157 Group calls for proactive professionalism in further education and skills
28th March 2012
For immediate release: Wednesday 28 March 2012
157 Group calls for proactive professionalism in further education and skills
BEGINS
Following the publication of an interim report of an independent review of professionalism in the further education and skills sector, the 157 Group has welcomed the government's support for elevating the status of the further education workforce and for a deep and shared commitment to real professionalism among FE employers and staff.
Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "The report by Lord Lingfield and the review panel highlights the drive towards greater freedoms and flexibilities for colleges and providers to shape, develop and deliver excellent teaching and learning. The move away from regulation is to be welcomed, provided that the focus on excellent standards and effective continuing professional development (CPD) is maintained.
"We remain cautious, however, about the proposed replacement of various teaching registrations with 'largely discretionary advice to employers on appropriate qualifications for staff and continuous professional development'. It is important to ensure that there is no diminution in the overall quality of the teaching profession in further education, which does need some form of oversight and support.
"We acknowledge the Institute for Learning's positive work and its important contribution so far towards professionalising, regulating and driving forward high-quality teaching and learning in our sector, an aspect that was surprisingly missing from the report. We welcome IfL's announcement that it will again operate as a voluntary, professional membership organisation, as proactive professionalism can only be good for our sector. We look forward to continuing our policy and research work with IfL on the leadership of learning; adult education and vocational pedagogy; and fostering a professional learning culture in colleges and provider organisations."
ENDS
Notes for editors
About the 157 Group
The 157 Group represents 27 of the most influential colleges in the FE sector. It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir Andrew Foster's report on the future of further education colleges, in which he argued that principals of large successful colleges should play a greater role in policymaking.
CONTACT Gemma Knott 07581 354 750
Email [email protected]
The 157 Group Limited P O Box 58147 London SW8 9AF
Website: www.157group.co.uk
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