prioritising this.”

LSIS expects the new qualifications will be introduced from September 2013.

Natalie Thornhill