Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Deferred
Paragraph: 146
Reducing maths teacher recruitment targets unjustified given compulsory maths plans and demand
Conclusion
We do not believe that the Department’s decision to reduce the postgraduate initial teacher training (PGITT) recruitment target for maths teachers between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years was justified given the importance and priority the Government has given to maths. Government plans to make maths education compulsory until the age of 18 will inevitably increase demand for maths teachers so the reality of the challenge to recruit maths teachers must be acknowledged and appropriately acted upon.
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses entirely on its ambition to improve children's mental health and wellbeing, outlining plans for specialist mental health professionals in schools and new Young Futures hubs. It does not address the committee's concerns about maths teacher recruitment targets.
Paragraph Reference:
146
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government has set a bold new ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children in our history that it will deliver through its Missions ‘An NHS fit for the future’ and ‘Break down barriers to opportunity’. In particular, the government recognises that improving the mental health and wellbeing of children will be vital if we want them to achieve and thrive in schools, in families, and in communities. A key element of our approach will be improving mental health support for all children and young people. The government will work to ensure the right support is available to every young person that needs it, including providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school, and putting in place new Young Futures hubs, including access to mental health support workers. The prevalence of mental health needs has grown significantly over the last decade; faster than growth in mental health workforce. The government will also recruit 8,500 additional mental health workers across children and adult mental health services to reduce delays and provide faster treatment. Behaviour and attendance