FE training courses are 'failing' teachers

Further education teacher training courses are failing to provide trainee teachers with a satisfactory foundation in the professional skills needed at the start of their careers, according to a report published today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

The initial training of further education teachers found that while providers of initial teacher training (ITT) for FE teachers generally deliver well-taught courses that provide a good grounding in the general principles of teaching, they provide few opportunities for trainees to learn how to teach their specialist subjects.

In general, the diverse needs of FE teacher trainees are "not adequately assessed" at the start of courses, and training programmes are "insufficiently tailored" to meet the extremely wide ability range and prior experience of trainees. As a consequence, and despite the enthusiasm and commitment of many of the trainees, "they make insufficient progress".

There is also a "lack of systematic monitoring and support in the workplace", and trainees' progress is inhibited by insufficient observation and feedback on their teaching.

David Bell, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, said: "I am particularly worried that Ofsted's findings highlight grave concerns over the standards of nationally endorsed FE teacher training qualifications. Sadly, we cannot be confident that holders of nationally endorsed qualifications have met a consistent minimum standard by the end of their courses."

Speaking at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Annual Conference in Birmingham today, Alan Johnson, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, published an immediate response to the problems raised by Ofsted.

Mr Johnson said: "While today's Ofsted report finds some strengths within initial teacher training, it is essential that we address the weaknesses in the system that have been brought to light.

"Our proposals for reform represent a robust plan for action, which we are determined to get right. We must tailor training to the individual needs of each and every trainee teacher. Our consultation is about making sure every trainee teacher in the sector has the right skills to succeed in front of a classroom or workshop."

Ofsted also urged the Department for Education and Skills to work with the Further Education National Training Organisation (FENTO) to identify those of the current standards which are most appropriate to the initial teacher training of FE teachers, and consider how to link the current standards for school teachers with those for FE teachers and other trainees working in the learning and skills sector.

(gmcg)