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The roadmap, found at www.lifelonglearninguk.org/roadmap, outlines what will happen and includes anticipated dates for the publication of specific and technical guidance ahead of the reform’s introduction. It is designed to ensure employers, providers and learners within the Further Education (FE) sector are fully aware of the implications of the reform and the preparations they need to make in advance of it.

It has also been designed to act as portal to existing support materials on the implementation of the reforms.

David Hunter, Chief Executive of Lifelong Learning comments, “September’s reform is a significant step forward in the FE sector today. It will ensure we provide not only an aligned workforce in terms of qualifications but also offer the best training possible to those entering teaching roles in the FE sector.”

He continues, “Understandably changes on this scale raise many questions on implementation. We hope the roadmap will help provide a useful reference point and a central source of information where future policy and materials can be posted regularly. We are also offering an online registering service, where people can sign up to receive update bulletins when further information is made available.”

Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell, said:

"I congratulate the Further Education sector on the progress it has already made towards incorporating key reforms to implement the new teaching qualifications and 'Qualified Teaching Learning and Skills' (QTLS) status in September.”

“The extra effort being made in the run up will ensure we create a new professional status that will be nationally and internationally recognised for high standards in FE teaching.”

“These changes are crucial if we are to meet the challenges set out by the Leitch skills report, to address the opportunities identified by Ofsted in inspections of Initial Teacher Training and to enhance professional development of our teachers and trainers.”

A synopsis of the proposed reforms

From September 2007, all new entrants to post-16 teaching in the sector will be expected to achieve the ‘Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector’ (PTLLS) initial award. Those in a full teaching role will need to achieve Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status within five years.

The reforms make provision for teachers, tutors and trainers to gain recognition for existing qualifications, to avoid the need to repeat training, and enable individuals to identify training gaps.

There will also be a requirement for all teachers to demonstrate evidence of post-qualification Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of at least 30 hours per year (or pro rata equivalent). The new teaching standards will improve the quality of teaching, training and learning across the Further Education sector and support the professionalisation of the workforce.

The new standards apply to all teachers, tutors and trainers entering the FE sector, including: further education colleges; work-based learning; adult community learning; offender learning; and those involved in FE teacher training at HE institutions.

Zoe Vipond 020 7936 5741 Email: zoevipond@lluk.org

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