Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 33
33
Acknowledged
Leadership-focused professional development limits teacher retention and non-leadership progression opportunities
Conclusion
We understand that when Continuing Professional Development is exclusively focused on leadership teacher retention can be undermined as teachers unwilling to take up such roles have limited opportunities for promotion or progression. We welcome the move towards more subject specific NPQs as well as the NPQ for special educational needs co-ordinator’s (SENco) that will be available from Autumn 2024. (Paragraph 139) 80 Teacher recruitment, training and retention
Government Response Summary
The government described its NPQ programs and committed to establishing a process for reviewing the existing NPQ suite to ensure they remain evidence-based. They also pledged continued funding for NPQs in 2025 and the introduction of a new teacher training entitlement.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
NPQs are based on the best available evidence of what works, providing access to high-quality in-role training and support in the areas that matter most to teaching and learning, ensuring they continue to provide the knowledge and skills needed for teachers and leaders to develop their schools and improve pupil outcomes. While not subject-specific, the NPQ in Leading Teaching (NPQLT) is designed for subject leaders and provides them with the appropriate foundations to lead curriculum development or a department. The use of subject-specific exemplification materials is embedded into the course content where appropriate to enable education professionals to develop expert teaching practice within their relevant context. NPQs are not designed to provide all of the professional development (PD) a teacher can access throughout their career. They can, and should, be supplemented by a variety of subject-specific professional development, including that which is provided by schools, trusts, subject associations, charities, and other private training organisations. However, we know that evidence is not static and insights evolve. Therefore, we will establish a process for reviewing the existing NPQ suite, to ensure the qualifications continue to be based on the latest evidence and best-practice of what works for teaching and learning. The government has inherited a challenging set of fiscal circumstance and needs to make difficult decisions to restore economic stability, including focusing funding where it is needed most to deliver the best outcomes for children and young people. The government is committed to continue delivering funded NPQs in 2025 with a cohort commencing in the spring. Future funding will be confirmed in due course following the multiyear Spending Review. We will also support teachers to access more high-quality CPD through the introduction of a new teacher training entitlement.